It's been a while...

Two of my three loyal readers have asked for an update so here it is!! Warning it may be long and sometimes I ramble. And no pictures. My computer died, my temporary one is lame and thus no pictures.

When we first moved to Boise it was great because suddenly we had lots of free time. Well that free time is long gone. In fact I would like to lobby for a few extra hours in the day so that I can complete my entire 'to do' list. I am hoping to find the balance of being busy but having time to play.

We have had a wonderful couple of months with lots of visits with family. We spent Easter in Burley with almost all of my Dad's family. It was time for the annual clean up day at my Grandma's. We added in an Easter Egg hunt for the kids, a pre 60th Bday celebration for my Dad, and announced Woods in the Woods. It was a great time. Who doesn't love a game of Duck, Duck, Goose being played by the cousins and our kids ranging in from age 2 to 33. Grandpa Don, also known as the "big trouble maker", made the long drive from Indiana to visit. We had a great time and appreciate all his help and the four days of driving he did to come and visit us. We made another trip to Idaho Falls for the blessing of the newest Wood grandchild, Bentley McKay Wood. He is a cutie! Syd and I are off to Burley tomorrow for a weekend with my High school friends. Hard to believe it has been fifteen years since we have all hung out together. Should be some good times.

Here is an update of what we have been up to.

Cris: Keeping busy with work. Traveling about three weeks out of the month. He is helping coach Zach's soccer team and is keeping the Boy Scouts on track as the Committee Chairperson. He has taken many tips from Carla Wandelt and it has payed off. Thanks Carla!! He is in the middle of getting the flag fundraiser ready for Memorial Day. He graduated from therapy on his ankle and even ran a mile last week. He and Grandpa Don built three garden boxes. We have planted a number of things and it is fun watching the veggies grow. He made a special trip to San Diego to spend some time with his Grandma Yamamoto before she passed. I am glad he was able to spend a wonderful weekend with family. It isn't often you get to celebrate your life before you pass. More on Grandma at another time.

Jen: I am officially a soccer mom. This is our last week of practices and games. I love watching them play. Both boys have done great and improved from last season. I have been working on lots of random projects (girls weekends, sewing projects, reorganizing my house, starting a financial knowledge group, learning about and planting a garden) and have more on the list that I want to do. I am also learning that stretching my aging muscles is a daily and necessary task. Cris got me golf clubs for Mother's Day. I tried them out last night at the driving range. I am pretty sure I need more practice. But it was fun!

Alex: Earned his Wolf in Cub Scouts and some arrow points. I take no credit. He has great leaders and a Dad who helps him. He is also a great speller. Every week he brings home a perfect test. He has also increased his love of reading. The library is now a favorite place to visit. He has done great with soccer and I hope he plays again next year. He is very excited for football in the fall -- no surprise there! He turns 9 next week and is such a help to me.

Zach: Developed a love for all things military. His friend introduced him to army and navy stuff and he loves it. He recently wrote a book for his friend about Navy Seals. He has been bringing home military library books and playing military with anyone who will listen. He will wear layers of clothing to protect him from bullets and always wears an Old Navy T shirt with a big "N" on it for the Navy. He loves soccer and has great feet work. Last week, he scored two goals. He has thrived in kindergarten and is a great reader. His dream of being able to swim daily is about to come true. The neighborhood pools open Memorial Day weekend. At least once a day, he wants to know when we are moving back to AZ so he can go swimming every day of the year. I have to remind him that it wasn't everyday of the year, just half of it!

Miss Syd: My sweet girl is growing up fast. She thinks she should be able to do everything that I do and wants to help with EVERYTHING! She packs Alex's lunch every morning. Most of the time I like and appreciate her help. But sometimes.... not so much. She has had fun helping me with the garden and loves to water the plants and flowers. We just finished her preschool co-op and she has loved it. She has been a great sport being the tag along to soccer and chiro appointments. Syd got some Barbie golf clubs for her birthday and I must say she was the cutest thing hitting balls on the driving range. She has more skills when it comes to putting.

That is about it for the last couple of months. The boys are done with school in three weeks. We are all anxious for carefree days of summer and warm weather. We have had some beautiful spring days, but nothing too consistent. Last but not least, we are adding a member to our family. But more on that later!