Last Sunday, Ben, Beth, Cali, Chey, Megan, Kevin, and I (oh, and Ammon!) drove to Idaho for Kevin's Aunt Alice's funeral. She is Kevin's mom's sister and was always loving and interested in our family! We met up with Sarah while we were there (of course!) and went to the viewing Sunday night. Kevin got to reconnect with lots of family that he hadn't seen in a long, long while and introduce them to his own! We stayed with Kevin's dad and Maria that night and they fed us great food and made us very comfortable. We always love spending time with them so it was an added treat.

This is Ammon on Ammon Rd. in Ammon, Idaho.

The next day, Ammon drove on the rest of the way to his family in Washington and the rest of us went to Alice's funeral. It was very lovely and we learned a lot about Grandma Gazdik's growing-up years at the same time. The best part, though, was reconnecting with family. Grandma has a large and loving family and it is a blessing to be a part of it.

The siblings who are left.

Cousins and boyhood friends

Kevin was only home for one day before leaving again. He spent the rest of the week in Arizona at the IITAP conference where he taught a workshop and a class. He also got to attend a Dodger's game! My dad loves the Dodgers. Kevin really enjoyed it! He is back with us today very worn out but glad to be home! We are glad to have him, too!

I also attended a conference this week. It was in Provo so I was home in the evenings, but otherwise, yes, we pretty much left our children parentless! It's a good thing they take care of each other so well. Savannah and Megan and Mariah all helped and everyone had crazy weekends, so it really meant a lot to me!

I attended LDStorymakers and learned lots of useful things from famous authors and agents. I even got to meet up with "Libby's mom." Libby is Sarah's roommate at BYU-I and they figured out that their moms were doing the same thing that weekend. So, of course we had to get together! Now Denise and I are best friends, too. It was a fantastic three days and I loved every minute of it!

This was my publication workshop. The gal in blue is Jennifer Jenkins. She wrote Nameless. You should all go read it! The rest of us will be famous really soon. :)

I even won a book!

Savannah worked Monday thru Friday this week. Most days she took Megan to work and brought her home (since they work really close to each other), too. She had to come home early on Thursday to help her absentee Mom and miss some games with friends on Saturday to help some more. She was a great help. She did get to celebrate Star Wars Day (May the Fourth) at work and celebrated Cinco de Mayo with Jessica's family on Saturday.

Megan worked Tuesday through Saturday this week at the Helaman Creamery for almost a 40 hour week! That's the end, though. She had that last push and now she is done with work and will be able to spend all her time getting ready for her mission. 30 days people. She and I may or may not be freaking out. (!!!!)

Mariah had the BYU Track meet on Saturday! She ran in the 800m and the mile. It worked out really well that her meet was at BYU because she just went to work with Megan and then Meg drove her home at the end of her shift. Happy day! She had a fun time at the meet. She didn't PR, but ran well.

Chey and Cali had a track meet on Friday. Mariah was able to watch some of their events and bring them home, which was awesome. They both had a great meet and Cali reached her goal of qualifying for the 800m. Now they're both qualified! They also went to a birthday party Friday night. Fun times!

Bethany had a track meet this week! The annual Springville track meet for elementary students had the 4th graders compete on Thursday. Beth ran the 50m, the 100m, and the 400m. Boy, that 400m can be long! She did super and made it to the semi-finals in the 50m and the 100m. Go Beth! She also had sewing on Friday and finished the nightgown on which she's been working. It is super cute! (So is she!)

Benjamin had his second pack meeting this week, but his first with his uniform (that I proudly got from Ebay for less than half the $50 they wanted at the BSA office (hello BSA! It's a SHIRT!) Still, he does look heart-meltingly trustworthy, loyal, and kind in it. (Maybe it's worth $50 afterall.) Ben also played in two soccer games this week (attended by his sisters since his parents were AWOL) and went to a birthday party. Fun times!