Porter Noah Burk

Jeff and Kendra's newest addition arrived on May 13th. Maya was really excited to be able to hold baby Porter and so was Jill. While we were there, the kids played outside racing up and down the sidewalk. Parker driving the big three-wheeled bike with Maya sitting on the seat while Payton raced to catch-up on his bike. Both Parker and Payton have been riding bikes for a while now with no training wheels. I think Payton broke (or at least tied) Curtis' record of learning to ride a bike the youngest in our family at age 3. Although you still have to give props to Curtis for riding a big kid's bike with carpet wrapped around the bar for a seat. Here are some more pictures of Porter. Her are more pictures of the kids riding bikes.

You Know You're in Utah When...

The number of strollers and wagons outside the church is equal to the number of cars in the parking lot! This is right across the street from the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple. Soon, South Jordan will be the only city in the world to have two Temples! The Jordan River Temple is only 3.5 miles away and you can easily see the new Draper Temple across the valley.

Thanksgiving Point

On the day of the Dance America competition we had several hours between Maya's performance and the awards ceremony so we decided to go to Thanksgiving Point. Maya really enjoyed petting and feeding the animals. We went on the wagon ride which was really quite boring. Granted, wagon rides are not usually classified as a thrill ride but I was hoping for a bit more than walking around in a big square consisting of three stretches of paved road. I think Maya had much more fun on the pony ride. Here are the rest of the Thanksgiving Point pictures.

Maya's Dance Competition

I am finally catching up on long lost posts. I started this one but it took me a long time to go through the pictures and of course life got in the way. Back on April 26th! Maya had her first dance competition. She has been taking a dance class at the before/after school place that she goes to, The Winner School. Apparently they really get into the whole competition scene which I guess is quite a big deal. This competition was the Dance America Nationals which sounds pretty official and and sure seemed like it was a big deal, but I really don't have any clue. There were hundreds of competitors and hundreds more spectators at the Juan Diego High School in Draper all day long. Once again I viewed this as another challenging environment to figure out how take a decent picture. A dark auditorium with random bright spots on the stage, fast moving dancers and no flashes allowed is most definitely a challenge. Why is it that the best pictures are not the ones of my daughter? Maya's dance was at the beginning of the morning but we almost missed it since we were in the gym instead of the auditorium. Luckily Maya's dance instructor recognized Emily before it was too late. Maya had been threatening the night before not to dance at all. Some how she talked it over with Emily and decided that she would at least go and decide once she was there. She worked up her courage and did a great job. Afterward we went to breakfast with her and Emily at Johanna's Kitchen. MMMMmmmmm Scones! Then we decided to kill some time before the Awards Ceremony by going to Thanksgiving Point and seeing the baby animals. Stay tuned for that post... The awards ceremony was confusing and anticlimactic. I think Maya's group won 2nd place in their category and their school won two big (4 foot tall) trophies for something! I was amazed at all the production, fuss, and Money! that goes into this stuff. I'm hoping she decides that soccer or lacrosse would be funner that this expensive 'sport'. I guess I can't complain too much, but I'm selfish! I want my money spent on my expensive 'sports'! Here are the rest of the Dancing Pictures.

Need Help

So, I have decided that Corey's blog "ShakasBlog" is no longer just Corey's blog and therefore it is time to create a new blog name. I am turning to those whom I love who also enjoy the blog world. I have absolutely no idea what our new name should be so am asking you for assistance. I of course want something super cute and catchy but not cheesy and boring. And of course have no talent to create something like that. So, if you wanted to help out your uncreative friends we would love any suggestions. And look forward to the new name. (by the way Corey doesn't know I am posting this. hee hee)