Minor May Miracle

It's 6:44 pm and I'm sitting at the Sweet Branch Library looking out over a beautiful evening full of green trees and snow-capped mountains.  I'm here for another hour waiting while Annika participates in Dungeons and Dragons.  Imaginative role play--definitely her forte.  

As beautiful as the day is, if I were home I would likely be in my pajamas, wondering if it's too early to go to bed.  I'm just so tired!  I ran with my friend Sonja at 5:45 am, then took my NCLEX licensing exam at 8:00 am.  The test was super challenging.  If you answer correctly, the difficulty keeps increasing until the questions feel impossible.  As I walked out, I seriously wondered how anyone can be expected to know everything you need to know to be a nurse.  My test shut off after 85 questions, meaning that the computer algorithm determined that it was either a clear pass or a clear fail.  Fingers crossed that it's a pass because I really don't want to go through that process again.

Back to happier memories, Ultimate Frisbee!  Here are an assortment of photos of Eli and Talia at the State Ultimate Frisbee Tourney, playing with Middle School Krakens and the Gorillaz respectively.

I love this picture!  Eli may not be tall, but he's a formidable competitor and totally commits.  His throws are great, so his team really appreciates all he brings to the game as a handler.

Now for some action shots of our Talia.  It was fun to watch her assist or score so many points!  The Gorillaz have grown so much as a team this season.  It was inspiring to see the team's progress from last year when many of the players were new. 

As for Annika, she makes a great mascot, whether as a kitty or a tiger.

Time for a Spirit Circle.  All of the players sit down in a ring with the opposing team and recognize positive things they noticed about the other school's playing.  This might be why Ultimate is the best game ever.

Our spunky Talia was her team's Spirit Captain this year.  Go Gorillaz!

A team photo of the Middle School Krakens with Coach Anil.

Next up, the Gorillaz with Coach Erin and Coach Kellie.

And just for fun, Linnea coming in hot with a layout.  The look on everyone's faces is hilarious.

More May memories: hiking with Anders and Annika.  Anders and I were going to hang out together for the day since he didn't have school, but Annika got a migraine so she was home as well.  Once she felt better, we hit the  trail.  This Bug-Friendly-Boy-and-Girl had some exploring to do.

They found this goliath-sized stink bug right away.  Annika wanted to name it Crusty for the earth's crust, but changed it to Cora after the earth's core instead.

Searching for butterflies.  We let them go right away so they could live their best lives.

Anders grabbed my phone and took this picture of me.

While the trail leads all the way to "The Living Room," it's a bit steep for our Annika.  Instead, we chose this lovely tree as the perfect picnic area and turn around spot.

Annika and Anders spent the next half hour turning over rocks in search of larvae to feed Cora.  After discovering two colonies of red ants, I decided we'd best leave the rocks alone.  (I was a bit worried that our next find could be a rattler.)  Our explorers made it home safely, happy and refreshed by their trek into the foothills.

As for the Living Room, Callie and I hiked the trail a few days later and made it to the comfiest sandstone recliner that you'll ever find.  Thanks for adventuring with me, sis!

In case you are wondering what happened to Cora, Annika kept her beetle in a habitat for a few days, then on Sunday we hiked up City Creek a little ways so that she could release it into the wild.

Even better, Brooklyn made us Thai spring rolls and coconut rice to snack on.

Speaking of meals, Henry came up from Salt Lake so that he and Brooklyn could make shish-kebabs for the family.  With perfectly grilled chicken, they were delicious.  Brooklyn's also been busy substituting for the Salt Lake City School District--everything from kindergarten to fifth grade, dual immersion to the extended language program.  Buttermilk, you're courageous, kind, and oh-so-capable!

On a different Saturday, Annika and her scout friends Ferron and Mae led their troop in earning the Horseback Riding badge.  Their favorite part was a trip to the stables.

I asked at the stables about their 4H program, but apparently you have to either own or lease a horse.  Drats.  I'm afraid that's not in our family budget.

Another long-standing tradition for the fifth month of the year is the Avenues High Fives 5K.  Ruby, Annika, and Violet all rocked the Kids Dash.

Interesting choice of footwear, Miss Annie.  That's all right.  She ran the first 50 feet, then gladly walked the rest.

And they're off!

Congratulations Violet!  This little gal LOVES to run, so I'm sure this is the first race of many to come.

The 5K began at 5:55 pm.  The great thing about running slowly is that you can cheer all the faster runners as they go by.  Here are their photos in the order I saw them.  Nice job, Justin!

Jason and Eli were right behind.  I encouraged Eli to take it easy on his old man.  (Wink.)

Way to run, Talia!

In the end they swept the field, placing second, third, fourth, and fifth.  These Wheelers need a speed check!

These guys even placed first in their age groups!  (Justin too.)

Meanwhile, Ruby and Annika hung out high in a tree.

Many thanks to Brianna for bringing some fruits and veggies to supplement our bbq pulled pork sandwiches.  I'm so glad we can share this tradition together.

Other news: Annika had a major meltdown and got grounded from the computer for a while.  While I don't wish for her to struggle with behavior, I love it when screens are banned because she becomes so creative without them.

Speaking of beautiful creativity, here's Annika performing in her Town Hall meeting yesterday.  I don't know if the casting was intentional, but I cried a bit when she acted out the part of love and formed a heart.

Here she is as a tree root.

And here's her teacher Mr. Haslam surfing a wave.  Her teachers Mr. Haslam and Ms. Thorn have been wonderful this year.

The Wasatch school song and dance is likewise fantastic.  Whoooaaaaa, Smart, Thoughtful, Aware, Respectful!  I'm so glad these fifth graders get one more year of elementary at this brilliant school.

I hope I'm not disclosing too much, but this photo represents our Annika so well.  Always one to march to her own tune, maintaining peer friendships is challenging.  Yet even though she may not have many close school friends, she stands tall and proud.  Her love shines through, resilient and strong.  This girl has my heart.

And now, drumroll please.  The LAST three photos before I am officially caught up on this blog!  Research shows that nothing brings in the "likes" like cute animal pictures.  I spread a tablecloth outside and forgot to bring it in.  Apparently this squirrel decided to do it for me.

I think I'll name him Bandit.

Ta da!  Up to date.  It's a Minor May Miracle.