Just to illustrate how long it’s been since I posted a family update — here are pictures from Alec’s birthday party in January. We did a ’science lab’ party, culminating with Diet Coke & Mento rockets / fountains in the driveway. Fun for all 
Caleb’s birthday was also in January, but we just had his birthday party a few weeks ago — I took him and a couple friends to play paintball, so we had to wait for nice enough weather on a weekend that was open.
Weekends were not open through most of January and February, due to Caleb and Trent playing basketball. Kim was the coach for Trent’s team, and that was a fun experience for all involved.
Early in March, the older boys all played in a violin recital. I played duets with Caleb and Trent, but Alec wasn’t happy with the way I played Twinkle Variations with him, so I was banned…
For Spring Break, the plan was to mostly relax around home, but we ended up scheduling a trip to Copper Mountain for some skiing at the last minute. Last minute trips mean no relaxation whatsoever, but it was fun, we made lots of good memories. Trent was just getting comfortable on the skis when he took a little tumble. He was okay, but was just laying there, when another man came up to see how he was (turned out to be a doctor). Trent said the man told him not to move, so he didn’t, even though he was fine. He ended up getting a trip down the mountain in the ski patrol toboggan, while I waited at the botttom of the run wondering what had happened to him. He thought it was great fun.
I was finally released as Ward Clerk last week. It was a great experience to work with the bishopric and other leaders, and learn more of the administration of the Church. With all of us essentially untrained volunteers, it is indeed a miracle that work of the Church carries on despite our best efforts I was asked to serve next as a Scoutmaster for the 11-yr-old boys (which includes Caleb). I’m looking forward to that, if not so much to sitting in primary each week. It will be great to be with the boys each week, at least.
By and large, things are going well for us. Kim’s busy as always managing the family, planning and prepping the garden, and keeping us all fed (very well, I might add). We’re planning our summer projects, deciding on priorities. The big projects competing for time and other resources will be sprinklers, a bay window, a patio in the front and redoing the front stoop / entryway. Plenty to keep us all busy.
