Graduation

May 31 Autumn graduated. It was a great ceremony. We were only allowed four tickets each, the overflow was in the gym where they had a big screen tv set up. The seats in the auditorium were drawn randomly and we really lucked out, receiving row D almost right in the middle. I knew the girls would be bored with graduation so I decided to leave them home. Tymber actually went to a training in Northern Idaho for CAP and I ended up getting a babysitter for Hope. My parents went with us. It doesn't seem real yet that her high school days are over. We also got her a laptop for graduation and college in the fall.

 Autumn and Katie

 Autumn and Mr Hames.

 Austin and Autumn

 Autumn and her best friend Christy.

C.A.P.

In March we put Tymber in a program called CAP. Civil Air Patrol. It is an auxiliary program the Air Force sponsors for youth. Her best friend Chance is in it and invited her to try it out. We went to a meeting and she immediately fell in love with it. I was instantly impressed as well. The program is for youth 12-18. They meet one day each week and do different things. They learn about respect, and discipline  They focus on physical fitness among other things. They are taught drills, commands, color guard, gun safety  emergency radio operations, air patrol and so much more. They have an adult leader, usually a Lt.  or Sargent give a command to a senior cadet member who has earned a promotion, then that member passes it down to his/her squadron and they squadron is expected to follow through. It is a lot like real military only not as "tough". While they are expected to follow all commands and proceed in military fashion they are also expected to cheer on their team mates and help each other. The adult leaders are all very positive with the kids. The Sargent who was there the night I took her kept telling the kids they are only as strong as their weakest link and they will never leave a team member behind. On the days they exercise, run drills, they are expected to improve each time, even if it is only one second, one push up, one sit up, it doesn't matter.

The program also offers if a cadet wants to join the military as an adult they go into the military with the rank they earn as a cadet. They also get to cut down on basic training, and there are a lot of scholarship options available if military is not something they choose to do. Plus it is awesome on job applications.

So far Tymber has got to go on a all day encampment. They took the kids and taught them search and rescue techniques. They are qualified to go out and have been in the past called out on real search and rescue. They have a ground crew that can hike for a ground search and also a air crew, when a real search and rescue is needed they can take the planes up and will often take a cadet with them to act as extra eyes for the pilot. Tymber will get to take her first flight this summer. She also will be going to a week long encampment in Boise in July.

This past week she helped set up for the Memorial Day Field of Heroes that Pocatello presents. She helped set up crosses that represent the graves of fallen soldiers. She also has chosen to volunteer four hours of her time Friday selling tickets to a raffle and selling wreaths. She attended opening ceremonies and Monday the CAP members will be in charge of the closing ceremonies and folding the flag. She was so excited this morning. She had her BDU's on and looked so cute. I was so proud of her.

 Can she be any cuter in uniform?

 Tymber and Chance. Chance is in his dress blues, Tymber doesn't have hers yet but will soon.

End of school year

The year has rapidly came and gone. I'm still trying to wrap my heart and mind around the fact Autumn is graduating and Tymber will be in high school next year. Over all the school year has been successful. Tymber still continues ti struggle, especially in math. She was sick a lot this year and missed a lot of days. Add to the fact she hated her math teacher, her math teacher didn't like her and it was a disaster. We ended up meeting with the principal because they almost failed her due to her math. Luckily first semester her grade was high enough by .5% she was able to pass math with a D instead of an F so didn't fail :(  I made the school write her a 504 plan for next year so she will get the extra help she needs in school and in math (hopefully).

The school year ended with a play from Hopes class. Super Pickle. Funny when Autumn was in second grade with the same teacher they did the same play. Hope absolutely adores her teacher Mrs. Peterson. Luckily she is in our ward.

 The class singing

 Hope was one of the narrators.

 Zoey brought Jordan and came to see the play.

 My parents were there the day before but I didn't have my camera that day.

Next came Autumn's choir concert. It was pretty bitter sweet. Not only is she graduating but her amazing choir teacher Mr. Hames is leaving. He is such a good teacher and will be sorely missed.

It is also tradition for the Senior A Capella  class to present him with a picture frame with each one of the seniors in it. Usually the pictures from past years hang in his class. Next year hopefully they will be in his home. He has decided to stop teaching and go into the family grocery store business in Alaska because teaching doesn't pay enough
:(

 Mr Hames is a huge super heroes fan. he especially loves Superman. The students got a picture of him years ago dressed as Superman and blew it up, then all signed the back. It was pretty funny. He was speechless to say the least, and I think a little embarrassed they had the picture.

The next night was Tymbers schools band/choir/strings/drama concert. It was pretty painful. Its interesting to watch and listen to the kids from Jr. High and the improvement they make in high school. This year Tymber didn't play flute but decided to play guitar. Its awesome how musically talented she is. She also is learning piano.Next year she will be taking flute again in high school.

 waiting to start, she just cant hold back her enthusiasm.