Tanner's Science Project

The 5th & 6th graders have the opportunity to participate in the Science Fair. This can either be a huge headache or a good thing depending on how motivated my children are. This was a great experience with Tanner since he is very motivated in certain areas and did most of the project all by himself. He was trying to figure out if water boils faster if salt is or isn't added. We had the school Science Fair on January 20th. Tanner's project got an Einstein Award and the next day he found out he was picked to go on to the Alpine School District Science Fair. He was so excited!

On February 23rd was the District Fair. It was held in Pleasant Grove. It kind of made for a crazy evening. Tanner had to drop his project off by 4:30 then be back around 6:30 to be there when they were judged. All of the parents had to stay out of the room while the kids were in there. Then I came back around 8:00 to see the projects and the awards were presented after that. Tanner talked with 2 judges when they made their rounds. What a cool experience for him! I'm grateful for the cool programs and opportunities available to our children through the schools. He didn't get any awards, but he accomplished much more than that in my eyes. Way to go Tanner!!!
Tanner at the Sego Lily Science Fair
A sign up at the school listing the winners that will go on to district.
Tanner at the District Science Fair

Camille's play - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Camille had the amazing opportunity to be one of the 3 narrators for the play, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." She started practices back in December and performed during the middle of February (18th, 19th & 20th). There were actually not very many hours worth of practices. I was glad that she was home every evening after 5 p.m. Camille looked forward to practices every day and was sad when she didn't have it. She also made some amazing friends in the process.

The costumes, set and acting was amazing! We were in charge of getting 2 of Camille's shirt for the play sewn. After stressing about it for about 1 week, I decided I just needed to pay somebody who knew what they were doing to sew it for me. I am so glad I did - the material was really a hard one to sew with and there were some alterations that needed to be made with the pattern. One day I hope to learn how to sew, but until then I guess I am so grateful for those willing to do it for pay. Miss Boren, the director, did such a fabulous job on the set. I was very impressed with how well it turned out - I felt like we were in Egypt.

Being a parent, there are some times when it truly pays off. Watching Camille perform was one of those times. I was so proud of her and all the hard work that went into it. She has such an amazing voice and is just born to perform! She also has such great expressions that truly bring her into that character. I wish we were able to record her performing, but due to copyright laws pictures are all I have. I did record 2 of her songs and posted it back a few posts ago if you are interested in watching her sing.

Camille has a pretty big part in the play and shared lines with the other 2 narrators. Each narrator, however, has one song that they sang all by themselves. Camille was fortunate to get "Pharaoh's Story." She did such an amazing job! I honestly got chills when she sang this song.

So here goes some awesome pictures that luckily some very talented people were willing to take with their cameras. Sorry they are out of order.
Camille is in the back singing with the other 2 narrators - this is towards the end of the play.
Camille is front and center.

This is at the beginning of the play where the 3 narrators are telling the Joseph story.

This is a cast picture that was taken sometime during practices. She is up front.

Camille and one of her many expressions - love this picture!

Camille with Parker Skousen - he played Joseph and did such an amazing job.

Camille's good friend, Jaedee Slaugh, was Potiphar's wife and also an Egyptian dancer.

The ending of Camille's solo, "Pharaoh's Story."

Another part of Camille's solo.

Camille was the very first person to sing for the play. The lights were out then all of a sudden the spotlight shined onto Camille as she sang the first few lines of the song.

Camille dancing across the stage with the other 2 narrators.

Another one of my favorite shots - Camille with her cool expressions.

Camille, Haley & Kimmy

At the end as they were taking their bows.

Another picture from Camille's song, "Pharaoh's Story."

What awesome support we had from family and friends!!! Opening night, I had Pack Meeting, so Byron went with his parents and Melissa. They were on the front row - lucky guys!

The Friday night performance, I took all of the kids minus Bradley to see it. Byron wasn't able to come with us since he was on an overnighter with the scouts. I loved watching my children being thoroughly enthralled with the play. They loved it! (Tanner, Camille, Tricia, Carter, Johnathan & Parker)

For the Saturday performance, Byron & I took Bradley. I was really worried he wouldn't sit still during the play or would yell out Camille's name. He did awesome, however, and loved watching Camille on stage. The only time he would talk was when Camille would leave the stage and Bradley wanted to know where she was at.

This picture must have been taken from one of the kids in the play - so fun to see backstage all of the fun friendships being created.

Another picture with Camille backstage.

This picture was taken after the play ended back in the drama room. So candid and fun to see.

Each person in the play had a certain job they were responsible for each night. Camille was sweeping the stage for her job. She wasn't very happy I was taking her picture, but I couldn't resist.
Camille with the director, Miss Boren - What a talented person! She does such an amazing job with these kids and spent endless hours making sure this play was top notch. How lucky Camille is to have such a great role model.

