Spring things

For months, maybe even a year, we have regularly heard an odd chirping sound coming from our basement.  We've suspected some kind of frog, but haven't ever been able to find it.  I haven't heard the sound for probably a month or so, but this morning when I was putting towels in the washer I found this toad next to them.  I think, because our basement is actually dry (Praise the Lord!!!) for once, it was looking for moisture.  With my heart racing (I'm not afraid of toads, but don't really expect to find them in my laundry!), I got 2 plastic cups and scooted it into one and took it outside.  Caeden went to see it and decided it needed a some water.  He dumped 2 cups full on it, and it hopped away into the rocks.

Our Japanese cherry tree is starting to bloom, so I briefly annoyed the kids and made them stand for a picture with it on their way out to the bus.

And, our the tulips and grape hyacinths in our front planter are looking especially lovely today, so I snapped a few pictures with my phone as I went out the door.

Welcome, Spring!

1st home track meet

Tonight was the first home JH track meet, with 4 other schools attending.

Before the meet, Sylvia and her relay teammates practiced passing the baton.

Hanging out with teammates...

Jeremy and Addie in the stands
Caeden was around somewhere, and Annah joined them later, after Art Club was over.

Sylvia in the first lap of her mile...

She ran the whole time near her teammate Katelin.

In the end, Katelin pushed past Sylvia, but they both finished well.  Sylvia's time went up, but hopefully she realized that she isn't going to shave time off every race.

Jeremy came straight from work, and was quickly asked to help with timing races.  He graciously did so in his work clothes and dress shoes for 3 hours.  Ouch.

Lining up for the 4x400 relay, chatting with teammates...

Race positions being explained...

Sylvia ran the 3rd leg.

Getting the baton from Briahnna...

Handing off to Ella to finish...

Sylvia got to throw the discus for the first time tonight!

Each girl got 2 practice throws.

Then, they each threw 3 times, and the longest score was used.  Sylvia is throwing around 30-some feet right now.  So far, she hasn't been coached in discus, but is just learning from watching others. Hopefully a coach will have a chance to give her some tips soon.  

She is supposed to remember to both enter and leave from the back, but fortunately tonight's judge reminded her.

We noticed that most of the girls who throw discus are bigger/stronger girls than Sylvia is now.  However, she seems to really like throwing it, and hopes to develop some strength to improve. I'm proud of her for trying it!

The meet ended up going until after 7:30 this evening, and it even got quite chilly once the sun set. But, it was a beautiful evening, and all the kids did a great job.  It's easy to enjoy track season when it's lovely weather.  

To the dentist

The kids had a dentist appointment first thing this morning.

Caeden said this is the kind of toothpaste he likes, so I took a picture to remember which kind to buy.

Apparently he thought Sylvia needed photobomb entertainment while preparing for her x-rays.

The girls went first, at the same time, then Caeden after.  

They got ahold of my phone and filled it with tons of silly selfies.

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When I got back home after taking them to school, 

I was happy to see our spring flowers are coming up!