Learning and Growing!

Hello Elders!  

Well it's May here in Utah which means many end of the year activities going on.  It's a great time to reflect on the last school year and see growth.  Only 3 weeks left of school here which feels kind of funny.  But today(Monday) it's in the 80's so it's starting to feel like summer.  It's weird that it was only a week ago that it snowed.  

This week Jacob had the Pinewood Derby.  Even though he has graduated from Cub Scouts and he's on to 11 year old scouts they invited the 11 year olds that recently moved up to come participate in the pinewood derby if they would like since it was later this year and they just barely missed it.  

Jacob has only been involved in one pinewood derby.  Opposite of the 4 that each of you did.  So he was excited to make his car and anticipate the races.  

After lots of thought, he decided a chicken car design would be a perfect fit! 

He's car did alright.  It raced 4 times and each race it placed 2nd.  The owner of the track who goes to lots of derbies said that was very unusual.  Since he place 2 in each race he finished 5th in the group.  He was thrilled with his car and happy with the outcome.  

And he was awarded "Most Original Design" which was what he was hoping for.
He named his car "Da Chicken" and was very proud it.  It was a fun activity. 

Jacob also had his piano recital.  He takes lessons now from Sister Christensen (they live next to the Molen's where the Jones use to live).  His recital was at the Abbington.  It was very sweet as many residence came to hear.  Sister Christensen only teaches a few kids from our ward so it was a short fun recital.    Jacob is getting to be a good little piano player too. 

Gracie enjoyed the recital too.  She just kept asking:  "My turn is next".  She can be a chatter box and sometimes at the wrong times, but she's working on when it's ok to talk and when it's not.  Sometimes, when she is really talkative at church or somewhere like the recital and I tell her to be quiet, she'll say "but I need to talk"

After the recital all the players give the residents flowers.  They are so appreciative. 

 Lydia had her end of the season track meet.  She ran the hurtles and Dad and I encouraged her to run the mile.  We thought it would be good preparation for Cross Country next year.  She was not excited about it, but got out there did alright.  She gave it her best and was happy with the outcome.  We were pleased that she did it.  Now for summer training for next year! 

 On Saturday we planted our garden.  Hoping for a good crop this year.  Gracie was a good helper too. 

Jacob has been dying for rolls on Sunday.  I have to admit it's been awhile since I've made rolls on Sunday.  So I told him he would need to help.   During the rolling out process he took over and did a great job. 

Gracie is learning some independence.  Last night she surprised us when she said she was going to put herself to bed.  We didn't think she was serious but as she walked down the hall towards her bed she shouted "I'll read a story to myself too".  And that she did.  Funny girl even turned out the lights and read a short Winnie the Pooh story that she has memorized.  Pretty sure tonight she will want us to put her to bed though...

She is also trying to dress herself.  Sometimes it turns out kind of funny! 

We have loved to see and hear how you both have grown on your missions.  This morning while I was running I was thinking about both of you and what you have accomplished before your mission and during your mission and I am amazed at both of your growth in all aspects of your life.  You are both doing great things in different ways but both in the right way.  We feel the blessings of your service and feel your love too.  We love you!