Making a Splash

Jefferson has been kicking around the idea of trying out for the high school swim team next year.  Although Jefferson can swim, he hasn't had a lot of formal training, so we thought it would be a good idea to enroll him in a summer swim league to get him in shape and see where his skills were at. 

After only 7 days of practice, it was time for the first meet.  Jefferson ROCKED his first race:

 Jefferson took first place in the 50 Back for his age group!  Yep folks - it looks like we have another talented backstroker in the family :)

Next, came the 50 freestyle.  Jefferson doesn't like this stroke quite as well, as it's a bit harder to breathe (he has asthma).  However, he did a great job and took 6th place overall:

Jefferson naturally has a very smooth stroke; he just needs the strength and stamina to go with it.  We're excited to watch his progression this summer and hope he decides to give high school swimming a try in the fall!

Two Down...

...and two to go.

I can't believe I now have TWO children grown and graduated!

Krissia looked beautiful and seemed happy to be graduating from high school:

Krissia sang with the choir during graduation; they performed "For Good" from the musical "Wicked":



Krissia is on the first row, third from the left

 Our daughter plans on staying home and working during the summer.  She will attend Dixie College in the fall on a leadership scholarship, and would like to move out for a semester or two to see what it's like on her own.

Sigh.

This mom is sure going to miss her only daughter; I greatly appreciate her cheerful attitude and willingness to help around the house.  However, I can't wait to see what lies in store for Krissia on this next stage of her journey in life!

Awards and Graduation

Krissia and Jefferson both had end of the year awards banquets last week. 

Jefferson received a Presidential Fitness Award, Honors Student Award, and an Outstanding Science Student Award.  We are so proud of him and the increased dedication he's shown to academics!  Unfortunately, my camera didn't make it to the ceremony :(

Krissia was recognized as an honor student and for her service on the Student Council at DHHS.  In a seperate ceremony, she was awarded a four year scholarship to Dixie College and named as one of the new ambassadors for that institution.  DEl participated in handing out the Dixie College scholarships, and it was fun to snap a few pictures of the two of them on stage:

Krissia with her good friend, Kyler

Mathison also had his preschool graduation this week, complete with a little program.  Here are some shots from that day:

Mathison's preschool class

Cute performer!

With Miss Erika, his teacher



I might be biased, but I think Mathison was one of the best performers during the program.  That is, when he wanted to be.  Half of the time, he was fixated on a button which had come undone on his shirt.  Here is a  video showing him singing while trying to fix his button:



A Surgery and a Birthday

I know I sound like a broken record when I say I wish there was some way to slow down time!  Seriously, the past few weeks have gone by in the blink of an eye, and the summer is shaping up to have tons of events as well.

One week ago today, our little Mathison had surgery at Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City.  Many of you know he was born with clubfeet, and the right foot keeps turning in, stubbornly resisting non-invasive efforts of correction.  It was decided that work needed to be done on three tendons in his foot and leg, including the Achilles tendon.  My heart ached for my son, knowing this would be a very painful procedure.  Thankfully, Mathison has handled it pretty well, only crying a handful of times due to pain.  The doctor told us it would be at least a week and perhaps up to three weeks before he felt like moving around on it.  However, Mathison began putting weight on his foot only three DAYS after surgery and is now walking around comfortably in his cast.  Talk about one tough kid!

Here are a few pictures from surgery day:

Hanging out with Dad and Mom in pre-op:

Showing off his ID tag and hospital jammies:

Riding in his "magic" car.  They let him drive it all the way into the OR!

Sleeping it off after surgery:

Now, on to the birthday.  On Sunday, our sweet daughter turned (gulp) 18.  We celebrated with a small family party:

Can I just say that my kids are growing up WAY too quickly?!!  It saddens me to think that in a week, I will have two children that are graduated and grown :(

I don't want to end on a negative note, so I decided to throw in this shot.  I decided to take a picture of the three older kids as they were having a "moment" on the couch, but just as I pressed the button, Mathison popped up so he could also be in the picture.  I think it's so cute!

Senior Shoot

I had my first senior shoot this week.

I think it went pretty well.

Of course, I had a GREAT subject :)

Seriously, I'm pleased with the way they turned out.  It was so easy with Krissia; she is very photogenic and knows how to play to the camera.  I'm sure she's spoiled me for next time around!

Here are some of our favorites:

Clash of Kings Part Two

No, you didn't miss part one.

This also isn't a typo.

The "Clash of Kings" happened once before, when we were living in Price.  Jefferson told a few of his neighborhood friends about that event, and it was decided they host a second Clash of Kings - this time, in St. George.

There were 10 kids who participated, including Mathison.  He had his own little armor set, courtesy of his big brother.  I was grateful Jefferson decided to include him; Mathison had such a great time!

The boys met at a nearby park Saturday morning, and first thing on the agenda was getting armor made for everyone:

My two warriors:

Preparing for battle:

The battle begins:

The clash of kings:

A casualty on the field:

Mathison pretended to be dead several different times



It's amazing what you can do with some cardboard, a little tape...and a lot of imagination :)