Secrets of Dumbledore

By popular demand, we went to see The Secrets of Dumbledore tonight. According to Bridget, it was pretty good, just not as good as the first two Fantastic Beasts movies.

Afterwards, we made a stop at Sweet Spot.

Longview Public Library

The kids like to make the occasional trip to the Longview Public Library to check out a few books to keep them busy with. The selection is pretty large, so they've got lots to choose from.

Sprint Champ

Jillian participated in the first track meet of her 8th grade season. She took 1st in 100 meters, winning by a wide margin (see pic). Her 400 meter relay team also won. She placed 2nd in the 110 meter hurdles, and her finish in the long jump is unknown.

No More Braces!

Jillian had her braces removed today! Here's a pic of her showing off her perfectly straight teeth. She does have a wire on her bottom inside front teeth, and she'll be wearing a retainer at all times except when eating. Even so, she is very happy to be free of braces.

The Draper staff gave her a parting gift of foods that she was barred from eating for the past couple years (mostly chewy candy).

Santa Cruz

Heather met up with her college friends for their annual girls get-away in Santa Cruz, California. They stayed in a very nice house, just a stone's throw to the beach.

More Ribbons

Bridget continued to bring home more ribbons from her horse shows. This time, she won 1st place in the first Showmanship class of the day (Novice), and 3rd in the next class (11 to 13 yo).

Rocky

Uncle Kevin brought his new dog Rocky to Tor's football game. The kids were all over him.

Gram's B-day Party

Tor (and Jillian) celebrated friend Gram's birthday at the Triangle Bowl, bowling a couple games. Tor nearly scored 100. Here's Tor with Gram and schoolmate Cole.

After Tor's football game, we returned to the arcade to use the game cards they were given as party favors.

Pleasant Evening

Bridget was at a horse show while Jillian and Tor enjoyed the nice Spring weather this evening, peppering with the volleyball, and playing some 1-on-1 basketball.

Grandma Cindy's B-day Party

We celebrated Grandma Cindy at her place this week, enjoying some Papa Pete's Pizza and cake and ice cream.

Peterson Easter Dinner

Easter Sunday concluded with a big dinner of ham, potatoes, eggs, salad and desserts at Papa Ken & Bev's. Here's a pic of the grandkids:

Castle Rock Easter Party

The Easter Party in Castle Rock started off with a big potluck lunch and lots of visiting with relatives. The egg hunt was first, and the kids found a ton of eggs.

Next was the egg roll, and Jillian made it to the final two. Somehow, Dad won the adult egg roll (probably for the first time).

Then, we paired up for the egg toss (Mom & Bridget, Dad & Jillian, and Uncle Steve & Tor), and Dad & Jillian made it to the final 7.

It was fun to see everyone again. And the kids got some quality Josie Jean-time.

Easter Church Service

It was Sunday morning Easter service. The kids helped put flowers in the cross at the altar.

Jillian had the honor of carrying the cross for the Processional.

Morning Egg Hunt

Here's what the kids found on the dining room table this morning, compliments of the Easter Bunny:

It was a struggle to get them up - per tradition, they waited (slept) in Jillian's room until everyone was ready.

They made quick work of the eggs, being bigger and faster now.

Flag Football Opening Game

Tor played his first game of the flag football season with his new team the Cowboys. He mostly played as quarterback and running back on offense, and safety on defense. As running back, he scored a touchdown on a very long run, weaving in and out through the defense, and nearly did the same on another long run.

He also had a long completion on a pass as quarterback. The game was a bit rough at times, as shown by this series of shots, as Tor got pummeled after attempting a pass.

Karen's Egg Hunt

Bev's sister Karen puts on an Easter egg hunt at Riverside Park each year, and this one was packed with people. Last year it was just Bridget, but this time Jillian and Tor made it.

Tor definitely collected the most eggs, and also found the most tickets inside, which he used to buy a bunch of inflatable sports balls, and other gadgets.

Bridget also got quite a few tickets, getting some "Whoa Dough", the Trash Panda card game and markers.

Egg Coloring

The kids got to color their eggs tonight, squeezing it in between dinner and Tor's football practice. We just went with the basic dye set, since the store was pretty much emptied out of any other options.

March Student of the Month

Jillian was recognized as an 8th grade Student of the Month for March at Monticello MS, for the trait of "Respect".

Also, she was one of 10 students who received an Academic Excellence award for the 1st Semester for receiving all 3's and 4's on her report card.

Grannie's Birthday Party

Grannie celebrated her 82nd B-day with pizza, cake and ice cream, and a fun quiz game created by Papa Bob. Bridget made a card for Grannie, along with a pink badge (shown here) saying "Best Grandma Ever Award".

We also heard the news that Cale and Ericka are expecting a baby, due in October! The kids are very excited to have a new little cousin.

Bracket Winner

Tor came from behind in the NCAA tournament bracket game (that Uncle Dan and Aunt Robin put on) to win it all and $75, thanks to his picking the Kansas Jayhawks as champions.

Palm Sunday Processional

Bridget had the honor of carrying the cross for the Palm Sunday Processional.

She continued to hold it at the altar while Pastor Hagen spoke.

The Piercing

Here's Jillian's account of getting her ears pierced:

"When we first walked in we met the lady that was going to Peirce my ears named Taylor. She was super nice! First, she walked us through what she was going to do. Then she did the cleaning, and pierced my ears. (Thank goodness I got my Dad's ears, so it didn't really hurt)."

Jillian chose these earrings to wear for the next month.

Up at 7 am

Tor woke up at 7 am this morning, ready to play a new videogame that we downloaded last night (Lego Star Wars Skywalker Saga).

Ice Cream at the old Full Circle

It's now called Colleen's Coffee House, but the ice cream is the same. The kids all ordered cotton candy ice cream. They had to wait until today, since they're only open Friday to Sunday. Of course, the owner remembers the kids and looks forward to them coming.

2-Square

The 2-Square ball game was also one of the most played this beach trip, both at the cabin and the beach. They tried playing it at the beach today, but it was way too windy. We only stayed for about 5 minutes.

Rat-a-tat Cat

The Rat-a-tat Cat card game was definitely the game of the trip. The kids played it many times each day.

Beach Pics

We stayed at the beach for nearly 4 hours! It was beautiful the entire time, we got lots of sun, and we were tuckered out by the end. Here's a sampling of our activities.

What collection of beach pics would be complete without the obligatory moat shot (which didn't last long - the tide came in quick).

Lots of sand dollars up and down the beach. The kids found a bunch in their play area, and Mom found a handful on her walk.

Dad built Tor a tide pool full of warm water, since he got wet in the waves right away, and he needs to stay warm or he's done.

Our previous 2-square court was still there, so the kids switched to volleyball. Bridget built sand castles on the net during the games.