Brayden's 10th Birthday

My baby boy is turning ten on Monday....not such a baby anymore is he? Still though, how did he get to be ten already?

He really wanted to do a friend party at the bowling alley....which I thought would be great since I wouldn't have to plan games and other entertainment. The kids we invited are a great bunch...mostly from our ward. And we ended up being the only ones at the place...so it was great.

The bowling alley has come a long ways since my days in high school. It has new owners who have really cleaned the place up. The smokey smell is totally gone, the lanes are new and the staff is friendly and helpful. And the prices are super, super affordable.

I think I'll be doing all the kid's parties here.....it was way too easy!

Back to School

Yesterday was the first day back to school. Brayden started 4th grade and his teacher is Mrs. Hatch. Madison is in 2nd grade and her teacher is Mrs. Schoenfeld. Spencer is starting Kindergarten but it wont start until September 3. Both of them love their teachers and had a wonderful first-day. I can't tell you how relieving it is to know that my children are happy with school.

And yes...I will be alone every afternoon. Every one keeps asking me what I will be doing with all my free time. Well, at first I intend to enjoy every moment of it and do some things I've been longing to do....every mother knows what I mean. I've signed up to be a substitue and look forward to being busier with that. I also need to work on several requirements for the Elementary Education program that I plan on entering next year. I've signed up to volunteer in each of my children's classrooms...so that will be what keeps me the busiest. I love school....and I love being involved.

It's What Fun Is.....Lagoon!

This was the first time we've taken our kids to Lagoon. The moment they laid eyes on it they proclaimed they had gone to kid heaven.

We went with Tyler's brother Devin and his family. The kids were jumping rides non-stop and I was amazed with their courage. Brayden, Madison and Spencer all rode the old, white roller coaster with me. I was like 15 the first time I rode it....so yes, I was amazed.

We had so much fun with Devin and Jade. The trip just wouldn't have been as fun without some cousins.

Tying Shoes

It has been a real struggle for Maddi to learn to tie her shoes. I think it's due to the fact that she is a lefty...so some things are just harder.

Well, the end of the school year, her 1st grade teacher informed the class that 2nd grade teachers don't tie shoes for 2nd grade students. Maddi was instantly terrified. And then to add to the problem, she picked out new school shoes that had laces. So we sat down one night and practiced and practiced. And she did it! Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a child do something on their own for the first time. Bring on 2nd grade....Maddi is finally ready.

Back to School Shopping

We did all of our school shopping online. I find it a whole lot more stress free than the in-store shopping. The kids still had fun picking out their shoes and shirts and book bags and they love it when the UPS man comes. Yes...I know it's a bit lazy but I promise that some day when they are more into clothes...we will do the city thing. Next week we get to go to Lagoon....we'll play and swim and not even think of clothing stores!

A Camping Trip with the Olsens

I know, I know...enough with the camping trips. But it really is what we do best. This past weekend we went for a one-nighter with our good friends the Olsens who happen to also be our favorite neighbors. Eric and Tyler slept in the tent with all the kids (except of course for baby Abbie) while Elizabeth and I (and baby Abbie) slept in the camper. We had so much fun staying up til 2:00 a.m. visiting.

We took the kids to Moose Pond for fishing. Spencer and Brayden caught two small fish which I happened to miss because of a potty break.

This summer has been incredibly good to our mountain. Usually everything is so thirsty by now. But because of the good rains from June...the mountain is still very green with abundant wild flowers.

This trip is probably one of our final camping trips....but we do hope to fit in a few more day trips. What can I say...we're addicted to nature in a modern make-sure-I-have-a-camper-toilet kind of way.