The Wilcox Family

My little Ann Eliza graduated from Billings Senior High School on May 28, 2012.  It was a lovely ceremony.  I didn't think I'd cry, but as soon as I entered the Metra, the tears started.  Darn.  No one I was with had a tissue, but my dad had a hanky.  Thank goodness for old men.  Mike videos the graduation ceremony and then edits it into a nice little memory video for the kids.  I forgot to take the camera.  We did a still shot on the video camera, but I don't know how to upload that from the camera, so . . . Ann's party was on Tuesday.  She had a  lot of fun.  It was a good little party.  We had Cafe Rio cater with a nacho bar.  It was delicious.  PS  if you feel dissed, don't, she didn't send out very many invites.  I had her hand write them and she got tired of it.  I did carry my camera in my pocket through the whole party and didn't take a single picture.  I feel sorry for third children. ...

I've spent the past school year as a student at MSUB.  It has been a lot of fun and I really enjoy being a student.  Now that I'm on Summer break, I'm beginning to wonder how I had time to be a student. Ann is graduating from high school on Monday, May 28.  That'll be three down, one to go.  I'm glad Chris is so far behind.  I'm not quite ready to be an empty nester.   Also, new since the last post from eons ago, Mike retired from the Public Health Service and is working here in town (no more commute) with a surgical practice.  Making the adjustment to being on call has been a challenge, but having him in town and somewhat available is a BIG plus.  I can even walk the two blocks from campus to meet him for lunch! My parents are coming for Ann's graduation.  We always love having them visit. I hope this post posts!

Today we attended a taekwondo tournament.  Chris competed as a black belt!  He won a bronze in Forms; a gold in Breaking, and a silver in Fighting.  He did really well.  We are very proud of him.  Here are some pictures:  (Chris is wearing the blue pads in the fighting picture.)

Christopher earned his black belt last night.  He did really well.  He has improved his forms and techniques over the past six years he has been studying tae kwondo.  We are so proud of him!  Here are a few pictures.

I haven't blogged forever, but it was worth the wait, wasn't it? This is Ann at the ripe old age of 3 1/2. I love it. I am looking for photos to do a collage in the exercise room. This is going to be included! Such a sweet face. Ahhhh.

I want to share a couple of poems Chris wrote for school. My Halloween Eyes Behold Ebony wings on the back of a leathery dragon. The white gown of a Banshee who's scream waits behind the door. Warm, red, blood dripping off Dracula's teeth. A jet black cat hunched on a doorstep. A pale ghost floating across the street. A green lifeless Zombie waiting to feast on flesh. The unlucky trick-or-treaters who stumble upon the Zombie. The kids who think a prank on Dracula's house will be fun. A boy who trick-or-treats at the Banshee's door. My Autumn Eyes Behold Crisp leaves falling from the treetops. Red robins flying south for the winter. A golden field with kids in football uniforms. Glistening snow falling in the night and melting as it hits the ground. Children raking crimson, gold and brown leaves on their lawns. People jumping into piles of dead leaves. Red cars crushing leaves on the road. Orange pumpkins sitting in a patch. Black trucks load...

We finished the basement!  It is so nice.  We are really spending a lot of time down there as a family.  We especially enjoyed watching the Utes defeat Pittsburgh on Thursday.  It was an exciting OT game and we enjoyed every big screen moment! Emily and Mary are home this weekend!  All the little chickadees are back in the nest.  (insert great big happy face here.)  Chris had seven friends over on Saturday with their swords and shields.  I took them to the park and they played capture the flag and had wars and such for a couple of hours followed by brownies at our house.  I think every boy had a great time. Life is good.