Summer Vacation!!! AT LAST...

The older boys are finally out of school.....I even went and picked them up early the last two days of school. The other schools around the valley were out two weeks ago..... SO as nice as it is to have two extra weeks to get prepared for our summer activities, I REALLY MISSED THEM! I love summer breaks, when my boys time is my time. Our fourth Banini is so excited to have his brothers home to play with him. Usually he is ready to go play at a friend's home when his brothers leave for school....but not the last couple of days. He has not asked once to go play anywhere....he is usually dressed up as a knight slaying a dinosaur with a big brother next to him defeating an army and taking over the world. (No damsel in distress saving tactics yet....) I guess I need to read more fairy tales to them....

We have many neat opportunities this summer and look forward to exploring some of the National Parks in the United States. Camping with our boys is a rewarding experience. They love the outdoors and just being free to roam...with limitations of course. I am not willing to let them go just wherever, but with a defined exploration area, we hardly have them in camp with nothing to do. I am fairly sure we have pictures of all the stick friends they have had to leave behind. The Banini's also hike fairly well......some monumentally slower than the rest of us, but they will complete a 5 mile hike...not to bad at the tender age of 5, so now at 6 hopefully we can hike slightly faster. We average about a mile an hour, very slow I know; but at least, we see our surrounding areas thoroughly as our parade marches past.

Day Camp for the Cub Scouts is approaching and as Cub Master I get to go for THREE DAYS in the HEAT, and be the TARGET of every boys water arsenal - the WATER GRENADE! I do enjoy cub scouts and will have fun at day camp.....hopefully!

The past month saw Banini #3 graduate from Kindergarten. Banini #4 figured out how to pedel his two wheel bicycle. Banini#1 recieved a hoop from our neighbor for his birthday and Dad fixed the old hoop we had for the little boys. Banini #5 conquered an Alligator at the local zoo.




All the boys had fun at Legoland. We got free tickets for all the boys and was able to spend two days at the park for the price of two adult tickets and $60.00. I thought it was a great deal for seven people to enjoy two fun filled days. The park was not busy and we were able to ride the attractions quickly and participate in the workshops without hassle. They especially liked driving the cars!! Banini #2 did this several times.


On a sad note, our sweet Thunder Jane Slow Tug passed away. He was our Tortoise. We miss him. Hopefully, in Heaven, he is eating all the delectable greens and enjoying a flat warm stone to sunbathe upon.

Well I have kept your eyes long enough. We send our love to all our family and friends and pray for your safety and eternal happiness.

Aunt Florence

1907 - 2009

We bid farewell to our dear Aunt Florence this past week. She was a faith-filled, determined, consistent, considerate, intelligent, talented and over all extraordinary women. I grew up going to her home, writing her letters and chatting on the phone. She was always patience with me and never failed to share with me her Faith in our Savior. She was not LDS, but she was filled with Christ like attributes. I will miss her and look forward to seeing her again.

May Flowers Bring Busy Boys!

Sorry for the long time between posts, but as you already experience....the end of the school year is so busy with everything. Since I shared last, we have enjoyed two birthdays at our home. Dad and Banini #1 are each a year older. The last is now in the double digits, very scary I know.... We are all healthy and happy. The boys are spending as much time outside as possible before the 110's hit. The bikes are out and the speed is on.
Banini #1 had for the Robinson record, perfect attendance at school this year. Way to go!!!!!! His parents, impressed by this because they always missed some school, decided a reward was needed. He choose out a nice, new red bike. Photo's to come.
Banini #3 was a chicken for his school performance. I was asked to make a chicken costume. I did not want to ruin a shirt by adhering feathers to it, so I decided to tie dye the shirt yellow. It turned out really nice. Thanks Misha for dyeing the shirts!

Banini #2 and #3 went to the Library and acquired Library cards....Yeah!!!!!

We have enjoyed the zoo this month. The animals have been out in full force. Even the Lions, Tigers and Cheetahs have cooperated enough for the boys to really see them. We took our hands measurement at the farm and I hope you like how each of us measure up. I think we will return to the hand section on a yearly basis....so I can keep better record of how they grow.

Banini #2 received his Bobcat badge this month!

I have also read many books this month. I finally discovered Shannon Hale and Frank Herbert. Literature. Good Literature....need I say more.

Enjoy the pictures and check out Dad's 365 project. Also, if you need portraits of you, your family, senior pictures, new baby photos, or pet pics....Remember IRONWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY! Great Photographer and super PHOTOS!

For Dad's 365 project, click link below and then select personal projects, the select 365

www.ironwoodphotos.com

For Ironwood Photography's business site:
www.ironwoodphoto.com


We love you all!

Merry April Days!

We are enjoying the beautiful days of April. The weather is enjoyable, the last until mid October. The children are outside everday, the flowers have and are blooming. The Cacti around us are getting ready to bloom.

We went to the Easter pageant last Thursday. Thanks to many friends who helped make the night a great experience. The boys enjoyed watching the pageant. Even the smaller boys sat fairly quiet and listened to the message. I felt the Spirit, enhanced with gratitude to be surround by my children - watching their hearts be touched as well.

Dad is busy with underwriting conference, so we have not seen him as much as usual. However, he has managed to capture some great photos of the boys. Here is a new favorite. The Wee Banini has finally found his sea legs. He was so excited to "jump" on the trampoline. Oh - The small joys of life.