August Catch-Up: New Family Member

Our house is more like a Zoo these days.  We have a new addition...Meet "Rocky" our 3 year old bearded dragon:

Janess begged for a lizard for months!
I told her if she could earn the $ she could have one;
It only took her a few days of working sun up to sun down and she had it,
much to my chagrin (I thought I'd have longer to prepare)! But she is in lizard love!

Janessa thought it was funny for "Rocky" to have rocks on him

The Zoo Keeper

August Catch-Up: First Day of School

Janessa started 2nd grade this year and Addie started Kindergarten! It was a big day for us!  Addie was nervous until we bought her new school shoes.  When I told her she would be able to wear them everyday at school she said, "Mom, I am so excited to go to Kindergarten now!" They are both very happy with their teachers and classmates and are already learning so much. It is strange for Brynlee and I to be home alone most of the day, but she has adjusted well to having the run of the house! The growing pains are a little harder for me, but I love seeing the growth in my sweet girls.

The school girls

Sweet new Kindergartner!

Confident 2nd grader

Our big girls

August Catch-Up: Addie's Birthday!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Addie turned 5 this year!  We had a fun family party with some of our good friends...

Hannah used her own $ this year and her gift was a hit!

Happy Birthday Addie Girl!  We love you forever!

August Catch-Up: The Joy of Girl Friends

We were blessed to have the Schaaf girls here in AZ again this year and we loved every second we had to spend with them! 

The whole gang!

SO much Attitude! What great 5 year olds!

August Catch-Up: Twirling Lessons

Addison taught Brynlee the art of twirling. Though I had to flinch as the collisions began, it was so fun to watch I had to pause, grab my camera, clap, and laugh!  Sisters are the best!

August Catch-Up: Hannah's First Day

On August 8th, Hannah started 4th grade at a new school.  Although she was a bit anxious about it at first, after her first say she said it looked like it might be "ok".  Now, almost one month later, she is happy about the change, though the homework load threw us all for a loop at first!  She has new friends she loves to hang out with and is really starting to show us new horizons in her academic abilities. Go Hannah!

Fun Times in July

For the last half of July we have been in scenic Utah.  We went to SLC so BJ could attend a conference for a couple of days.  While he was busy I took my kids to my old stomping grounds in Logan one day.  We went to my old apartment, which I am shocked is still standing!  We also visited Old Main hill, where we rolled until we couldn't stand and climbed all 195 stairs! And of course we stopped at the creamery for some delicious ice cream to cool us down.

My "True" Aggies!

                           

The kids were shocked when I told them
I went sledding down this hill on my mattress!

The Logan Temple from Old Main Hill

While in SLC, BJ took the kids one evening so I could go to dinner with my Grandma. It was so fun to have her all to myself and not have the four kids to distract us.  She is a kindred spirit! I am so blessed she is my Grandma!

Our little hitchhiker!

Dinner at the Mayan

My childhood home. That big tree was just 2 feet tall when I lived there!

The last day, we went to Temple square.  At first I thought my kids, at least the younger two, would not appreciate the history and spirit of Temple Square, but none of them were ready to leave when it was time.  It was such a blessing to our family to see the amazing things the Church is doing for the good of all our brothers and sisters around the world.

"Sometimes, right in the middle of an ordinary life,
 Love gives us a Fairy Tale."

After SLC, we headed south to see the McIlnay clan. We camped and fished, roasted S'mores, played games and just loafed around in general...It was SO nice!  We even got to see a parade celebrating the 24th of July!

I don't think Travis is too keen on sharing...

Adorable nephew Tanner

Waiting for the candy to fly

We had such a great time "up North" and truly enjoyed the cooler weather and green landscapes! It was hard to come home to the 112 degree weather, but we adjusted quickly by living in the pool and reestablishing a routine. There really is, "No place like home."