From a Wasatch Star to a Hillside Husky: Annika's 6th Grade Promotion

This past June Annika graduated from Wasatch Elementary School.  Believe it or not, that almost didn't happen.  Our family seriously contemplated retaining Annika and repeating sixth grade since she missed half of the school year, not to mention all her absences the prior two years.  Even though Annie was doing fine academically, we wondered if socially and emotionally she might benefit from an extra year.  Plus, Annika adored her elementary school and didn't want to leave!   Her longing to stay speaks volumes about how loved and supported she felt at Wasatch Elementary.  Ultimately we decided that even though middle school can be scary, she was ready.  In retrospect, this was a good choice.  She's doing well as a Hillside Husky.  Still, we are grateful for her seven lovely years as a Wasatch Star.  

Here are some of her classmates enjoying field day.

Annie and Peter paired up for their three-legged race.

The cute girl in purple is the daughter of her teacher, Ms. Birdwell.

I already blogged a bit about it here, but Annika nearly missed her sixth grade promotion because she was having such intense stomach pain.  Fortunately she got feeling better just in time to waltz in the door ten minutes before the ceremonies began. 

Talia came to the rescue by bringing Annie her new dress and doing her hair.  Annika's vein sprung a leak after they took out her IV, but we were in such a rush that we left anyway.  Priorities.  :)

Last to arrive, she was last in the processional, accompanied by her teacher Mr. Fearick.

The baby picture section was one of the best parts of promotion.  Gosh, this crazy-haired gal was a cute babe!  She was also one of the speakers and shared a great message about how we can smile through hard things.

A congratulatory handshake from her other marvelous teacher, Ms. Birdwell.

Gosh, my mama heart smiled when she stopped to give me a hug during her march out.

A proud papa too.

Smoochie sandwich!  NomiAnn and Papa Kay were so delighted to celebrate this milestone with Annika as well.

They even gifted her the aloe vera plant of her dreams.  This gal loves all living things.

Annika, you and your friend may have shared the same adorable dress, but you are one-of-a-kind.  We love you so much and are so proud of you!

Annika's final foray as a Wasatch star, cheered on by so many teachers she loves.

Now enjoy your time as a Hillside Husky.

Memorial Day Camping in Preston with the Richards Family

Things were so crazy this spring that I didn't think we would make it Memorial Day camping.  Annika wasn't allowed to travel more than two hours from home, my parents were in the process of relocating, we had a dog to consider...  Frankly, camping just seemed too complicated.

Fortunately, our wonderful friends Bruce and Brittney Richards reached out to let us know that they had a campsite reserved at Willow Flat Campground in Preston, Idaho.  It was a little on the far side of 2 hours (120 miles), but I figured that we could make it back the quickly if there were actually an emergency.  

Normally I would sort through the photos and put them in some sort of order, but I'm crazy behind on this blog, so I'm just going to leave things as they are.  I'll leave out names of the Richards kids for privacy, but let you know that each of their first names contain the letter "Z."  They have six adorable little ones, the oldest of whom is a little younger than Eli.  

As you can see, there was  a crazy amount of water from the spring melt.

Zion loved his first camping experience out in nature.

Eagle Scout in the making.

Bruce is now teaching at BYU-Idaho and loves it!

Justin and Brianna's family came up to join us one evening.  So fun!

Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charles came out too.

Those who know Bruce will not be surprised by his impromptu polar plunge.  He even talked Jason into joining him for a plunge when we lived in Illinois (Jason's one and only.)

Living the dream.

Okay, so maybe the popcorn wasn't so dreamy, but it made for a good story...

Night skies are the most beautiful part of camping.

Fortunately Zion was better at hiking in the snow than we were at putting on his harness.  I still don't know how he got so twisted up.

What a pampered pup!

I could certainly do without the french kisses though!

Fortunately our tent-mahal had plenty of room for people, luggage, and a kennel.

The last time we camped with the Richards Family was at Shades park in November 2009.  Eli was just a couple months old.  So much has changed since then!  But I think I have a photograph of Brittney standing in front of the same stove.

Our campsite was super cool and felt delightfully secluded because you crossed two footbridges to get there.  (Site #47 for the record.)

I was so happy we could camp with Talia before sending her off to college.  Miss my big girls!

Bonding with friends and fur.

The Cub River flows right through Willow Flat campground.  Annika tried fishing, but no luck.  Perhaps next time.

The sad truth is that this girl felt really sick most of the time we were there.  Vomiting, diarrhea...I'll spare you the details.  Most of the time she stayed behind in her hammock when the group went out to explore.

That would explain why Annie's not in these group pics.  Of course, neither is Talia but I assume that's because she's taking the photo.  Look closely and you can tell which Richards child does not like dogs.

But this one loves them.

Looks like Annika is feeling better here.

Also, remember all that hammock time?  Don't feel too bad.  It had a pretty stunning view.

More explorations.

Campfire smoke in the face is the worst!

But s'mores are the best.  Although....I recently saw something online that might be stiff competition.  Roast a babybel cheese and put it on a cracker with spicy jam.  Can't wait to try it!

Cousins of the raging waters.  Still can't figure out how Annika got out there with dry feet.  They were definitely soaking wet by the time we rescued her. So much for staying out of rivers.  (Heavy sigh.  I promise we're trying!)

One morning Talia, Eli, Brittney, and her eldest son all headed out for a ten mile hike to Bloomington Lake.  

Zion was not a fan of the raging river.  I was terrified that Talia would slip while helping him, but they made it across safely.

We turned around part way up when it became clear that there would be too much snow.  Jason tried the next day and made it farther but still had to turn around.

Instead of giving up, we reached our ten miles by hiking along the Cub River trail instead. So beautiful, especially with all the spring flowers.  The photos don't capture the blanket of color.

Meanwhile back at camp, dirt digging continued.

At one point we left camp and headed to Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charles's for showers and church.  The boys were sleepy.

Annie got feeling well enough to go explore the trail too, so Talia went with her, even though she'd hiked that section a dozen times already.

No she did not cross the river, although she certainly wanted to.

Sisters.  Speaking of which, how about joining us next Memorial Day, Hermana Wheeler?

It'll be fire.

Our last lazy morning before packing up the cars.

Good thing we had help!

Richards family, thank you SO much for inviting us to your Memorial Day campout and sharing your special spot!  I can see why your family loves it so much, Brittney.  And we loved seeing all of you!  We'll have to do it again.