April Round-Up!

I'm seriously in disbelief that this is the last day of April and tomorrow is May. This month flew by for us!

The kids competed in six track meets this month (with one being canceled), in addition to five practices a week. That meant lots and lots of running, jumping, and throwing for my crew!

Brecklyn doing long jump

Brenson throwing shot put

Brianna running

Brooke throwing discus

Several of those six track meets were long days which meant lots of time to socialize and be with friends!

Waiting for their events at a meet

Goofing off at practice!

All of our regular season meets are now over, and we are looking forward to Homeschool Track & Field Nationals next week. I plan to write a whole post dedicated to our track & field season (which has been a good one!)

Brenson has always loved oatmeal cookies, and he made a batch (or two or three . . . ) several times this month. One night he came home from track & field practice and went straight to making a batch of cookies. It made me laugh . . . it's all about balance, right?!?

We had our monthly youth devo on the first Friday of the month, and Sadie and Caroline came home with us after the devo to spend the night because their mom was out of town. The girls were so cute all ready for their slumber party!

Chris and I have been trying to make time in our schedules for a monthly game night for a while now because the kids just love it. We haven't had very many this year because we've been busy with other things, but we made it happen this month. We ordered pizza and played Trekking the National Parks. It was fun (even if Bren takes games a little too seriously), and we especially loved seeing photos of the National Parks.

For Christmas of 2023, Brianna asked for a pair of Chaco sandals. I bought her a pair that she realized several months later did not fit, so I ended up taking them. I didn't like them at first, but I love them now and have been wearing them to track meets when the weather is nice enough. Unfortunately, my feet now have funky tan lines from my Chacos!

Brianna and Brenson are definitely at an age where they are going out with friends more, and this month they went to an indoor football game with Jaxen and Oliver. Jaxen's dad, Brad, drove and chaperoned, and the kids had a great time. I'm thankful they are willing to go together because that makes it easier on this momma's heart, for sure!

Brianna, Jaxen, Oliver, Bren, and Brad

Chris had to "introduce" himself to a group of co-workers on a video conference this month, so he put together a couple of slides with photos to show the group. I thought the slides were well arranged and shared good things about him, but I did question why he used the scooter photo on the first slide, haha.

Mom and Dad were gone on a vacation for two weeks this month, and we really missed them! However, I love that they were able to go, and I really loved some of the photos they sent us while they were gone. 

Dad at Petrified Forest National Park

Mom and Dad at Hoover Dam

It has been an extremely rainy and wet month, but we had a break in the rain this past weekend and were able to get some things done in the yard that I've been wanting to do. We trimmed some bushes, replaced mulch, weeded the garden area, and planted flowers in the new planter box Bren and Dad built for our playhouse. It looks so cute with the pink flowers, and I love that you can see our "pet" bunny that lives under the playhouse in the photo!

My Granny Tiger has been having some struggles recently and was in the hospital for several days. Once Mom and Dad got back from their vacation, Mom and I went to Wichita to visit Granny. She was out of the hospital while we were there, but she was staying (temporarily) in a skilled nursing portion of Larksfield Place instead of in her apartment. She is back in her apartment now. Justin and Cindy were able to come by for a few hours as well, and I know Mom was happy to see them! Cindy is dealing with Alzheimer's and had recently taken a bad fall, but it was still a good visit!

Chelle, Granny, Mom, and Cindy

These beautiful flowers outside of Larkfield reminded me of God's manifold blessings and love 💜.

Finally, Brianna and I went to a local musical performed by a homeschool theater group associated with the co-op we used to be part of. Several of Brianna's track & field teammates were in the cast, and they performed Beauty & the Beast. It was so good!

Jaxen also had a ticket for the show, so we picked him up on our way. 

I was pleasantly surprised at how well done the production was!

Brianna's friend, Easton, played Prince Adam. Her friends Harper, Samuel, and Alyssa were also all part of the cast, plus several other acquaintances we know through the homeschool community. 

The saying goes that "April showers bring May flowers", and we have had plenty of April showers! We are looking forward to our "May flowers" and all the exciting things we have planned for the next month!