Honors

 

The other night Camden brought us his computer and showed us that his U of U page said honors college on it. Cam had not heard that he was accepted into the honors program and so he was confused. We told him to email someone and ask. The person who was supposed to answer was out for 2 days.  

Turns out, he made it! I'm not sure of all the perks, but he is entered into some awesome scholarships, a whole group of first years in the same boat, and housing with other honor students. He is going to stay in the dorms this first year, which is something I was secretly hoping for. If you notice the dates on the letters; he was meant to get these a while ago, not just this week. Better late than never. We are so proud and he is even more excited for everything the University has to offer. 

Catch Up

Just a quick update. 

Cam is doing amazing in EMT. Not the best to be randomly sent this with no explanation. Thankfully it was just an exercise. 

Cam and Cailey made shoes. These are Cam's. They are SO creative. 

Cailey's shoes. I love these ones!

Cam asked Cailey to Prom. Yes after her got his tux and she has her dress and he was still nervous. Like father like son. Brad was nervous to ask me to marry him, after we'd talked about it a lot. He did a treasure hunt around her house.

She did say yes!

Last week Beck, Emery, Zander and I went to Set It Off here in Boise. I love this band and the did not disappoint. We say them in May last year, when the car broke down on the way to Utah. 

Cam's Second to last special night was this weekend. We went to Top Golf and Red Robin. I hate that these are ending. We started when the boys were in 1st grade. They were probably the best parenting decisions we have ever made. I can't believed they have been going this long. 

Grandma and Grandpa Arrington came up to Boise this weekend and took the grandkids to the temple and pizza. I love the time they spend with them and the cousins love the time together. 

After pizza some of the younger kids came. Cailey came and met the family (she's more brave than I would be to meet the grandparents, but she really is the best.) 

Catch Up

 Nothing really major has happened but a few small things have. 

Camden was on the News for the CTE programs at West Ada. He is in the EMT program and loves doing it, even though in a few pictures he does look annoyed. At the end of the year he can take a test and be a certified EMT, which would be a great college job. 

Last week Emery and I went to Mean Girls Broadway. It is one of my favorite movies and the play was really a lot of fun to watch. It followed the movie pretty close, with some good music. 

The 'best of' made a comeback and this time we did hamburgers from sit down restaurants. We did Sid's, Chilis, Red Robin, Big Judd's, and Biscuit's and Hogs.  Sid's Garage won.  The one that cost the most was actually the worst one. 

Emery got her permit. It was kind of crazy when the boys got their permit, and it never really hit that one day the other kids would as well. She actually isn't too bad. She turns corners much smoother than the boys did. Now six months of her wanting to dive us everywhere. 

We were in Twin a few weeks ago. One thing my boys love to do it play Chess. I do not know how to play at all, but my dad is really good at it. I think it's every grandchild, who can play, to beat Grandpa. I do think sometimes Grandpa lets them win, but they love to play with him. 

Bridal Shower

 This past weekend Emery, Jackson and I went to Twin for a Bridal Shower to Tasia. Well, Jackson went to hang out with Jarom, which he loves doing. It's always nice to get together with family, no matter how short the time. Going to showers remind me of all the different ones I've had. I have a love hate for them. I rock at some of the games, and when I was younger and went to bridal and baby showers with my mom; I wanted to win all the games. Now I'm not as competitive, but they are still fun. I hate(d) being the center of attention. Opening little lacey things, I felt so awkward doing. 

One game we had to make dresses. My team made Grandma Barnes.... we had tape troubles. Tasia, the bride and the best dress won. Emery team was a close second. 

News! Crazy, Exciting, Amazing News

At least 3 times a week Camden got letters from colleges to show him how that he should choose them. It's a totally different thing from when I was this age (almost exactly half my life ago), I only thought of CSI and I was set on being an RN. That didn't pan out for me, I would not have made a good RN, but I have loved hearing Cam talk about school. To be fully honest, I was honestly a little worried he wouldn't follow his dream of being a Doctor (raising seniors is so hard), but he kept telling us he still wants that. He applied for University of Utah as his top/ first choice. President Russel Nelson recently gave the school all of his notes and research. Not only is he an amazing prophet, he is a pioneered in the cardiology surgeon health care as well. Camden knew that and I think that is one reason he wanted to go there for schooling. While The Utes typically hate BYU (the Barnes' family team) we were hoping and praying he could accomplish that goal.

