Memorial Day weekend

Okay, it has been crazy busy--but I thought I should catch everyone up on the latest. Over Memorial Day weekend we ventured down to our family's cabin. It is a tradition to spend the weekend as an entire family, and it is always fun. This year did not disappoint, we had a great time. However, the weather was not fun at all. We have never had snow on the ground over Memorial Day until this year. We were so cold and instead of getting dusty from riding wheelers, we got muddy! Not to mention very cold! Nevertheless, we did have a great time together riding wheelers, playing on the zip line, swinging at the BIG swing, roasting Starburst and marshmellows, eating and just hanging out! We had all of the McBride family, my mother and father-in-law, my sister-in-law, and our family plus Carter and Mikey. It was actually relaxing even with a cabin full of people. Tay was on cloud 9 because she got to play with Carter, Mike, Colton, her sister and baby Addy! The best part of the cabin is that we get to spend time together. We are very blessed to be a part of such a great family!

The End of Dance. . .Almost

Tay's dance review was tonight. Which means that she is finished, or at least very close. This year we have a summer tour, but we are finished with dance practice, competitions and performances for a few weeks anyway. Yeah! Tay had 3 routines, a vocal performance and her solo. She is worn out, but she did great! And even better, Grandma and Grandpa were there to watch. One of Tay's favorite things about dance is her friends. The two girls in the picture have been her friends (and our neighbors) for years.
Jayce didn't get to come tonight. She is stuck at work and is realizing how much work is affecting her social life. She works full-time which leaves her no time to be a teenager. Hopefully, that will change soon.
Last weekend, my parents, Kenze and three of her friends came down from Idaho. Tay was on cloud 9. She thinks that Aubrey and Kenzie D. are her friends too. We had fun visiting with them all and spent a few hours at Lagoon while the girl's competed in a dance competition. One thing is certain--we spend a lot of time involved with dance in some form or another. My dear husband is a real trooper! He never complains and is such a supportive dad.

The Mother of All Dance Recitals!

Mykenze has danced for the past 14 years. Each year the studio has a recital, and not just any recital--but one that about half of the town performs in. Not really, but it definately seems like it. I have been to about half of her recitals, and I am so glad that I made the trip to see her final one. She is an AMAZING dancer. I don't say that because she is my sister, but because she and my parents have been told that by several people. She really is great. I don't know how she keeps them all straight, she was in 8 different routines. Nonetheless, they were all tremendous. However, my lower extremeties were numb after sitting for 4 hours at the recital. There were almost 60 different dances performed. UGH!

The greatest part of the weekend was hanging with my parents and Kenze. It was great to be with them again.

sTraWbeRrY jAm

We love strawberry jam, and not just ANY strawberry jam--my mom's strawberry jam! It is LoVelY! So, since we were making the trip to Idaho anyway--why not just have mom help me make some? A great idea. I bought 12 pounds of strawberries which equalled 53 half-pint jars of jam. Taylor was a great help. We had a fun day in the kitchen with Grandma. Thanks Mom!