Achievement Days

Today for Achievement Days we took our girls to the local fire station for a tour. It was so fun! The girls had lots of questions, and stories of course. The head EMT is our ward Executive Secretary and since he was familiar with us (his daughter is also one of my girls) he gave us a great tour! All of the girls got to slide down the pole, get in an ambulance and look around, hold (or at least attempt to) the jaws of life and more.

When Brother Burden wanted to show everyone how they load people into the ambulance he volunteered me to be the patient. I jumped on and the girls buckled me up. They made me laugh so hard. They were all saying things like "don't cry, it'll be okay" and "don't go towards the light" as they would gently pat my legs or hold my hand.

I have four callings but this is by far my favorite! My friend Jenn is the leader of the 8-9 year old girls and I am over the 10-11 year olds. We deicded to combine them because about a year ago when we she got called bceause we didn't have a lot of girls. This summer we will be up to 18. The Primary President asked us how we feel about splitting them up and Jenn and I both agree that we would be really sad. We are attactched to both groups and fee like we have a good relationship with all of them. I feel like the girls really enjoy coming and with the exception of the last two activies we usually have every girl and them some. I love these girls and I really do learn a lot from them.

Achievement Days

Today for Achievement Days we took our girls to the local fire station for a tour. It was so fun! The girls had lots of questions, and stories of course. The head EMT is our ward Executive Secretary and since he was familiar with us (his daughter is also one of my girls) he gave us a great tour! All of the girls got to slide down the pole, get in an ambulance and look around, hold (or at least attempt to) the jaws of life and more.

When Brother Burden wanted to show everyone how they load people into the ambulance he volunteered me to be the patient. I jumped on and the girls buckled me up. They made me laugh so hard. They were all saying things like "don't cry, it'll be okay" and "don't go towards the light" as they would gently pat my legs or hold my hand.

I have four callings but this is by far my favorite! My friend Jenn is the leader of the 8-9 year old girls and I am over the 10-11 year olds. We deicded to combine them because about a year ago when we she got called bceause we didn't have a lot of girls. This summer we will be up to 18. The Primary President asked us how we feel about splitting them up and Jenn and I both agree that we would be really sad. We are attactched to both groups and fee like we have a good relationship with all of them. I feel like the girls really enjoy coming and with the exception of the last two activies we usually have every girl and them some. I love these girls and I really do learn a lot from them.

Problem Solved!

Today was a much better day. We headed off to the pool first thing this morning. When I walked in to pay the lady said, "I need to warn you. There are 120 elementary kids in there." I decided that we had driven a long way so we were going to swim no matter what! When I got to the pool and realized how many kids there actually were, I grabbed my phone to call my sister. I told her the situation, and being the optimistic person that she is, she said "let's do it anyway!" I am so glad we did! The girls had a blast. There were a few problems though.

First of all, it's a little hard when you are swimming and you look out the big windows only to see PINE TREES! It plays tricks on your mind.

Second of all, the center posts the tempurture of the pool. It said 80 degrees- I beg to differ! It couldn't have been more than 65-70. I am not joking. The kids lips were blue and everyone was shivering. But, kids will be kids and they didn't mind.

Third, I undressed down to my swimming suit and jumped in the frigid deep end with Kimber. As I was shivering I started to look around and noticed how many mom's there were there wearing their long sleeve plaid shirts, Wranglers and boots! At the pool! It made me laugh. Then my sister kindly told me that I don't fit in up here. (Alyssa, do you agree?!)

Fourth, it was a little repulsive how many 1st and 2nd graders cracks I had to see. I can't believe how tiny swimsuits can be. I seriously got a lot of crack shots!

And last of all, it's been so warm for the last few weeks. Then on the very day we choose to go swimming, it's cold and rainy. But, we didn't let it ruin our fun.

Problem Solved!

Today was a much better day. We headed off to the pool first thing this morning. When I walked in to pay the lady said, "I need to warn you. There are 120 elementary kids in there." I decided that we had driven a long way so we were going to swim no matter what! When I got to the pool and realized how many kids there actually were, I grabbed my phone to call my sister. I told her the situation, and being the optimistic person that she is, she said "let's do it anyway!" I am so glad we did! The girls had a blast. There were a few problems though.

First of all, it's a little hard when you are swimming and you look out the big windows only to see PINE TREES! It plays tricks on your mind.

Second of all, the center posts the tempurture of the pool. It said 80 degrees- I beg to differ! It couldn't have been more than 65-70. I am not joking. The kids lips were blue and everyone was shivering. But, kids will be kids and they didn't mind.

Third, I undressed down to my swimming suit and jumped in the frigid deep end with Kimber. As I was shivering I started to look around and noticed how many mom's there were there wearing their long sleeve plaid shirts, Wranglers and boots! At the pool! It made me laugh. Then my sister kindly told me that I don't fit in up here. (Alyssa, do you agree?!)

Fourth, it was a little repulsive how many 1st and 2nd graders cracks I had to see. I can't believe how tiny swimsuits can be. I seriously got a lot of crack shots!

And last of all, it's been so warm for the last few weeks. Then on the very day we choose to go swimming, it's cold and rainy. But, we didn't let it ruin our fun.

Boring Day

Yesterday was just one of those days. We had a busy morning but by the time the afternoon rolled around we were all bored! Can you believe it? That never happens to us. We tried everything; we went outside and read books on the swinging chair, we jumped on the bed, we wrestled, we even watched a show. Nothing was doing it for us.

I did pull out the camera and Addie and I took some pictures. Here are some of my favorites.

To cure the boredom we are headed off to the pool with my sister this morning.

Boring Day

Yesterday was just one of those days. We had a busy morning but by the time the afternoon rolled around we were all bored! Can you believe it? That never happens to us. We tried everything; we went outside and read books on the swinging chair, we jumped on the bed, we wrestled, we even watched a show. Nothing was doing it for us.

I did pull out the camera and Addie and I took some pictures. Here are some of my favorites.

To cure the boredom we are headed off to the pool with my sister this morning.

Missionaries, Musings and Mother's Day

Somehow our trips to the Valley always turn out to be way longer than we expected. This time our 3 days turned into 5. But, we had a great 5 days!

We originally went down for this kid's homecoming-

But spent time with these kids, too-

And some of the big kids-

Ahhh, I love my family. They crack me up. All you have to do is pull out the camera and you get this- (the look on my brother's face was done purposely)

And every Richardson gathering includes chips and salsa. Mmmmm. My dad makes the best salsa! I think it's hiding behind the bag.

On Monday my sister, sister's in law and I took our kids swimming. They had a blast! Kimber is fearless! She loved to go to the deep end and jump in, whether or not I was down there ready to catch her.

Can I just tell you how much I love this kid? He makes me laugh!

Kennedy was not excited at all about getting her picture taken.

Coop and his cute ma-

My parents have taught me to love a good swinging chair. They have a nice little sitting area out back where we spend many hours talking and watching the kids play. So, for Mother's Day Jared and the girls surprised me with one of my own!!!