Girls Night Getaway!

This week McKenna is at "Girls Camp"...and it is the first time in 3 years that I haven't gone with her! Courtney and I decided that we needed to do something fun together...and since Dan was going up for the 4th year overnight hike with McKenna, last night was the perfect night for us to go on a "Girls Night" getaway! Courtney was thrilled to be headed to the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City... here she is in the car as we are ready to head out... A shot of the two of us...

Our room was incredible! Courtney was very impressed by the valet parking and them bringing our bags to our room... that just meant lots of $$$ in tip money to me! (Thanks for the heads up Alona!)

Courtney loved the fireplace...

A view from our deck...

Courtney posing on our hot tub... which we did use later in the evening...

Courtney being impressed with the entry way of the lodge...

Time for a little lunch...

Me and my girl...

This is Court's impression of Uncle Rico..."that felt really nice"...

After lunch we went back to our room to unpack...

Time for a dip in the pool...

She was the only kid in the pool... and the only kid I saw until this morning!

She wanted a "jumping shot"... nice!

After swimming we went back and got cleaned up and then ran down into Park City to buy "Rodrick Rules" and some pizza for dinner... We came back and had a little "movie night."

What a fun night with my girl!

Time for a little dancing on the bed...

We then jumped in the hot tub... curled up in the big fluffy robes we found... and then got our pj's on and watched another movie. We finally went to sleep around 11 pm...

This morning we headed down to breakfast and then Courtney wanted to take one more swim in the pool...

Courtney is a HUGE fan of hot chocolate! She will order it even if it's 100* outside! A little whip cream on her nose...

Finally someone her own age! We met a really nice family at the pool...and I even had the chance to talk about the gospel with them!

We checked out at 11 and headed for the Park City outlet stores...

What a great getaway with one of my favorite people in the whole wide world! I sure love my girl!!!! Now time to go meet Dan for lunch on his way to work after a night at Girl's Camp...

Workin' in the yard...

Do you know how much I HATE working in the yard? If you asked any of our neighbors they would tell you I must love it, based on how much I have been out working in it lately...but no. We really neglected getting it in order in the Fall...and we have paid for that dearly this year! I FINALLY got started about two weeks ago. I have spent about 20 hours so far...and I am finally done!!!!!! First I got all of the weeds pulled...put bags and bags of dirt in all of the beds...and bought flowers to fill in the all empty spots. It has been so much work...but now it is worth it! We figure if the girls and I spend about an hour a week pulling weeds, that should keep it looking great. We also purchased all new cushions for our outdoor furniture...that was crazy! We had to replace 22 cushions! YIKES!!!
McKenna had drivers ed this morning, so Courtney was my only helper. She really wanted to plant the last of the flowers herself... You can't see them yet, but there are white and purple flowers in all of the gaps between the rocks that grow and spread really fast. It is beautiful within a few weeks!

Courtney trying to gross me out with a worm...

Clever girl is using one of the old outdoor cushions while she plants...

First dig the hole...then put in some plant food...

Put in a little water...

Then add a beautiful plant and "tuck it in"...

The waterfall...

Along the side of the house...

A view of the side of the house from the other direction...looking down from the front into the backyard...

The front flower bed....

My helper and her bestie... crazy as always...

A view of our front walk... from the driveway up to the front door...

A view of the yard from the deck... A tiny back flower bed...

A view of the deck and new furniture...

Same...

A view at the end by our bedroom...

A view of the waterfall and firepit from that end of the deck....

Now that the work is done... it is time to party in our yard and our deck!!!!!

Courtney's Piano Recital June 2011

Today was Courtney's first piano recital. She would have performed in December...but we were at Disneyland. She LOVES piano. If she could only do one thing, this would be it! A close up of her cuteness! Grandma and Grandpa King came with us...again a big thanks to them. They really support our kids in everything they do, and it means so much to them!

She played two songs...and did Great on both!

A final shot of her playing. Dan had a tough time getting close and having the lighting be just right... but she looks beautiful! Nice work Courtney! We love that you are finding and developing your talents!

We are really excited because McKenna was finally able to start last week too. Courtney's teacher finally had an opening! Next recital we will get to have both of our girls perform!

The Last Day of School! June 2011

Unfortunately, I was REALLY sick on the last two days of school this year. On the final morning Harvest Elementary had a "dance festival" and each grade performed for all of the parents. McKenna finished school on Wednesday, so Friday morning she headed up to the school in my place to support Courtney. What other 15 year old would volunteer to do that?! Courtney is the one with the pink hat on... She was SO HAPPY Kenna came to watch! This is Courtney's BEST TEACHER EVER! Mr. Larson made 4th grade the one Courtney will NEVER forget. Not only was he organized and tough...but he was kind and fun too! A huge thank you from a grateful mother!!!!! She was sad to have school end this year... that says it all!

Summer here we come! Bring on the fun!!!!!

Let's Dance! May 2011

McKenna and Courtney have both been taking a "Hip Hop" dance class this year. The both loved their classes and couldn't wait to show us what they had been working on... Here is Courtney dressed and ready to go! Showing off skills! This is called a "stall"...

At the performance... she is the one with her leg up really high and straight... nice work Courtney!

She is the one in the middle...

McKenna's class during the performace...

They were REALLY good!

Kenna was one of only a couple in her class that could do a "stall" too...

After the show...

Grandma and Grandpa King with the girls. We appreciate them so much! They come to everything!!!

Courtney and her best friend Camilla. We were so excited that she was able to come too! It meant so much to Courtney!

A picture of us with the girls...

Afterwards, we dropped McKenna off at a birthday party and took grandma and grandpa to lunch at Texas Roadhouse! What a fun day!

Courtney even performed for the waitress! Love that confidence! Nice work Kenna and Court!