The Best Dog Award

Josh put this award on Rudy one morning before he left for the day. When I saw Rudy the first time that day this is what he looked like. I let him wear it all day, because it's hilarious.

I have never posted about the dog before, and my kids really like it when I admit to liking Rudy. The truth is..I really do like Rudy..a lot. 

He is is really really good dog. He is a good listener. He loves the kids, he has endless patience, he is happy boy. 

I am very happy we have Rudy. 

I want my kids to read this. 

I am very happy we have Rudy. 

 

Spring Break 2024

 

Spring break this year was one for the books. It was absolutely one of my kids favorite times. We decided if our spring break lined up with any of my sisters we would make plans. And, plans were made. We went to Moab! It lined up with Caitlin's family. The kids had SO much fun with their cousins. We went on hikes in Arches, we swam in the pool, we played games at the house, we played at the park, and there wasn't not a moment of contention. They got a long perfectly. 

We did have a sister-mom day when we got back into town and we did the  Plunj. Sisu was written on the wall, and when my mom decided she neither wanted to be that hot or cold, we decided maybe the tattoo on her wrist wasn't quite as fitting as she thought! And we laughed and we laughed. I also will tell you how this works. You first get in the sauna, then you take your first plunge in cold cold water, when you get out you warm up on your own, and then back in the sauna. Now, I was celebrating the victory of this. I felt great, felt super strong that I had made it through, and as I did this my sisters seemed pretty confused, and then proceeded to announce that we do it all again. 

Claire teaching Lily gymnastics

Family pic Lily loves it

"the only brother" picture

Kaj turns 14

Writing when Kaj is closer to 15 now, and I feeling a little sheepish about it. How did I get this far behind? How did I not make this more of a priority. I've been slipping, I guess. Lucky for me, Kaj is still the same great kid that he was 6 months ago. (so, I guess it's just half a year later not more than that phew) 

What hasn't changed. Kaj is a "man" he likes to remind us of this pretty often. ha! Even though he may be on his way to becoming a man he still is my boy. He is "Kaj Bears" in my phone. I remember when I was adding him to my phone and he tried to to persuade me not to put him in as that I reminded him that he was always going to be Kaj bears to me, no matter how old he gets. He does sound like a man, and it is a very manly sounding for any man, so there is that. Kaj is very good hearted. He impressed all adults he interacts with time and time again, because he has actual conversations. He asks people questions, he remembers details about what is going on, and he is very polite, and interested. He is forgiving. He is a good brother. He is always willing to put aside his needs for others. Kaj still love Jai Wolf, and continues to make his own music. 

Kaj is taller than me. Maybe he was taller than me last year? But, I am not sure, it actually feels like he has now been taller than me for a long time. Kaj is making new friends all the time at OFS and his cross country. Kaj has a very strong testimony, and strong desire to follow what he believes is right. 

I am thankful for Kaj. I am thankful for the kid he was, and the kid/man that he is now. He has been patient with me, and he sees the best in me even when I don't see it myself. He has a lot he is juggling right now, and I am impressed with all he is able to do. Happy Birthday Kaj Bears.