A Graduate, A Graduate, A Graduate, and One More Graduate.

In the last two days we have attended 3 graduations, honoring 4 graduates. 

To say we were a little bit busy 

is something of an understatement. 

But holy cow, we were excited to honor these guys.

First and foremost is this girl: 

We all let out a collective sigh of relief as Bethany walked off the stage with that little orange book...

Not going to rehash the year she (we) have had but lots of people deserve  shout-outs for their support, help, and most of all, keeping her hope alive.

Two great teachers deserve some credit. 

Miss Baker, her student government teacher...

...and Mrs. Penrod, her English teacher. 

Who not only was a great friend, 

but taught her to love Huck Finn. (:

 Grandpa and Grandpa Brown came to town ...

 ...and mom and Dad were ELATED.

(Especially about the end of the homework nagging era...)

 Beth's cousin Zachary also graduated.

(nice photo bomb honey)

 Zac is especially amazing because he was diagnosed with autism when he was 3. He has an incredible story of  recovery from autism. It's been a pretty awesome journey. 

Yay for us!

 The next day, Will graduated from sixth grade.

We are officially done with elementary school (sob).

He is such an amazing kid.

Couldn't be more proud of him.

 Yep.

That night, we attended Jordan's graduation from Springville High.

Seriously, Timpview should take a page from their book.

They keep everything short and sweet, knowing that everyone is just there to see their kid take that diploma and move on.

Awesome.

Can't say enough about what a good kid he is.

What's not to love here, right?

He's going to leave a big hole 

when he heads out on his mission this summer. 

By the end of the year we will have 4 cousins on missions....

Happiness.

And so the story of graduations ends here for now,

which means new stories are beginning.

More happiness. (:

And speaking of happiness, Michaela comes home in 3 short days.

Yippee!

Memorial Day.

For the first time in our 14 years of living in Provo, 

we visited the Provo Cemetery on Memorial Day. 

It was beautiful.

We found our sweet neighbor who passed away 

almost three years ago, 

and several other friends we lost last year.

It's still kind of surreal to think that they are gone.

We looked for family names on the war memorials,

and found Clifford Burningham Jr.

We need to do a little research to see if he fits into our family line.

By research, I mean ask Janis...  :)

We also found the grave of William E. Berrett and his wife.

A little more research will determine their ties to us.

By research I mean ask my mom (:

As we read stories last night about my Grandpa Brown who passed away before I was born, my heart filled with love and gratitude 
for the wonderful heritage that I have. 

I especially love his life story because it is filled with flaws, heartache and suffering. 

He was incredibly human. 

But all of those things he managed to turn into 

triumph, strength and faithfulness.

It's a heritage that I am so grateful to pass on to my children.

On this Memorial Day, 

my hope is that they never forget.

Brazil on a Saturday.

It's getting harder and harder to get the whole family together on a Saturday afternoon. As per tradition, Tucanos was just waiting for us to come and celebrate our completion of the Book of Mormon. This weekend it finally happened. 

 Contrary to what the pictures may suggest, 

we actually were happy and had smiles on our faces.

But it's also getting harder and harder to get those smiles captured on film, or digitally, as the case may be.

None the less, we celebrated.

Good food, good company, for a good reason.

Yay for us!

Shabbat Shalom.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

Happy Birthday to Grandma Tomi.

She is now 70 :)

 I remember when she turned 50 

and we had an "Over The Hill" party for her back in Hawaii. 

Little did we know that we would blink and she'd be 70. 

Crazy.

And so on Monday, we had another party.

Good times just keep coming...

Happy Birthday Tomi. 

We sure love you.

Scenes From An Eleven Year Old Birthday Party.

Way back on May 7th or 8th, 

(See how I am too lazy to actually check for sure?)

 Jacob turned 11. 

Since then, he's had a few celebrations 

and I'm thinking this is the last!

For a couple of weeks now, he and Will are the same age (:

Jacob requested a cookie/ice cream cake because at his young age he is done with cake-cake.

(Somehow, this cake looks a wreck at this angle...)

Valentina was very interested in the cake proceedings...

Elijah was not.

Jake scored on water accessories.

                             

Which they promptly took outside and began a water war.

Meanwhile, inside, Janis was working her magic on two stressed and exhausted teenagers.

Nothing like a Janis massage to relieve a little tension.

And there you have it.

Another Sunday birthday-

we have 3 more in May and then 

they just keep coming all summer long!

Have mercy :)

Class of 2014

Beth has a budding photographer friend who 

was more than happy to take her Senior pictures...

I wanted to take them, but she nixed that idea.

Something about her feeling stupid posing for me.

Whatevs.

It all worked out.

Her friend did an amazing job.

And we are all just working on the assumption that graduation is going to happen (:

She has come through a tumultuous year with a smile on her face and some serious inner strength.

Couldn't be more proud of the endurance factor this girl has.

Wow, 2 down (almost) and 3 to go.

Countdown.

It's May 12th.
That means there are officially 18 more days of elementary school.
10 more days of work for me. And I have officially signed my termination papers.When Will is done, I am done.
16 more days til Bethany's Graduation.
20 more days until Will is ordained a deacon 
in the Aaronic Priesthood.
21 more days until Michaela comes home.
And probably about 30 days until I am wishing that my kids had a school schedule again to keep them busy. (:

Ah Summer. Bring it on.

Will.

This boy is a little obsessive.

When he was little, 

it was things like Thomas trains and Teletubbies.

This past couple of months it's been Volleyball.

He loves it.

Despite that love and some impressive skills, 

their season was pretty dismal.

Miraculously, they actually had a couple of winning tournament games 
which brought new life to their little team. 

But today they fell in their second game 

which means the season is officially over.

I have a feeling this is only the beginning....

Today is Officially-

David Archuleta Day...(thank you Mayor Snarr)

And Billy Joel's birthday.

Happy Friday!

Yesterday ...

...I attempted to take pictures of our Super Senior, Jordan.

He was most cooperative.

Happy and smiley.

Out of 152 shots, I think there are about 3 good ones.

Ugh. Time to up my photography skills.

Nice photo bomb, Hannah (:

Can't believe he's graduating...

Time is flying.

Another Post About Bethany.

Once upon a time, Bethany loved The X-Files.
Serious love.
A love I could not relate to, nor could I watch a single episode, but her father shared that love and they watched many a show together.
She had a crazy YW President who totally related to that love.
So much so, that she concocted a little plan.
If Bethany were to earn her Young Womanhood Recognition Award, 
this YW President would give to her 
her beloved Fox Mulder action figure.
Bethany was beside herself.
She was propelled into action...for a little while.

Fast forward 2 years or so.

Look who showed up on our doorstep today:

Yup, the man himself!

With a personal note and everything...

Kind of spooky, right?

Last Home Game.

Final score: Timpview 12, West Jordan 11.