After the play was over, I loved hearing different people comment at how awesome Camille did. About 2 weeks after the play, I was at the school with Camille for Parent Teacher Conferences. It was fun to hear some parents in the hall commenting on how great she did or some of her teachers saying they didn't know Camille could sing and were so impressed with her.

Random February pictures

I got a new camera at the beginning of February and had fun trying to figure it out. Here are a few random pictures I took.

Camille's hair color and eyes are so beautiful in this picture.

I have to laugh at this picture of Byron - he does make me laugh and continues to surprise me from day to day:).

One of Bradley's favorite activities is playing with his play dough. He can spend about one hour just creating things.

My cute boy!

Tanner is reading to Bradley before bed one night. Such a nice brother!!!

Crazy Camille & her friend, Jaedee.

Parker, Bradley & Carter sleeping in our living room inside the tent.

This is Bradley's bike and he is very good at maneuvering it around. His favorite thing is to go outside in the front yard and to ride it on the sidewalk.

Another common scene around our house is playing 4-square. Here Tanner & his friend, Colby, are playing outside.

Our activity for FHE was playing "speed". The kids all really love playing this with their dad. The object is to have somebody shoot first then the next person in lines has to try to get a basket before the person before him does. If they do make one, then the person in front of them is out. I guess we are a pretty competitive family because all of the kids LOVE playing this. I didn't get any pictures with Camille playing, but she really was there having just as much fun as her brothers. It was bitterly cold, so I opted to take pictures then watch from the window.

Cute Bradley

Johnathan & Byron trying to get each other out.

Cool action shot of Carter.

Parker, Johnathan & Carter

Carter & Parker trying to see who can make the basket first.

Bradley had fun playing with Eli a couple of weeks ago. The weather was really nice and the sun felt so awesome. They had fun riding their little bikes around. The bubbles were also a HUGE hit! I have decided I need to purchase some bubbles. I have always thought of them as being such a messy thing, but not that Bradley is getting older they hopefully won't be as much. He was having such a great time and could actually blow a bubble.

This picture makes me laugh - such a cute expression on Eli - he was pretty surprised this bubble came from him.

Bradley trying to perfect his blowing skills.

Valentine's Day

I had an early Valentine's present come when I heard a knock on the door about 4 days before Valentine's Day. I was surprised to be greeted with a long box and the Fed-X worker told me "Happy Valentine's Day." I quickly found out that there were 3 dozen beautiful red roses sent from my wonderful husband. They quickly got cut and put onto my table - they were gorgeous and the perfect touch!

A funny story about the roses - I was telling my sister-in-law that Byron gave me 2 dozen roses (I just assumed there were 24 since there were more than I wanted to count and I just couldn't imagine getting more than that). Byron happened to be listening when he corrected me that there were actually 3 dozen - I felt awful!!! What a sweet husband I have!

Upon seeing the roses after Carter came home from school, he said, "Mom that is so romantic!" I got a good laugh out of him because "romantic" isn't even a word that he ever uses and it almost seemed like I had a little grown-up on my hands. I quickly told him that his dad is indeed.
I love you so much Byron!

Since Valentine's fell on a Sunday this year, we had quite a few days of celebrating it. The kids started out by having their fun Valentine's parties at school on the 12th. I was able to help out with Carter & Parker's party. The kids rotated to different stations and I was in charge of on eof them. We played a game with the conversation hearts to see who could build the biggest tower in a certain amount of time. Then I also had string licorice that they had to put the end into their mouth and see who could eat it the quickest with their hands behind their back. This game was really fun to watch and a hit with the kids. I absolutely loved being in their classroom and feeling just a little of what goes on when I am home during the day. Mrs. Skillicorn - their teacher - is so awesome in the classroom setting and it was also fun to see some of the kids that Carter & Parker talk about. The whole class sang a really cute Valentine's song before the mothers left. It melted my heart! (found at the bottom of the post)

Parker painting his salt dough magnet.

Parker & Carter at a center.

Here they are at my center - look how funny they look - love these two!!!

I love seeing the kid's excitement when they come through the door with their Valentine's boxes. They can hardly wait to dump them out and check out everything they got.

Parker

Carter

Johnathan with the cool bus valentine's box he made at home.

Tanner

On the 13th, Grandpa & Grandma Beck came over with Valentine's for all of the children. They are always so well thought out and so cute.

A part of Valentine's day is to tell those around me how much I love them. How could these precious children not be loved? (Bradley & Parker)On the 14th - I made the kids heart shaped pancakes with pink syrup. I thought they turned out pretty good, but there are those children that were a little leery of food being dyed a different color.

Carter's breakfast and the rest of the children below.

The day wouldn't be complete without heading up to Grandpa & Grandma's house. Eric & Melissa were also up there. We had fun playing games and visiting with each other.

Here is the cute video Carter & Parker sang to the mothers in his class. Parker is sitting at his desk and Carter is standing on the left.