And he did!

It's a weird feeling when your child is old enough to leave, and should fulfill their dream, but you still remember teaching them to use a bathroom. While there is part of me that wishes he wasn't old enough yet to leave, I can  not wait to see him excel. I know he will be a cardiac surgeon, like he wants I know he will do amazing things for the healthcare field. I love that his goal was met to be accepted to his dream school. I know he will be the first Doctor for Barnes and Arrington family, but could he (they) go back to being newborns?

 I've held back tear of complete joy for him getting in, and sadness to he my first born by 3 long minutes preparing to leave. Not only one, but two at once, Beck's going to California the same time. I'm beyond proud of the young men our boys are turning into. Yes I wish I had younger years back, I can't wait to see how they change the world, because I know in their own ways they can. 

Rando's

 

Cam and Beck have only 2 special nights this year and then they are done. We started these because Cam was having a hard time in school. We knew something was bothering him, but didn't know how to fix it. The only thing we could think it he needs one on one time. They have been the best things we've done. While some are over the top or more than we wanted to spend, it's always nice to spend the alone time with them and a date where they are the only focus. 

Beck's first for the year was going to a nice meal. We went to Chandler's Steakhouse. It was just me and him and we talked pretty much the whole time. It was a little too bougie for me, but still really good. The dinner started with an amuse bouche. I've never been to a place that did that, it was actually good. Did it aid in the meal? Not sure.  I really love the time I have when it's just me and him and the real Beckham comes out. He's going to go far and accomplish so much, and I can't wait to see it. He talked about how he is going to make it big and he'll make so much that I'll be able to retire young. While that doesn't matter to me; all I want is for him feeling accomplished in his life/work, it made me happy to know he has big dreams of making it big, and I know he can do it. 

When we went to Twin, Emery stayed at Bryan's. Ambree did some make up on Emery and Adarah. She has a real talent there, looks creepy and real. I love seeing the friendship these cousin relationships. I didn't have that and love that my kids do. 

Catch Up

I don't have a ton of big events. The biggest is Gma and Gpa Arrington are back home safe and sound. We went to Twin to hear them speak this past weekend. I love hearing the stories from their mission, and all of the amazing work they did.

Random cuteness, Emery gets tired from time to time waking up so early. But she and and the dogs enjoy an afternoon nap. 

One thing I love about going to Twin, is getting these kids together. Emery and Jacks love to hang out with Bryan's kids. It's crazy to think they moved away from Boise just as we moved to. Thankfully that has not stopped the friendship they have.

The pictures you find on your phone when you ask your daughter to get your phone for you. 

Sunday was a big day for sports. Brad really is the only one who cares, but we still tryp to make it a family event. We did a BINGO with prizes. Cailey was the first to win the elephant/mammoth. They lasted longer than I thought they would. I don't care about sports, but it's just nice to all be in the same room, talking and joking. I will miss this very soon in our future. 

B E A U tiful. (I hope she sees it)

Valentine's Day was the other day. To give his gift to his valentine, Cam dressed dapper to deliver it to her.  If you look close you can see her waiting at the door. Good gentleman.

Winter Dance

This past weekend was the winter dance at Emery and Cam's school. Cam went with Cailey and Emery went with a group of friends. Pictures aren't in order, but after the dance they went and got a late night snack at McDonald's. A good choice in my book for some hot fries. 

I don't understand the pictures kids take like this but they do it all the time. 

Cam and Cailey got matching PJ's before the dance. It was casual, which means Pj's are the best option to wear. 

He started the day off with going to a smash room with Cailey and her sister Abby. 

Emery posed them for this picture. 

Yes this is Cam and Cailey.