Fun At School

During American Education Week the middle school had their Honor Roll Assembly and David and I got to be there to see Xander receive recognition for his straight A's first quarter. Yay!

Unfortunately the school messed up twice. First, when they announced his name, they failed to mention that he had received a 4.0 like they did for other students. Second, they didn't have his certificate. Poor Xander had to walk off the stage empty handed and I know he was a tad embarrassed because of it.

However, the certificate was found, the school administrator apologized profusely for the mix up, and Xander was all smiles as well he should be after such a great first quarter!

Gotta take pictures with the proud parents!

Later that morning I headed over to the elementary school to hear a speech by "President Abraham Lincoln".

As one can tell by looking at the board, good 'ole Abe was just one of the many famous people I, as well as other parents, got to hear from.

But President Lincoln was definitely my favorite. He did a fantastic job!

Not only did I get to see Noah's presentation, I spent time with him in Spelling and then Gym. I got quite the workout participating in this fun game with the gym class. I think me and one other dad were the only ones to get out on the floor and play. I must say those little ride on things work your thighs!!

I always enjoy opportunities to see my kids in action academically.

Young Women in Excellence 2016

In November the Stake YW Presidency put on a beautiful Young Women in Excellence program.

The evening started with a delicious dinner served by the young men in the stake, which included this great guy!

Enjoying our time together during dinner - Carolyn and Savannah...

and Noah and Josiah.

The evening would just not be complete without me sending goofy pictures to Melissa Hardy when I should be serious and paying attention.

All young women in the stake who have earned their Personal Progress award were presented and received a special gift from the stake. Savannah received a handshake from the Stake Presidency...

as well as a big hug from Kay Archbold, the YW Stake President.

We are so proud of our girl!

The evening included talks, music, and a dance centered on the values of the young women, as well as a slide show filled with pictures of the young women throughout the stake involved in different activities during the year. At the end of the program the young men who had been so willing to serve all of us were brought up on the stage to be recognized for their service. I love that the gospel provides so many opportunities for our youth to serve others!

The awesome young women of the Winters Run Ward.

And it's leaders.

We're pretty dang amazing, ha ha! Check out our Rebekah Washburn pose. Nailed it!

Savannah and her good friends, Carolyn and Sydney.

They all wanted to pose with Brother Wagner who, when he was their Sunday School teacher, was referred to as Brother Swagner.

We love our cute girl!

Pinewood Derby 2016

One of the most exciting pack meetings of the year - The Pinewood Derby! Time to weigh in. From the very start Sim Hutchinson was in a competitive mood, claiming THIS was the year his boys were going to beat the Pierce boys. Good thing everyone else at the Derby was pretty chill.

Noah's car - "Silver Steel".

A few of the cub scout entries...

and some siblings' entries, including Xander's winning car.

The competitors. It took about all my patience to get this picture. Cub Scouts, I tell ya!!

Hangin' with dad before the competition got underway.

Brother Mullins getting the evening started.

The flags are always a favorite!

Noah's car is ready for a victory!

The excitement of each race!

Goofing off with Gabe.

Xander was once again asked to be the announcer; he always does such a great job and I love that Brother Mullins trusts him with that assignment.

Noah watching his car win race after race.

With only three losses for the night, Noah's car came in 2nd place!

He was all smiles! (And Sim was too because his boys took the other two spots!)

Noah and his bud Owen.

Time for the sibling races!

And time for refreshments!

Xander's winning car still won but unfortunately had a few losses. It still pulled through for him to place third, though.

The siblings always get the tasty prize.

I love when the boys get creative with their cars and we had some great ones this year but my favorite had to be Brother Mullins' "Grapes of Wrath car"!

High School Soccer Ends

Final game of the season - the girls colored their hair pink in honor of cancer awareness.

I am definitely going to miss watching this girl play for her high school team!

I actually got Savannah to pose for a few pictures for me. Love this soccer girl of mine!

Girls Soccer Banquet Night. The event actually opened with a prayer; David and I almost fell off our seats. (And it was a legit prayer!) Of course when the JV team got up to receive awards, Savannah had to go stand in the line at the very farthest point from where I was sitting.

Savannah with her coach, Coach Miller.

Her first high school athletic certificate!

What a great season!