First Day of School

We enjoyed our summer vacation. My goal was to really enjoy having the kids home and I really did (most days.) We did almost everything on our summer bucket list, but all good things come to an end. I think we were all ready to go back. The last week before school started there was a bit more fighting so it was time!

I make Jake join the girls in the back to school pictures every year. This was his first day for his LAST year of coursework for his PhD!

Brooke has Mrs. Rogers this year (Kaylee had her when she was in 1st grade too.) Brooke ended up with a lot of friends from last year in her class so we were excited about that.

Kaylee has Mrs. Carr. We weren't sure if there were any of her friends in her class until we got there.  I was so happy to see a friend come up to see Kaylee right away.

Saturday

It was our turn to help clean the church Saturday. The kids are always so excited to clean it. I wish they were so happy to clean our house.

Saturday was a big day for Brooke. She learned to ride a bike!! One of her goals for the summer was to ride a bike. We barely made it. (I think she could have it long ago but she was scared.)

Our goal for Kaylee was to get her to ride her bigger bike she got for Christmas. She was scared to ride it but finally decided it wasn't so bad.

Back to school Dinner

We had a back to school dinner just before it started. The kids always think it's fun to decorate and be a little bit fancy. 

  The kids had to set goals on what they want to learn and do this year.

Since Jake is in school too made him do it too.

10 years

Last week we celebrated our families 10th birthday! Jake and I have been married for 10 years! We had a busy night with Meet the teacher at the girls school so the kids joined us for a "romantic" candle light dinner.

It's been a fabulous 10 years. I'm so grateful to have such a great man by my side.

Art work

Jesus healing sick and blind people - by Austin.

Camping Trip

I have been wanting to go camping as a family all summer. We finally had a chance last week. We went to Sleepy Grass campground near Cloudcroft in New Mexico. It was a 4 1/2 hour drive there so we stayed 2 nights to make it worth the drive. (The kids wanted to stay one more night but I couldn't handle the lack of sleep.) 

We used our new 8 person tent and fit nicely. 

Our friends the Dormans came with us and the kids had a great time together. We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows for s'mores.

After dinner we and more play time the kids got ready for bed and we told stories around the campfire. It wasn't a great nights sleep. Brooke kept rolling into Kaylee and Emma woke up crying a few times. Austin slept like a champ though. I knew we wouldn't sleep well so it didn't stress me out too much.

After our delicious pancake breakfast (cooked over the fire) we went on a short hike.

The rough nights sleep caught up to Emma and she fell asleep pretty quick.

. We brought bubbles, walkie talkies, and binoculars and a small play tent for the kids. I loved watching them enjoy nature. They picked flowers, made fairy houses, and explored the campsite. They never complained about being bored or wanting to watch tv.

We went on a waterfall hike that afternoon. This was the same hike I did at girls camp (but we did a much shorter version.)

There was a path from the parking lot to our campsite. Emma took every chance she could get to bolt down the path to the car. 

The second night was much better until about 4:30 am when Emma started throwing up. Luckily we brought Austin's little potty with us so I leaned her over it. The poor girl threw up then went back to sleep in her bed until 5 when she threw up again. She slept in my bed with me after  that and seemed fine the rest of the day.

It was such a fun trip (despite the lack of sleep.)  I loved being in the mountains enjoying nature. It was so relaxing to sit around the fire. Emma didn't go near it which was good. I hope we can go camping more often. I kept telling myself -it will be easier next year when Emma is older. She really was good but I had to hold her at meal times and chase her around. I didn't feel very helpful with meal prep and clean up since I had Emma to care for. Next year will be great.

Kaylee said she liked everything about camping but the bathrooms. I guess that means that it was a success!

Random pictures from my phone

I frequently find Emma curled up on Austin's bed reading books.

We are starting to limit Emma's binky to her bed. If she wants it she has to be in bed. Brooke likes to keep her company.

Austin was my hairstylist.

We took a few selfies.

Last week

Last Monday was the girls last day of gymnastics for the summer. They loved it and want to keep going but we'll have to see.

We had to pass Fluffy the school bunny on to the next family. We had her for a month and the kids really enjoyed her.

Painting is always a good time. Emma usually just watches but I let her paint this time and she make quite the mess.

I have felt a little bad for Kaylee this summer. I didn't get phone numbers of her friends from school and there aren't many girls her age in our ward. She's had to hang out with girls mostly Brooke's age. This week however we were able to have Kaylee's friend Olivia over. We went to the Science Spectrum and had a good time.

We have been listening to Harry Potter and he girls are really into it (which I love since it's one of my favorites.) July 31 isHarry  Potters birthday so we had a party! We made spell books, wands, made potions and the kids ran around casting spells. We ate "Bertie Botts's every flavor beans, birthday cake, and drank Pumpkin juice. 

We finished off the night watching Harry Potter.