THE PARK POST

Sydney turned 6 yesterday. With Mike being 7 hours ahead of us in Iraq, we decided to open Sydney's presents first thing in the morning so that he could be a part of it all. Sydney was a little excited and came up at 4:30 a.m., ready for action. I told her she had to wait until 6:00, but she never did go back to sleep. Finally at 5:45 everyone was up so we decided to start. I was amazed at how alert and happy everyone seemed. Normally when we get up to read scriptures everyone is groggy, grumpy, and not able to communicate. If I could just convince the kids that reading is really like a party, maybe they would respond better ? After school we had pizza and then went to our new favorite frozen yogurt place, Chill. They let you put how much and whatever flavor and toppings you want and then the price is based on weight. We have had some pretty interesting concoctions, but I think we have realized it's best to go more simple and not add every flavor and topping available. After...

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRACTICE (McKell's practicing photography, she's getting pretty good at it)

My baby sister Licia came to stay with us for a week. We had such a great time relaxing, hitting the museums and used bookstore, talking, and of course eating. I hope we get to do it again soon!! Eating at The Cannon on Broadway in Columbus. At the Coca Cola Museum they have the tasting room, which is always a favorite for the kids. The employees told us we had to try the Beverly flavor from Italy. Licia was excited and filled her glass to the top. After she took a huge swig, she realized it was one of the nastiest tastes ever. This picture captures the moment perfectly. Sorry Leesh. We had a fun time at the museum because it wasn't very crowded. We even got a picture with the polar bear this time. We went to FDR's Little White House. This vacation home in Warm Springs, Ga is the place where he died while sitting for a portrait. Licia playing some balloon volleyball with Jackson.

McKell's team won first place at their meet this last week and received this enormous trophy. She got to bring it home for the weekend since she had the highest all around score from her gym. I'm pretty sure she thought she was dreaming, because on the way home she kept looking into the back seat to make sure it was still there. I can remember being excited to win my first trophy and thinking it was pretty much like gold. Now as a parent I realize that we are the ones who actually pay for all of the trophies, medals, t-shirts, bags, or any other paraphernalia they receive. They just don't seem quite as valuable anymore, in fact in my eyes they simply take up space, clutter the dressers, and collect dust. (Of course I'm a minimalist so what can you expect) I'm glad McKell was able to enjoy the moment, but honestly I'm pretty happy the trophy has a new permanent home.

Jackson and Syd decided to play a new version of house this afternoon called "Worst Parents in the World." They got their inspiration for the game from the veggie straws in the pantry that look a lot like the shape and length of a cigarette. Then they talked about drinking their beers and Jackson said he needed to lay around on the couch, be lazy, and not have a job. I never dreamed that Veggie Straws would elicit so much imaginative play.

Sydney loves to shock people. I sure hope her face doesn't stay stuck like this. That's what my mom always told me would happen. Whew! It all bounced back to normal!!

My oldest brother Chad was in Georgia this week on business and came and stayed with us Mon and Tues. When we were kids he used to practice his half nelson and head lock wrestling moves on me (after he had just worked out and smelled disgusting), he taunted me with dangling logies (sp?) from his mouth, told me that his athletic cup was an oxygen mask and encouraged me to try it out, and over-all basically teased and tortured me. I'm sure I probably asked for a lot of the abuse, and I will have to say he made me a fighter and a stronger person, but I honestly thought he was just plain mean when we were younger. But time can really allow for maturity and change to take place. Now he is one of the nicest, most spiritually in tune, give-his-shirt-off-his-back-for-you kind of guys. He spent hours helping fix all of our electronic devices that needed fixing, and we enjoyed talking and watching some football. It was kind of nice having a little testosterone around for awhile.

This afternoon after the 2 younger kids got off the bus, I went into my room to finish my book and the next thing I knew McKell was waking me up at 5:00. I think I was exhausted from this past week, because I don't normally nap except occasionally on a Sunday if it's quiet enough. So I came into the kitchen to finish up the cleaning jobs I had put off all day like washing the pans, wiping down the counters from breakfast, sweeping, etc. and to my surprise someone else beat me to it. That was one of the kindest acts of service I've received in a long time. Thank you cleaning fairy!!

It's been a great ride!! Mike sent this necklace to me for our anniversary. I think it is so beautiful and something I will always keep. This is our first anniversary ever apart, so it is a little bittersweet.

Preach the Gospel at all times, use words if necessary. . .