Ruminations of an ex-Oregonian

Sky and I went down to the church this evening.  I needed some time on the organ since I am playing tomorrow, and I told him I would play some 21 with him.  No, not the card game.  Basketball.  Really screwy rules.  I think he made half of them up.  It’s something he learned at the boy’s ranch.  Anyway, 5 games later, I hadn’t won any.  Darn egotistical teenager, letting me know I suck at basketball.

What a weekend. 

Sky has graduated from the academy.  We had a little party with some of the staff and boys.  I got a dozen pizzas and some soda to celebrate.  The boys thought that was pretty cool.

We went over to Jordan Crossing, which is a huge shopping area.  We bummed around some stores and found a couple of things.  Then we had supper at Famous Dave’s.  That was some seriously good barbeque.  Oh man.  It would be sooo easy to put that weight back on.  While we were eating, a massive thunderstorm went by and dumped a lot of rain.

Went back to the hotel.  Karen, Carol and the girls went to the hot tub and pool.  They ended up shutting down the pool because of the lightning, but the hot tub and other things were still open.  I had to take Ray to the airport, but it is only a 10 minute drive from downtown.

Today (Saturday) started off bright and sunny.  Karen and I ate the breakfast buffet in the main restaurant.  I’ve never had a buffet that was so good before for breakfast food.  Then, we left the kids with Grandma and went up to the Salt Lake temple.  That was amazing.  It is our anniversary today, number 14.  It was nice to get out with her by ourselves.  Afterward, we went back to the hotel and went to have lunch, but the line was very long.  So, we went across the street to the Grand America hotel.  I though the Little America was fancy.   Holy cow.  I almost wish we had stayed there, but it would have been another $500 in rooms alone. 

Anyway, we ate the lunch buffet at the café.  They had a buffet in there as well, and it was absolutely delicious.  The café was opulent fancy.  I can not imagine what the formal restaurant looked like.  Anyway, finished lunch, checked out and drove home. 

It was a fast, crazy and incredible weekend.  It was also one of the best weekends I think we could have ever wanted.

It sure seems like this school year has just screamed by.  Where does time go?

Ashley is now a 2nd grader, and passed her first grade year with no problems.  Amazing, considering how far behind the other children she was at the beginning of the school year.  I'm so proud of her for doing a great job and working so hard.  Lots of people have helped.  Her teacher, Mrs. Milton, has spent lots of extra time helping Ashley in the classroom.  Her tutor, Zoe, has worked with her most of the school year and has become a highlight of Ashley's day. 

Crystal will be in 7th grade.  I don't know yet how her grades are, but I do know some of them are suffering.  She is a very smart kid, but just does not apply herself.  She could be a straight A student if she really wanted to do it.

Skyler graduates from West Ridge Academy on Friday, and will be home for good.  He will be a Junior next year.  We are going to have him do some summer school and also have him on a waiting list for driver training.  I know he wants to drive, but having him do a training class will be the best way for him to learn some good habits and skills immediately.  

Let the summer games begin! 

So my six year old gets to go to a friend’s house and stay the night. This is her first sleepover other than Grandma’s. There’s 7 hours to go before she can go over and she’s already packed and asking “Can we go now?” Ah, yes, it must be so nice to be a kid and not have anything to worry about except when you can go see your friends.

UPDATE:  I took her over about 4:30 this afternoon.  Her friend has been doing the same kind of this all day.  "Is it time yet?"  "When's she going to be here?"  I hope those follks know what they're in for!