Park City

Raegan and Halli had the opportunity to go to Especially For Youth in Salt Lake last week. Their cousin Ivy was Halli's roommate so she drove up with us. Rich, the four younger kids, and I were able to spend the week in Park City(thanks to our timeshare). The scenery was breathtaking! And to have to wear a light jacket for the first few days wasn't disappointing either. We were able to do some things with our friends, the Glenn's, who were also up their for the week too. Despite taking our turns getting different forms of the stomach flu, we were able to work in some fun.
The resort had lots of things for the kids to do that were free which was an added bonus!! It was right up against the mountain and all the ski slopes were green but we did have one morning where we woke up to a thin layer of snow on the ground. It sure made coming back to the desert heat difficult. But in the end it's good to be home.

Kids and Dough

They ended up with clovers , moons and stars too.

I had been promising Kennedi and Cade that we could make sugar cookies with these cute cookie cutters that I had. They totally make me think of summer and the beach because the shapes are a crab, seahorse, starfish, an octopus and a few other cute ones. I had been putting them off because the thought of a 7, 5, and 2 year old with flour and cookie dough = a big mess. With school coming to an end though it just seemed perfect. They had a great time and even the older girls loved it!

School's Out!!

This was at Kennedi's awards program and there were so many 1st graders that they took up half the gym and the parents were all crowded in behind. Needless to say, we didn't get the best pictures but it you look close Kennedi is the blond with the braids on the left.

Cade at preschool graduation. His teacher called him her "cool kid". Notice the hands in the pockets.
Next year......Kindergarten!!!
Halli at her 8th Grade Awards night. Next year....High School!!!
Kennedi at her 1st Grade Awards program. What a cutie!

We couldn't wait for school to be out so that things will slow down and the real fun begins! R&R for mom and dad and a lot of swim time for the kids. I know I am so ready and my kids too! Here are a few pictures from end of school year programs.

Larson Legacy

Jim and Julie Larson Family

Dad and the boys. Matt, Joe, Jeff, dad, Jared, Danny, and Ben.
Mom and the girls. Me, Mindy, Jodi, and Robin.

I know I haven't been good about keeping up with my blog. Sorry. Only one more day of school and then hopefully things will dramatically slow down. In May we were able to make a quick trip to AZ to have extended family pictures. It is always so good to see my parents, siblings, etc. This was an especially nice visit because we haven't had a Larson family picture in almost 8 years! Sad, I know, but with nine siblings you can only imagine how difficult it is to schedule something like that. It was a great success!! Everyone behaved well including my youngest brother Matt. He's always got us laughing, and it didn't take to terribly long.

I've always loved growing up in a large family. Boy, the memories of family nights, early morning scriptures, everyone trying to get to church on time, playing in the irrigation, swimming in the well, the "slide" in the ditch, dinner together at the table, long drives to gymnastics or anywhere for that matter(we lived 30 min. from the nearest grocery store), butterfly bandages(we got to the point where we could put them on each other if mom wasn't around), game nights. I have so many great memories of growing up and for that I thank my wonderful parents and siblings. I love each one so much.

Here's a challenge for you: my brothers and sisters and I used to see who could say all the kids names in order the fastest. It is still fun to hear one try.
Jodi....Jared....Jeff....Camille....Danny....Robin....Joe....Mindy....Ben....Matt