Death sucks...

We've lost 3 great friends in less than 6 months. Because this is our family's journal and I print these blog posts, I wanted to add their pictures and a short story about each for us to always remember them by...

Aspen Hatch Marthaler passed away this year after an incredible and heroic battle with aggressive cancer which started as breast cancer. I never knew Aspen when she was healthy, but considering what an energetic, positive person I knew, I am sure healthy Aspen would have blown my mind! She quickly became one of my best friends. I loved our times getting pedicures, going to dinner, watching you tube videos, swimming and laughing. And even though there were harder times, you helped show me the sacred in the sad. I know your great wish was to walk Banyan to his first day of kindergarten....and while we will not see you there, I know you'll be by his every step. 

 Michael Schenker has been one of our best friends for 4 years, and we lost him after a short, dramatic battle with aggressive brain cancer. Though he had experienced some serious poo in his life, his testimony was always a benchmark for what I wanted mine to be. There was never a time I asked for his help that he said no. He saved my bacon repeatedly over the years and I am just not as capable a person without him. He was the hero of my charity garage sales, my trunk-or-treats, my primary parades...he always encouraged me and ignored my fears. He teased me relentlessly and I loved every second of it. There isn't a time we get together with friends where the loss of him isn't palpable.

And two days ago we lost Tihoti Goupil. We love Tihoti and oh, how we love his children! Once, Brandon was stuck on the roof. While he was up there, the big, heavy ladder fell and I couldn't lift it on my own. I called Tihoti...after twenty minutes of teasing Brandon and taking pictures with his cell phone camera of Brandon's sorry condition, he got him down. I know the kindest, most helpful, most generous people and he was definitely on that list. We'll miss you Tihoti...

In Summer!

This is the scene which greeted me outside of Selma Bartlett Elementary School this week. 2 of the happiest, recently minted third graders singing Frozen's "In Summer" at the top of their lungs. We've had a glorious start to the season, even if it is 108 in early June (shudder). Here's what we've been up to this last week:

• We had a great pizza party in Abigail's class celebrating the end of the school year. I loved that all of the class wanted me to sign their yearbooks. I will miss those little crazies!
• Had a great pool party with our friends the Gublers. Aimee makes the most delicious summer beverages!
• Abigail an I discovered that Zabas restaurant has the best brownies ever.
• We went swimming with cousins and friends- including my latest obscure-relative acquaintance, Jean Leavitt and her four kids. I am super happy to know her, because she watches the Bachelorette as faithfully as I do- even if it's making us dumber by the minute.
• Brandon and his friend Clay had round after round of tacos this week as they discussed complicated matters of law.
• Had a great time at the Marz' annual school's out party. Lindsay always keeps me in the San Pelligrinos!
• Abigail had her first activity days event...getting SO big.
• Had my monthly pedicure with my great friend Becky- and the little Asian guy told me that I had the worst feet he'd ever seen.
• Had the Smiths over to eat sausages, watch waiting for Guffman, and duel with toy foam swords.
• Abby got all A's, the citizenship award, the attendance award- she killed it yet again!
• Highlight of the week? Abigail's recital. SHE WAS AMAZING!!!! She is such a gifted dancer, I hope she never quits. She did have one moment in her ballet dance where she chewed out her partner for being in the wrong formation....I call it Abby's natural leadership skills ;) It was great that Brinley and Grandma Susan could come. We all ate at Famous Dave's after and celebrated Abby's hard work. Here are some pictures of our little dancer...

The ol' grey mare...

He's not technically a mare, like the title of my post suggests, but rather a grey stallion!

We were at U Swirl getting some frozen yogurt this week and I noticed Brandon was glistening in the sun a bit more than I remembered. I took this picture so I could show him was I was talking about- he was a little shocked. I'm married to an attractive, mature hunk of a salt-n-peppa-man! :)

Other highlights from the week...

• we celebrated Grandma Kathy and Garrett's birthdays
• I took the Beehives to help put on a church service at Delmar Gardens assisted living. Getting older makes me hive...
• We had a baby shower/lunch for my lovely sister-in-law Brittney. She's getting ready to welcome young Masen Leavitt in a few weeks
• Made 93 cupcakes for Senior night. It was supposed to be 95. I am sure you can guess what happened to the other 2.
• Co-hosted a wheel of fortune style game at Senior night
• We watched Brinley dance in a recital. Always a highlight! We're so lucky to still have Brinley with us and we love participating in all her events
• Finally got my headshot done for work. I look like a tough captain of industry.
• Had a date with my niece Makena. She's a super fun little lady.
• Had my last volunteer day of 2nd grade with Abigail. I left them all a treat on their desk while they were at lunch. Love being room mom!
• We took pizza to grandma and grandpa Humphries. Again...hives...
• We had the most hilarious (and delicious) dessert date at our friends' the Chatwins. It involved a lot of TLC The Virgin Diaries and super tasty pound cake- doesn't seem like a natural combo, but trust me on this one.

School gets out this week- woot woot!