Keeping hope alive

Megan is trying out for the talent show. 

Because the Huffords must represent. 

This year she and Alyana are doing a skit they wrote about being lost? Or maybe it's about vacationers? I think it's about lost vacationers.

It's hard to say. There was a good amount of giggling.

Temple Run 2015

We got up and got to the temple at 7:30 in the morning for the Temple Run. I want you to really think about that. 7:30 AM. In the morning. The temple is like 40 minutes away and everybody has to be fed and dressed and so... you gotta know that was no easy feat. 

Mark and the boys ran the 5k and the 1 mile races. 

Everly wanted to run too, so we let her try the Tot Trot.

I tried to explain to her that she should run and point her in the right direction.

She seemed to be getting the idea.

And then I realized that she was just doing what all the grown ups were doing. Coppin a squat.

We held hands and ran for the finish line. Next time we'll think ahead and where something besides fancy blue sandals. Or maybe we'll just stay in bed.

Laney in earnest

Laney's been practicing her song every day.  She's got the moves down. She's got the words down. 

"I've got a feeling! That this book's gonna be a good book! That this book's gonna be a good good book!"

Laney, I love you eager, earnest heart. You did great tonight. You were the very best one!

Subgroups

Things are kind of changing around here. The big kids are all in school and that leaves me and the two littles to bebop about and do a few things on our own. Mostly that means grocery shopping and chores. But today, it meant going to the Farmstead to feed a few animals and enjoy the sunshine.

Having less kids means that the ones you do have get to spend more time on the activities they are interested in. 

Like Anna and the milking pails. Normally I would rush her through this, but today I can just find a bench and let her milk to her heart's content. 

We fed the pushy little goats. Anna is totally experienced and has no fear, as previously established.

Everly got a quick lesson on these greedy little guys. They really are so pushy!

But soon she was handling it like a pro. Look how she's even got her hand near it's teeth....*shudder*.

The other great thing about only having a couple kids with you is that you can spring for treats without breaking the bank.

Heck...let's have ice cream!

It only seems fair to go get onion rings with Ethan later.

I'm thinking....

Pizza with Laney?
Custard with Mathew?
Chinese food with Megan?

Fair is fair.

Big tires and smooth moves

I admit it.

I love it here. When else in my live have I been outside flipping tires and getting stronger just because I want to?

It feels different for me. And I like this version of myself. I love that I don't worry anymore about whether or not I am wearing make-up in public. I love my muscles that are starting to show. I love that I can lift things and pull things and jump on things.

And Everly gets free dance lessons, to boot!

Anna ditches the training wheels

Anna has been practicing on her balance bike for weeks. She's ready to take the step of taking off her training wheels and trying out her real bike. 

She only needed a couple breaks for tears and angry exclamations, "I can't do it! I hate this bike!"

And then she was good to go....

Everly was sufficiently impressed.

Hip Hip Hooray!!

Advancing

We had a court of honor tonight. These are my favorite because they last about 20 minutes and then we have treats. 

Boy treats (brownies, ice cream, cookies). Not girl treats (fruit salads, veggie trays, greens with vinaigrettes).

Mathew received his 2nd class rank.

And Ethan received his Life.

Troop 783