Catching up...again!

I seem to be letting too much time go in between posts, then feel like I am playing catch up. So here is a grouping of things we have been up to.
Last Friday, May 22, Jordan's orchestra group performed at California Adventure. Since Jordan would be spending most of his time off on rides with his friends, I decided I needed a little date, so here is the one I chose. He's pretty cute, don't ya think? Since he was technically the only child with me, I was able to spoil him a little and buy him a cotton candy. (which I usually don't do since they are $3 a piece and that starts to add up fast when you have three kids and you go as often as we do. We brown bag it to Disneyland to save on cash.) Jordan enjoyed the freedom to go off with his school friends on the rides and Jayden and I enjoyed 15 rides on the Jumping Jellyfish ride. For some reason, this was Jayden's favorite ride of the day and with little or no lines, I indulged his desire to go on it multiple times. He was a fun date to have and we got to try new things we had never done: jumping jellyfish (new for me, not Jayd), Drawing academy, and Jayden's first trip through the tunnel that has the prehistoric animals in it on Disneyland's train. As you can see, the day tired him right out!

We decided to refill the pool on Sat. to allow the kids to be there to play in the water as it filled. The kids enjoyed splashing around in the pool as it filled, even though the water was freezing.

Even our dog, Maddie, could not resist the call of the water. She jumped right in and enjoyed a little swim.

The slope into the deep end made a great slide. The wetsuits did stick to the plaster a little, though.

The dry pool was a great place to kick back and dry off.... that is until we figure out that it is a lot of fun to roll down the slope into the water.

Sunday was a day for celebration. The following week Jaimee was turning 4, so my family got together at Jeff's house for a big celebration for her. This was the first time my kids had seen Jaimee since the accident. They were so excited to spend time with her!

She amazed us all at how well she is making eye contact and using her eyes so much more now. Her strength has increased a lot more and can hold her head up for longer periods of time. Her progress has amazed us all, including her doctors and therapists. Her strong, determined personality is sure helping her through her recovery process.



We enjoyed a mini concert of piano recital pieces and Desirae sang one of her choir songs for us. The cousins enjoyed their time together, it just doesn't happen often enough.

Memorial day was a pretty low key day for our family. Jordan volunteered to help at the event for the troops the church put on. I was super proud of this since he volunteered without parental involvement. The rest of us spent time working on the yard and the house as a family. Kelsey and I had a hula practice to attend in the afternoon and we picked up food on the way home for the family. Some of the kids friends joined us for dinner and fun on the trampoline. (I love days off school!)

This week, Brian, Heidi and Parker visited us from New York. We were so thrilled to finally meet little Parker. He is such a good, easy going baby! For those that have been around awhile, you may remember that Brian used to live with us years ago. It was nice to see Brian in his bedroom where he belongs :) (Just had to put that in because we still call our downstairs room, Brian's room. Favorite quote of the week was by Heidi, "It is tiring being a rock star!" It may be tiring, but look how good she looks. )

Bruce and Ann, my aunt and uncle, came for a visit as well to take advantage of having their grandchild so close. Jayden took every advantage of having Uncle Bruce around and had him outside playing catcher as he pitched to him.

Jayden and Ian enjoyed the entourage of people who came to cheer them on at the baseball game this weekend! Bruce, Ann, Grandma and Grandpa Jessop, Danielle, Kaden, Asher, and Lisa's dad, Tom, all came to cheer the boys on. They had a great game and loved the full cheering stands.

Last, but not least, Kelsey and I danced at the annual Hawaiian Festival. Kelsey danced last year, but this was my first time dancing in public. I must say it was a little intimidating to dance in front of 200 or so people, most of who are Polynesian. We had a good time and I am glad that my first time on stage is behind me. The next show this summer should be easier!