Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend was a taste of summer. It was hot and sunny. It was a four day weekend. We barbecued with local family and watched the kids swim. Our dishwasher died and we did a lot of handwashing. Thankfully our landlord had the dishwasher replaced after only 4 days, so it wasn't too tough. I am so thankful for labor saving devices that liberate me to do more meaningful activities!

On Sunday, Jay gave his first ever official talk in sacrament meeting on May 30th. His topic was prayer, and he did a wonderful job writing his own talk. Jeff checked it once to make sure Jay was on the right track, and he was, so we left it to him. It was a thoughtful personal talk. We love our Jay.

Jeff also gave a talk. His was about how God shows his love for us. The local family showed up en masse to see Jeff and Jay speak: we were crammed into one long pew. [Side note: I'm trying to figure out the line between sharing my thoughts and experiences and maintaining privacy for my big kids. It's tricky when kids get old enough to tell their own story, because I don't want to steal their experiences or put my words in their mouths. But I also don't want to forget these moments either! I'm sure I'll find a balance little by little.] 

Rose wrote a talk about gratitude, and delivered it in primary. This is new footing in our parenting journey: giving our big kids free reign on church talk content. We have always encouraged the kids to write their own talks, but with more tips and closer guidance. Not this time! My motherly heart was all warm when I heard my kids' honest words expressing their personal faith. At the end of sacrament meeting, Jay passed the sacrament with the other deacons. Talk about church responsibility central--he handled it all. 

Three talks, one family, all on the same Sunday! Way to represent, White family! 

Amber, all geared up to do some outdoor artwork.

This homemade lemon gingerade is a hydrating, tummy-settling, summery delight. I added sliced strawberries to one batch and it was even more refreshing! And pretty.

Don't mess with the Nerf master!

Talk writing

An evening bike ride with Amby.

Telling me Important Kindergarten Things.

Over the weekend, I took two days off of running to coddle a slightly strained quad muscle. As usual, when I can't run, I went on a long walk. It was sweaty. My 100 day dress challenge is almost over and when it ends, I will not be sad to wear short sleeves again!

The girls, playing with legos while Jay rests on the couch. We spent Friday in rest and recovery mode after our late night Thursday at the family track meet.

Tinker Toys!

Amber invented a quadruple heart contraption, and Rose made crowns and scepters.

Jay made guacamole for our family Memorial Day BBQ.

Seven cousins piled into the saggy pool at Grama and Grampa's house! We had to keep telling them not to hang on the sides of the pool because it is getting old and looked like it might collapse. The kids just love playing in the water together. I love that it doesn't take a fancy pool to keep kids happy!

Toby Jr. the dog was in heaven, jumping and catching as many water squirts and splashes in his mouth as possible. It was impressive how much water he caught!

Feels like summer!

Rose and Layne.

Leslie made her son a birthday cake (his birthday was the next day), but she only had two candles: a 5 and a 6. The younger kids were so confused when they saw the 56 on the cake. Jeff acted slow, stiff, and old after he blew out his advanced-age candles.

Playing catch.