Spring 2023 (but really ending winter and then hitting temps in the 80s)

Both girls continue to take figure skating and gymnastics year round while picking up some other sports based on the season. This spring the girls participated in Girls on the Run. This was Emma's last season before she starts middle school track.

As a family we like to take hikes and be outside as much as possible. We managed to fit in a few bike rides before the heat came as well as a trip to Trollhaugen for a high ropes course.

We are not sure where May went. The weekends just zoomed by. We celebrated Aunt Sharon's 70th birthday and Uncle Michael's wedding. Aunt Sharon was able to get almost the entire family together for the event. Michael had a perfect day for his wedding. The celebrated at a distillary. The girls enjoyed the games they had set up for kids to play.

At school, the girls participated in their yearly Chronological Quest. This year Emma was Hera and Analise was Mumtaz Mahal. Hera's costume proved difficult to keep together and the morning of the presentation, Emma had to make some quick repairs. Analise insisted on having a "real" Indian dress. Luckily, Dan had a friend from work that helped us out with her request. Grandma Kathy helped to add a headpiece and jewelry.

Emma performed in the band and choir this spring and Analise's class put on an Alice in Wonderland play. Emma enjoyed playing "Star Wars" and"Mary Poppins" on her clarinet as well as singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Analise was a flower that talked back to Alice while in Wonderland. Both events were fun to attend.

Emma moves into middle school this next year. She is nervous but also excited to move onto the next level. They had a nice graduation ceremony for her where they told her strengths and gave her the name of a Bible character that they believe represented her personality. Emma was given the name Joanna for her strength and independence. Emma also earned an award for Latin and joined the 97% and above excellence group. Emma received 97% or better in all of her subject areas.

Once again we attended the school picnic to wrap up the year and Analise had a third grade end of the year party at a friend's house the following day. Into "summer" we go! In the next few weeks, the girls will attend Circus Juventas camp, the "Descendants" play at Stages theater, and an art camp where they make beaded picture designs. This year Emma is planning to have her birthday at the Sand Castles and Creature contest on White Bear Lake. We'll see what they create. Emma's friend Abby will be moving to Montana at the end of June. We are hoping that we can visit them when we are out at Yellowstone in August.