Five Brown Kids

I love my kids' elementary school. It's small and friendly.  Families have to volunteer 4 hours a month so parents are always there helping out.  Especially for the biggest fundraiser of the year - one BBQ/ carnival/auction evening and this little public school walks away with $28,000*.  It will cover cultural events, smart boards, ipads, new playground equipment etc.  The kids had a great time playing with friends- and since Taye is alumni now he worked a shift at the water balloon toss.  Scotia loved this face painting best! *update

Tyrone is studying hard, as he should be. Kids are all in school and swimming, dancing, playing soccer and trying out intramural football. I'm busy working for BYU IS , and trying to keep everything afloat.  I'm a stay at home mom with no kids at home and I think my house is messier than ever.  It could have something to do with the ungodly hour that we have to leave the house each morning. I visit some high schools out in the country!  And pass more than a few tobacco and cotton fields in my travels. Almost to the finish line!

The kids would love to have a pet.  It's unfortunate that I hate pets and I'm the boss. Scotia mentioned that she would like to see some chickens laying eggs.  I knew just the church friend to visit for that so one day after school we headed over.  The boys weren't so excited but once they were in the chicken coop collecting eggs they were thrilled. They all asked a zillion questions. And Taye seemed totally smitten. You can imagine them all coming straight home to the computer to look up hen prices and chicken coops.  Maybe... if I never had to touch one.

In as much time as it took us to get changed and pack the van post graduation, we were on our way to the beach with the Ricks, Cleverlys and in-laws (they stayed for two days). The weather was cool (80's), cloudy and rainy all week which is so much better than 95 and sunny.  The water was perfect and the sand was not scorching so the babies were content.  No one got fried.   We ate delicious food, including a bowl of shrimp that Maddie and the big boys caught by themselves and prepared with Matt. Emily, Courtney and I even squeezed in a little second hand/antique shopping.  A highlight was watching a video I made with all the  pictures from our years together as friends (2004-2012).  Not a few new babies, birthday parties, Christmas dinners, running races, egg hunts, girls trips, beach trips etc.   These friends are family to me.   Here are the best photos from the week.  ...

Tyrone graduated. Friday night before graduation we all went out to The Pit .  It was so much fun to celebrate this big event with friends and family.  Late in the evening adults went out for dessert too. Graduation was excellent - the speakers were really funny.  I have only this one picture taken by another spouse.  When Tyrone walked across the stage to get his certificate I turned into a sobbing mess.   Nine years of anesthesia school worry, frustration, anger and hope in one last great cry.  I couldn't get myself together so I hung out in the van while everyone else enjoyed the reception.  By the time they came out I was ready to go.  I'm not crying over this schooling ever again! We headed for home, packed our van and set out for the beach. We made it!