Happy 8th Birthday Eryn

We arrived at my sister Betsy's the day before Eryn's Birthday. So we were able to spend Eryn's special day with cousins in Washington. Her favorite part of the day was probably spending time with Betsy's two dogs and four puppies. We made a big breakfast for all of the kids in the morning. Then we went sight seeing and ended the day at a Chinese Buffet.

Trip to Texas

I took a short trip to Texas last month to visit my brother and his family. Mike and Shawna were generous enough to take in my sweet friend, Damaris to live with them. I got to help get her settled and ready for school to start. I knew Damaris as a 12 year old on my mission in Guatemala. I can't believe she is now a returned missionary going to college. It was wonderful to reconnect with her and to spend time with Mike's family in their last few days of school. Joel and I feel blessed by the opportunity to help Damaris on her way to getting a great education. Mike and Shawna are also making a huge contribution to her growth and her goals. I am so grateful for their support.

We put this little desk together from a kit one afternoon when I was there. She needed one in her room for studying. It looks so easy and simple to put together from this picture. Not so simple in real life. :) I'm just glad the drawer actually opens and closes.

Support Group Bowling Party and more . . .

Lily, my mom and I went to our Spina Bifida Support Group's Bowling Party over Memorial Day weekend. I always love being with other SB families. I get so much strength and encouragement from being with them. Lily had a great time bowling with her grandma.

Anna performed with her class in a melodrama play about Timpanogos and the Moon. I spent hours volunteering for this: teaching the boys dance, arranging costumes to be fixed, practicing narrations with the kids and running the entire play multiple times.

Here's an action shot of Eryn playing soccer in her last soccer game.

Tongan Dance Recital

The girls continue to learn Polynesian dances through ATOP Dance Studios. This week they performed three different Tongan dances. Joel and I are so pleased that the girls learned to sing and dance in Tongan. I have to admit, I got a little teary-eyed watching them. They looked so beautiful and I just felt so happy, knowing that they were learning about their culture. Thank you to Liana for making their shirts and feathers! They looked great.

Anna sitting and performing in the opening group number.

 Eryn dancing the Tau'olunga.

 They performed with their cousin Ileina.

Aunty Liana even made Lily her own costume. She was proud to wear it and cheer her sisters on.

Here is a link to a youtube video of part of their performance. If you don't want to watch the whole thing, go to 1:50 and watch Eryn for about a minute. Very cute of her singing in Tongan and dancing.

http://youtu.be/kMENfer2skM