Saturday, May 10, Annecy, France

 We slept great that first night and didn't get up until about 10! The kids seemed ready to handle a trip to Annecy so we made the trip.  It was a perfect day for site-seeing in this beautiful town.

 They call it the little Venice.  The buildings are built around this river and it sort of has that Venice feel to it.  One of the cool views of the river and town.  That is actually an old jail behind Brent and Elli.

 We walked up this fairly steep hill to see the castle at the top.  Aria was pretending to be a snake:)

We enjoyed a delicious French dinner.  This picture was taken right before Micah got his head stuck in those railings.  Lots of crying from Micah and laughing from others.  Goodness.
What a great day.  The kids all did very well, and it was fun to experience this with Jenna and Justin.

May 8-9, Traveling to Geneva

 They were excited to get on the plane.  Brent and I were a little nervous.  7 and a half hours later, we were not all smiles, but were happy to be there.

 We drove to the center of Geneva, and walked along the lake front for a bit, enjoying the boats in the harbor.

 "Wally!" Micah calls water, wally.  He got so excited when he saw the fountain.  Both enjoyed playing in every fountain they could find.

 This fountain is one of the tallest in Europe.  It just shot straight up in the air!
Before we got to this fountain though, we stopped for breakfast.  Note we had just gotten off a plane after 7 1/2 hours and the kids were hungry but also ready to play.  We were in a hotel restaurant and the kids were laughing at the table.  A lady actually turned around the shush them in a harsh way.  I took them out while Brent finished eating, then he went out while I ate.  Crazy.  We noticed on our trip though that not many people take their kids out to restaurants to eat.

 After the Garmin lead us up and over the mountains on switch backs, we arrived at Jenna and Justin's.  The reunion was amazing and I cried when I squeezed this squeezeable girl, Aria.  Such anticipation in seeing them, I couldn't help it.  I of course cried when I saw the rest of them too.

 But, there is nothing better than meeting a brand new baby girl for the first time.  I feel so blessed to have been able to see each of my nieces and nephews so soon after they have been born.  I sure do love that baby-ness.  Colette was even more adorable in person than her pictures.  What a special moment.

 Brent had to take his turn...

 and so did Elli:)

We enjoyed meeting up with Justin's parents, Eric and Rhonda, on their last night with Jenna and Justin.  We went to a little medieval town that overlooks the city of Albertville for some delicious ice cream and looking around.  What a great first day in France, overall:)
(Seriously, the garmin took us over the mountains.  We would drive for what seemed like forever to still be an hour away.  The time never got any closer it seemed.  What was supposed to have been an hour and a half took us three hours.   Micah cried the last hour of the trip because he was car sick.  We stopped a couple of times in the ski villages, but most of the shops were closed because it was not ski season. Not fun at all.)

May 8, Parent Program

 Elli recited three poems at the parent program, one with friends Hannah and Taylor.

 This poem she memorized all on her own.  She had such expression and we could all hear and understand her.  She really does seem to be gifted in this area.

 The whole class ended the program with a poem together as well.

 She has enjoyed 2nd grade with Mrs. Carolyn Baker.

Gonga got to come and see the program as well as Elli's classroom.

Wednesday, May 7

 Micah and Elli in the American Girl box:)  I sure do love seeing them play together and hear them laughing.

 My cool dude wearing his sunglasses and mowing.

 He needed a "hat" while mowing this time.

 Picture night at ballet.

 Silly girl.  She has really enjoyed ballet these past five years.  She is also really excited about getting a five year trophy!

 Micah wanted a turn to dance in Elli's room!

 Olivia, Sarah, Madilynn, Elli, Lydia.  We are missing Lily in this picture.

 We went to AWANA awards ceremony after ballet pictures.  Elli completed her third book in Sparks and will be in T and T next year.  Cannot believe my girl is old enough for this.

 Standing with her award.  All the clubbers did a great job.  Got to see Seth get his Cubbies award too.
Fun and busy day.

May 4, Devin Air Force Commissioning Service

 My girl and I in front of the space shuttle.

 Lance gt to swear in Devin.  Pretty cool.

 It's the real deal.

 Ready for a salute.

 Linda and Mary Ann (future mother-in-law) pinning on his officer bars.

 The clan there to support.

 Devin's graduating class of ROTC completers.

 So fun to be able to have Lance there.

 Special memory having your brother swear you in.

 Devin got a parent pin for his Linda and Larry to show them how much he cares for them and respects their support.

 In front of the F-16.

 Larry's turn.

 It really was a special day of celebration.

 These two will be married in June and then off to Utah in September.

 One more

 The brothers.

I don't get too many pictures of me and dad so I thought I would take the chance.  I love this one!
In all the celebrations, the absence of Jenna, Justin, Aria, and Colette as well as Lana, Liam and Lillie.  Hard to have them far away, especially during times like this.  We miss you!

Oliver's first birthday party, May 3rd

 Oliver and Papa

 I don't think he knew what to expect!

 He was so excited to crawl around and play on his chair that it was nearly impossible to get his picture!  Lots of fun gifts.

 Leah however loved opening his presents:)

 He was a happy little guy, laughing about all kinds of things, just on the move, and he is fast!

 Love his sweet little face.  Smiling and getting ready for some cake.

 Wesley and Luka couldn't wait to get some cake either!

 Not so sure about this, but he gave it a try.

 He did better with the fork.

Overall, he was just not all that impressed.  Believe me, it wasn't because it wasn't good, I had a big delicious piece:)  He is just not all that into feeding himself right now.  I cannot believe it has bee na year since he was born.  I love this sweet little nephew of mine and was teary eyed watching the video that Leah put together of him.  Time really does just fly by.