April and beginning of May brought us some new experiences. We ventured out beyond our typical routine and had some fun adventures. Brenna did her very first solo competition. This means she got to dance a whole routine on stage at the competitions all by herself. She worked one on one with a choreographer and killed it.
The group dances at competitions are always a hoot,especially when your team is dressed up like mad scientists.
Brenna also started a new dance technique- Ballet on Pointe shoes. I can not fathom dancing on my tippy toes, but for a little ballerina like Brenna, it was a big day when she was fitted for them.
Grant had a few new adventures- the top of which was exploring the Big Apple with his old man.
We decided that when the kids have their sweet 16 birthday, they could choose a location for a one on one long weekend. Grant decided he would like to explore New York City. The trip had to be postponed from February until travel restrictions allowed, but just a few months later, they hit it up.
They made it to Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial and museum, the Empire State building, pretty much all the essential tourist stops that you can fit in one long weekend.
Every trip with David McArthur has a huge focus on the culinary aspect, so, of course, the fellas dined luxuriously and deliciously.
I am sure the highlight for both of them was spending quality time together...as well as the store of tennis shoes. Grant is a bit Nike obsessed and they happened upon a mecca of sneakers. Dave said it was like stepping into heaven for our son.
We are so glad they were able to pull the trip off!
We have been so happy that we can meet as a youth group for activities. We are still feeling like a new ward, so anytime we get to mingle is a good opportunity. The oldest boys and girls class went thrift shopping and had to pick out something for someone else to wear. Grant's outfit of choice (by one of his YM leaders) was this stunning evening gown.
It was his first time wearing a formal dress...and hopefully the last. Luckily, someone picked a pajama set for me, so I didn't have to deal with squeezing into my gown like Grant....it was so funny, though.
Katelee has recently taken up a new sport-lacrosse. We will see how she likes playing!
Harrison started baseball. While it isn't entirely new, he only played one season of coach pitch a couple of years ago, so we still felt like he was a rookie. He is so lucky to be on the Phillies team. They are so fun to watch and doing so well!
In true Harrison fashion, he entertained the entire crowd every game-from his pointing to me when he was going up to bat or running in, jumping for joy at each out his team got while in outfield, attempting to slide-while not really having any technique for it and just diving. It has been pure joy watching him take up the sport...especially in moments like this when he got to stand in the pitcher's position...
I mean, safety first, of course. Hahaha!
It is just great that there are so many new adventures awaiting us in life. There are so many people to meet, activities to try, traits to develop. We are grateful for the routine and comfort of our everyday life, but novel experiences really add growth and spice to life. New teeth (and wiggly teeth and gappy tooth smiles) are slightly frightening...but something I have come to accept, I mean we have no choice.
I love that Easter celebrates the new every year. It helps us reflect on being new people, not just seeking out the new entertainments. We colored eggs,
hid them around the yard and listened to a wonderful General Conference.
Easter dinner
we spent some moments discussing Christ and his Resurrection and how we become new through Him (also designing plates in to rabbit faces, apparently.) Life doesn't have to be the same, we don't have to be the same. That one of the greatest gifts.
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