Sunday Afternoon Tea Party with Rice Cakes, water and Tootsie Rolls - 5-4-14

Princess 4-30-12

Lake Powell Part I

I feel spoiled rotten right now. Not only did we just move to the most amazing home in our favorite area, but we have a summer of awesome vacations ahead.
Our 1st vaca was Lake Powell. There was 17 of us on a house boat. Jeff & I were sleeping on the top deck under the brilliant stars. We spent 5 days cliff jumping, kayaking, fishing, wakeboarding (and I could get up!), tubing (I did fear all the pee on the tube from too much laughing though...not to name any names :-), games, laughter & great food (especially Jill's reeses pieces cookies!).

 

The family was divided in 2 for a Survivor competition. Ty was the Green team & excited to be on it. He is still sportin' his bandana & making signs to support the "Green-Jankows"

 
When it came time for Tribal Council, 'Jeff Probst' (aka Dad J) had us vote on whether we voted Red Vines or Twizzlers off our next family trip. I will miss you Red Vines.

 

Jenna & Wyatt rescuing a raft for the neighboring house boat.

 Cousin Rachel was the first kid to jump in the water. It was late afternoon & the water felt freezing, but she was loving it.

Jeff, Ty & Syd on the kayak

 The speed boat was a blast. Since it only fit 8 we took turns going out to play. It was nice that the kids could stay on the beach & behave while Jeff & I were off having fun. Loved that they are at an age were I can trust them & not have to watch over like a hawk.

The kids on the top deck waiting to go off the slide

 

Little 4 yr old Rachel was so excited to slide from the top. Once she got the go-ahead & went she changed her mind. All tears & no more asking about the awful slide.

 

 I believe this was the 1st fish caught. Maybe there was 25 in total. Each of the kids caught at least 1. Ty was the most excited though. I can't even convey his excitement. We just heard, "I can't believe I caught a striped bass." or "I can't believe I caught my 1st fish." about a thousand times. Ty certainly loves the sport & Uncle Wyatt & Aunt Jenna hooked him up with his own pole.

 Syd touched the fish...blah!

 Lukas braved the slide

 Mom & Dad J kayaking back from the canyon

Cliff Jumping: 

Jeff 

 Below: Sydney was the first kid to jump. She wanted to go all on her own. I did throw her to Uncle Curtis who was already in the water though, just to make sure she cleared the side. 

 Sydney in flight

Rescued by Uncle Curtis

It's much easier to jump when you just threw your little girl over the edge.

 

She was all smiles & so proud of herself.

 

Ty jumped too with Jeff, he was the 2nd kid. Usually he is VERY cautious. But he wanted to do it all on his own.

 

 Curtis

 Jenna

 Lukas & Jay

Mom & Dad J passing by again 

 Wyatt

The 2nd location we parked the houseboat at was even more amazing. Unfortunately I didn't get my camera out, so I'll have to rely on my sis-in-law's picts...coming soon!

Goodbye Kindergarten

Ty just finished up his year of Kindergarten & loved every moment. Through visits with his teacher & speech therapist we learned that Ty is well liked. The kids in his class always want him in their group, on their team, want to be his good friend.  He always has been good at including everyone & making friends easily. I'm glad this was the case throughout the year as well.

Ty also learned to read this year. He still struggles & gets frustrated, but with patience he can do it. His teacher Mr. Pieper was such a great fit for him. Ty loved that they had some of the same games & similar glasses. Ty also likes to use Mr. Pieper's phrases like, "you get what you get & you don't throw a fit."

I wish I had brought the video camera to his promotion. They sang the cutest songs.

The 1st was the tune of  'Love & Marriage'

Kindergarten, Kindergarten

time to say goodbye to kindergarten.

Look at the progress we've made

the time has come to go to 1st Grade

Reading, Writing, Math & Science

We love to do it.

Specials & our electives too

we're flying through it

Kindergarten, Kindergarten

time to say goodbye to kindergarten

(then some repeaters)

The 2nd tune was  'Start spreading the news'

Start spreading the new

We're leaving today

We want to be a part of it,

1st grade, 1st grade

We worked very hard,

We're ready to go.

We want to be a part of it,

1st grade, 1st grade

And now for the picts...
Ty is back row, 2nd tall kid from left

Sydney Update

Here are some recent picts of our girlie. Since school is out, she strictly wears bathing suits. She talks up a storm, especially when she is sleepy. She worries about finding someone to marry. Jeff gave her guidelines that he should be a returned missionary, not family & someone he approves of. So often we hear...Is Colton from my class family? The other day she tells us, "I'm going to marry Ernesto. He loves me & I love him." (another Preschool friend). Then most recently, "Mom, why did you decide to marry Jeffrey?" Maybe too many fairytale movies? IDK.
So here she is: singing, dancing & not at all camera shy....