First Day Of School 2010

Well, it is finally that time of year again. It sure is a bittersweet time, isn't it? This year the kids are all going to a new school. One that requires uniforms. I will be the first to admit, shopping for uniforms is boring. It got old, really quickly. But, look how cute they are!

I just love how even though they are essentially wearing the "same thing", you can still see three distinctive personalities. FYI: ties are not part of the uniform, that's just how Ethan likes to roll. I love it.

Isn't she adorable? I wanted to roll her in sugar and eat her, she looked so cute. She is a big time FOURTH grader this year. Crazy!
Ryland is a big FIRST grader this year. That means he is gone all day! I miss his joyful energy around our house and his constant badgering to play a game with him, any game! Yeah, he's cute like that.
Ryland made me crack up in this photo. He kept standing on his tippy toes trying to be as tall as Ally. He is actually really close to her height, he just failed to notice that her mary janes have a bit of a heel. So, she was kicking his butt without even trying.

This dude is the kicker this year! He is in SIXTH grade, Middle School! Talk about insanity! I can't believe I am old enough to have a middle schooler. We are talking lockers, band, no recess, the works! It's crazy!

Have you seen the movie, Diary of a Wimpy Kid? My kids have, a few times. Well, anyway, the kid in the movie talks about how only the cool kids wear their backpacks on one shoulder. Never both straps. Well, when Ally saw that Ethan was trying to wear his heavy laden backpack on just one shoulder, and was having a bit of a hard time of it, she teased him mercilessly that he was trying to be cool. Here are a few photos of his efforts.

Isn't that a HUGE backpack? I think it weighed more than he did. Welcome to middle school bud.

Here is hoping you have another great year kids! Good Luck and love ya!

Wordless Wednesday: NO!

Swinging Rocks!

While we were camping in Mantua, the kids found an amazing rope swing over in the other part of the campground. They frequented it often. When our time in our campsite was done and we were all loaded to head home we drove over there as a family and had one last swing. It's an awesome swing site. It is under a huge canopy of trees with a huge open area for the swing to go. You can go in circles, or twist and twirl or just go back and forth, it's awesome. In order to get on the swing you have to climb these big trees that are down, then you can either jump off or have someone push you really hard to get going. Here are some of the photo highlights of our last swing.

Ethan mid-story of his latest swinging experience. Remember the phrase, "A picture is worth a thousand words"? I think this applies. Crazy, cute kid.

I Think It Is Time........

Quite a few months ago I went into the kitchen and found that the cord of my cell phone charger had been cut. With a knife. What? How? When? What?!? all went through my mind, followed very rapidly by WHO!?! Turned out it was Ethan, apparently when he used the steak knife to cut a slice of cheese it also sliced through the cord laying nearby. He got a "Why didn't you tell me?!" pass when I found out that Nate had been informed. Nate of course used it as an opportunity to work on some electrical merit badge or some such nonsense and they "fixed" it with electrical tape. Whatever. As long as it worked. Well, fast forward to this week. I started noticing that the cord was being finicky and that it wouldn't charge unless the cord was laying just so. A day or so after that I saw sparks flying and figured that wasn't a good sign. It wasn't until my cell lay lifeless for over 24 hours that I finally felt compelled to go out and get a new charger. Yeah, that's how my life works sometimes, just thought I would give you a glimpse of my reality. Hope it makes you feel better about yours! :)

Photo Shoot Sunday: Mantua Part Two

This Photo Shoot Sunday I bring to you another photo shoot from our Mantua camping trip. These photos were taken on our last morning there. We had so much fun.

Four in 27

As you might have noticed there was no Flashback Friday this week. I was a little busy taking care of someone that needed taking care of.

A few weeks ago Nate's left foot started hurting, we thought maybe he got something stuck in his foot. He went to a podiatrist, Dr. Walker, and he couldn't fix it without getting inside of the foot. So, that brings us to today. We were gone most of the day to Ogden Regional. Once Dr Walker got inside he found that instead of something being stuck in Nate's foot he actually had a pinched nerve and an inflamed vein. He fixed it. Nate will have stitches for ten days and have to wear a boot for about three weeks. Something tells me more good times are ahead. :)
He is a bit of a stinker, isn't he? This is surgery number four in 27 months.

Nine

(the next Vanna White, showing off her bike while camping in Mantua)

Today my Lally-Girl turns nine. Nine! I can hardly stand it. Where does the time go? It seems like last night was the first time I held her in my arms. In nine more years she will be preparing to take off and leave me behind, I am not ready for that. If it feels like only yesterday she was born, it definitely feels like she will be leaving tomorrow. Time moves too quickly for my liking.

Anyhow, I love her tons. She is such a fun daughter and friend to have around. She is full of spunk, kindness and love and our family would be lost without her. Happy Birthday Ladybug!

Favorite Color: red, purple, and pink

Favorite Food: pizza, and strawberries

Favorite TV Show: Hannah Montana, She-Ra Princess of Power, Punky Brewster, Little House on the Prairie

Favorite Song: A Child's Prayer

Favorite Thing To Do: play with my friends, and our new kittens, play the wii, and ride my bike

Favorite Movie: I don't really have a favorite movie, I like all movies. Well, except boy movies.

Favorite Book: Pinkalicious