TRIP TO NC / March 5, 2017 by Ren Wightman

This past week (Feb. 27-March 4, 2017) I was able to go visit my AJ, Brandon and Max in North Carolina. Brandon has been attending Duke's MBA program and, is in his final stretch before graduating this May. It's always great to go out and visit them, especially Max who is at a very fun age. We were able to attend Duke's final home game for the season against FSU. We went to a few parks, the Duke gardens and watched a few movies. We mostly just hung out and let Max entertain us.

After the Duke game (Feb 28, 2017). Duke won! It was also senior night so several seniors were honored during the game.

Adam Jones (center fielder for the Baltimore Orioles) attended the game.

AJ, Max and Brandon at Pullen Park. We rode a train and carousel.

At the end of each day Max would relax and watch Peppa Pig (his absolute fav)

JUDE PLAYS BASKETBALL / February 22, 2017 by Ren Wightman

Jude decided to play basketball this year. His best buddies, Cooper and Jackson encouraged him to pick it up and he's enjoyed it very much. During the short season he's made great strides. I credit his coach (Bert Keele) for this. All 9 year olds want to score points but what we've really challenged Jude to focus on is rebounds. Most games, Jude is the tallest kid on the court. With this height advantage we challenge him to get the most rebounds. I didn't keep track of his rebounds for all the games but for the last three he had 5, 12 and 8. The stat line for his last game was 4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block. I'm very happy with his progress and hope he continues with it.

Jude's primary teachers (Jace and Sara Ellsworth) came to his final game. From left to right: Jude, Tau, Sara, Noah, Jace and Cooper. Jude, Tau and Cooper are all in the same primary class and grade (4th grade).

The Willis' (Tau's parents) were kind enough to throw a pizza party after the game. This is Jude and his buddies hanging out and eating pizza. Left to right: Cooper, Rylee, Jackson and Jude. — The Willis' (Tau's parents) were kind enough to throw a pizza party after the game. This is Jude and his buddies hanging out and eating pizza. Left to right: Cooper, Rylee, Jackson and Jude.

CHRISTMAS 2016 / February 3, 2017 by Ren Wightman

For Christmas we were fortunate to have Brandon, AJ and Max in Utah. Katie, Bryce and Josie were going to travel to Utah from Idaho but weather permitted that from happening. We were also lucky to have Grandpa Dutch join us. And of course Ed and Karri joined us. We received snow on Christmas morning which made the day that more magical for the kids. Jude received an Amazon Kindle. Both Abbey and Penny received a Critters doll house set. And of course, they were all spoiled rotten. We did a Christmas Even Party where we had a photo booth set up. Below are the pictures from that.

I also put together a little Christmas video

4ourth of July / July 13, 2016 by Ren Wightman

The month of July has been a busy one. And it's still not over. I should say it will be busy for Shauna. She spent July 2-10 in Florida with her family. She also dropped off Jude who will be working for his Grandpa and Grandma's business for the next month. Shauna will then leave to San Francisco with her Mother and Sister from July 18-22. She will come home only to leave again and attend Stake Girls Camp from July 26-29. With all her traveling I've turned into Mr. Mom. Luckily I've had my sister AJ around to keep me company. Of course Abbey and Penny keep me busy as well.

We had a fun day on the 4ourth of July. We ran in the sprinklers with friends, did a BBQ and of course set off fireworks in the evening.

Abbey and Maliya spent the afternoon running in the sprinklers.

Grandpa Ed, Penny, Abbey and Grandpa Dutch relax after our BBQ.

Penny and Abbey in their 4ourth of July outfits that Shauna made.

PIANO RECITAL / May 23, 2016 by Ren Wightman

Abbey has been taking piano lessons for eight months now. Tonight (May 23, 2016) she had her spring recital. She played two songs, Enchanted Mermaid and Candy Corner. She did such an excellent job and we were so proud of her. We're even happier that both Brandon and AJ were able to attend the performance. They just flew in from North Carolina and will be staying with us for a few weeks. Of course they brought Max and our kids are couldn't be happier to have a cousin around. Good job Abbey, keep playing!

Of course Penny wanted in on the action.

Abbey and Penny with their favorite Aunt AJ.

Abbey looking at the recital program at Emily Jorgensen's house (the piano teacher).

STREP THROAT / May 15, 2016 by Ren Wightman

On Saturday morning (May 14, 2016) we woke up to all three kids being sick. Jude and Abbey were running fever's and Penny was throwing up. We packed them all up and took them to the Urgent Care. All three were diagnosed with strep throat. Needless to say it's been a weekend full of crying, whining and tired kids. Kids are never fun when they're sick. On top of that they all have to take an antibiotic that causes their stomachs to hurt. They also hate taking it so twice a day all we hear is complaining about the medicine. We should of just done the shot.

Shauna with Jude, Penny and Abbey waiting in the doctors office waiting to be seen.

We went outside on Sunday evening and everything Penny did upset Abbey. She was sensitive.

Abbey: "Daddy, Penny was being mean to me."

Jude is actually a really good boy when he's sick. Typically he's going 100mph but when he's sick he's mellow. He lost his voice so he's spent a lot of time watching movies and playing video games.

While I was shooting pics of the kids in the back yard I took some pics of Sgt. Pepper...

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY / May 11, 2016 by Ren Wightman

This past Sunday (May 8) we celebrated Mother's Day. Jude, Abbey and Penny couldn't have a better mother. Shauna pushes each of our kids to be better, be creative and be smart. The kids showed their love to their mother with gifts, hugs and kisses.

WHILE IN FLORIDA / May 11, 2016 by Ren Wightman

Shauna and Penny went to Florida a few weeks ago (April 25 - May 4). They went there to visit Shauna's family. I was left behind with Jude and Abbey. We were able to do some fun activities while they were gone.