Off They Go!

Hooray!

First Day of School!

Here's my girl - she's a pro at this school thing now.
She's pretty confident about what to expect and we hear that her teacher is really great.
The first grade is really big this year for some reason (Leah's class has 30 students!) so they will probably create a new class sometime in the next couple of weeks - we'll see how things go.


And here's my big kindergartner. He is so excited to go to school like Leah - and she's spent the last two weeks explaining all the ins and outs of kindergarten to him. Lincoln was lucky enough to get the only male kindergarten teacher - which he thinks is pretty cool. I was excited about that too, because I got to know him last year and thought Lincoln would do really well in his class - but I was afraid to hope for it since he actually taught 1st grade last year and I wasn't sure if that would continue this year.

We were stopped on the way in to school by one of the local news stations asking us what was most exciting about starting school. I'll post the link if we make the cut :)

While I didn't get emotional this year, I will admit to feeling like I just wanted to stay and watch and make sure everything would be okay. Well, only a couple more hours and I'll get to hear all about it.... stay tuned!

Time Flies...

When you're having fun!

It really doesn't seem like it's been 10 years since the day I married my best friend


Our family is now a bit larger
and much more unruly

Life has had its ups and downs, but we are excited to see what the future holds
Grateful for the covenants we've made and the promises of what lies in store
Happy to hold hands and laugh together through whatever comes our way.

Pioneer Day

Yesterday was Pioneer Day and our stake had a big celebration to commemorate the occasion. The kids were so excited to get dressed up as pioneers - I think they asked me if it was time to get ready about every 20 minutes... all... day... long...
Finally, it was time to get dressed up and head out.


Lincoln helped his friend JD with the covered wagon in the parade.

"For some must push and some must pull"


And Leah hitched a ride in a handcart.

The youth used these for their Pioneer Trek a couple of weeks ago and it looks like they held up pretty well! Considering all the work that went into them, I wouldn't be surprised to see them make an appearance every Pioneer Day.


Afterward, we cooled off with every pioneer's favorite treat...

SNO-KONES!!!
(Yes, that is the proper spelling - it says so right on the cup)

We had a great time and it was a fun way to remember all that was sacrificed for us so we could worship as we do today. Peter was named after a great-great-great grandfather who crossed the plains with his family when he was 14. The kids love to hear the story of his life and this activity kind of helped to put it in context.
We're looking forward to next year already!

Reunion

My dear sweet husband took a few days off work last week so I could escape for a little (much needed) girl time with some of my roommates from BYU days. We missed those who couldn't make it, but had a fabulous time!

I flew into Oakland Thursday evening and on Friday morning Jennie and I drove down to San Luis Obispo where we met up with Shannon and Melinda and stayed in a gorgeous historic house right in the heart of downtown. We were all in love with the beautiful detailing throughout the house - and especially with the kitchen which was the perfect blend of updated appliances and restored original fixtures.

While we spent most of our time talking and laughing, we did squeeze in a few other activities such as:

Hiking Montana de Oro
Unfortunately, the fog rolled in as we were climbing so our view disappeared! The flowers were beautiful, but this is what our view should have looked like...


Getting Chinese foot/body massages
(for you Lori!)


Going to a show of the Great American Melodrama near Pismo Beach



and walking on the beach at Morro Bay
Jennie's 2 month old baby joined us for the whole weekend, and Shannon's little boy missed his mama so he came along to the beach on Monday to give his grandma a break.

Sunday afternoon we were able to spend some time with Melinda's family who live there in SLO. We hung out with her brothers quite a bit at BYU as well so it was fun to see them again. These reunions (we try to get together every three years or so) have created some wonderful memories - I love seeing everyone and admiring their beautiful families and renewing these incredible friendships.

These amazing women truly helped me make the most of my time at BYU and create a home away from home. Hopefully next time we'll be able to draw in those who couldn't make it this year - mark your calendars girls! We'll see you in three years!

Journey Beyond

I think we have one of the best library programs ever! The theme this year is "Journey Beyond" and every week they have special events that teach kids how they can have an adventure through books with the help of their own imagination. We go at least once a week - sometimes twice since not all the branches have the same programs. So far this year we've learned about bugs and reptiles, musical instruments, dinosaurs, and dancing the hula. This week we saw a puppet show about Texas and created our own cowboy/cowgirl costumes.

Howdy pardner!