The Rules of Pre-School

Kenzie has patiently been waiting for her turn to start school. She doesn't have to wait any longer, because today, my BABY, started Pre-school. This little girl has been looking forward to seeing her teacher and friends from last school year. I am hoping this year to be full of learning and growing as she prepares for Kindergarten next year. I plan on helping in her class once a week which still leaves 2 days (2 hours each day) that I will have "all to myself". I'm sure I will fill that time with lots of stuff, but I'm hoping it will mostly be used for chilling out!:) In all honesty, I'm going to miss my little buddy a ton, and while she is having fun at school, I will probably be bored!

She is growing taller and prettier by the day!
I was talking with Kenzie this afternoon about her first day and she started telling me about the rules she is to follow while at school. Some of these obvious rules are: No Hitting, No Pushing, No Fighting, and Say Excuse Me. Then she told me a rule that I'm not sure I've ever heard before. She said, "And don't bart (this is how she says "FART") on no one!" I laughed my head off! I'm pretty sure she made that one up...what a little stinker!:)

Back To School

The first day of school is always exciting! The older girls have been so anxious to get back into the school routine again...oh wait, that's me!:) I am always glad when school gets out, but by the end of the summer, boy, am I ready for it to start again. They were so happy to go this morning. I went to the school to make sure they knew where they were going. As I was leaving, sweet Karley came running up to me in tears saying she is going to MISS me. Broke my heart in two! I will definitely miss their help and company at home...it's going to be quiet. They are ready to learn! I know they will work hard and be good students. We look forward to a great school year! Karley is in 3rd grade and has Ms. Durfee. She has such a good attitude. She is already planning on being the "class clown". She is definitely one funny girl!

Kynlee is in 5th grade and got the teacher she wanted, Mr. Dias. Matthew had him a couple of years ago and loved him. She is so excited that I am going to be the Room Mom...yay me!

I love these girls! They are as sweet as they look!

Gotta love the bus when it stops right out front!

Junior High...Oh My

I think I am still in shock that Matthew is old enough to be in Junior High...aahh! That means that I am getting old!:) Last week, in preparation, we went and showed him where his classes are and made sure he could open his locker. It was so cool! Matthew was both excited and nervous this morning, but boy did he look good! The way they do it here is that today just the 7th graders go and then tomorrow just the 8th and 9th graders go. On Friday they all go. I guess it gives the "Sevies" a chance to get used to things before throwing everyone in. I totally teared up as he was walking to the bus stop! It doesn't seem that long ago when I was sending Matthew off to Kindergarten. He's growing up way too fast! It's hard for me to let him go, knowing that I can't watch over him at school anymore. All I can hope for is that what he has been taught will help him in this new adventure of life and that he will stand up for what he believes in. I love you Matthew! I'm glad you had a good first day of Junior High! In case you were wondering, the graffiti on the locker is NOT real!:)

Last Day Of Summer

We got discounted passes, through Matt's work of course, for LAGOON Adventure! We were able to cram it in just before school started. Before we headed over there, we stopped by the Middle School where Grandma Slider works, and decorated her car for her Birthday. She loved the surprise! The kids really look forward to their one day at Lagoon. Each of them behave so well, that it makes it an enjoyable experience. We all have so much fun! Kenzie patiently chills out at the rides she can't go on yet, and the older kids willingly ride with her on the ones she loves. I have some brave and daring kids. They go with Matt and I on all the best rides. We were there 11 hours and left exhausted! We had a blast!

Happy Birthday Grandma Slider! We love you!
WE

LOVE

GOING

TO

LAGOON!

These are a few of our favorite rides!

Merit Badge Awards

Matthew participated in a Court of Honor and was presented 4 merit badges that he earned while at Scout Camp this summer. He earned: Citizenship in the Nation, Wilderness Survival, Pioneering, and Astronomy. Matt taught the boys the Pioneering Badge, which included building a monkey bridge. The boys thought it was awesome! Matthew needs to earn 3 more badges and he'll receive his Star Rank. He is pumped and has the goal of earning his Eagle by the time he's 14. Way to go Matthew!

Past And Present Adventure

As if my summer hasn't already been full of adventure, I found some time to use free admission coupons Matt got through work and take the kids on an outing. First, we visited The Utah Museum of Fine Arts for an artistic adventure. It was full of crazy and cool paintings and impressive collections. The kids had their first encounter of painted women's breasts. We quickly walked through that area as Matthew rolled his eyes in embarrassment...oops!:) We had a little picnic and play time at Liberty Park and then headed to one of our favorite places, the Tracy Aviary. We love seeing all of the cool and amazing birds they have. We went to the Bird Show and got up close and personal with some of our aviator friends. The highlight of the trip was feeding the colorful Sun Conures. I love having little adventures with the kids!

This is a video clip of us feeding the Sun Conures. It was so fun!

There's No Place Like Home

We love visiting Arizona! It's a trip we look forward to each time we make it! It will always be home for me, since all of my family is there. It was quite the reunion this time when Matthew and I got to my Mom's. The girls had already been there for a week, so of course we were anxious to see them, but also my sisters, Kristy and Natalie, and Karissa with her cute bunch ran out to welcome us. It really meant a lot! We were there 3 weeks and spent most of our time with my family. We swam all the time...I love the heat and sun, plus we all got nice tans!:) We headed out to church in Queen Creek a couple of times and loved seeing our good friends from the old Ward. We are so thankful for everyone putting up with "company" for so long and going out of their way to keep us entertained. We made lots of good memories. It is so nice to know that even though we live far away, the love of family never dies. In fact, I think it gets stronger with every trip, because the goodbyes are getting harder to say. We love and miss you all so much!

We loved seeing the Hopkins cousins just about everyday! These guys have so much fun together! Here they are, hot and sweaty, at Bounce U!
Kenzie crawling through a tunnel.

Karley knows how to have fun!

Brigg is putting on his gear!

Kenzie and Tate are 5 weeks apart. They are cute little buddies!

I love my cute sisters, Karissa and Natalie! Sorry, Kristy, I never got a picture with you...I still love you too!:)

We had so much fun with Deacon and Baron too! They are so cute! We got to stay at their house a couple of nights. We had a blast at Peter Piper Pizza and loved swimming in their pool. Thanks Nathan and Tally!

Kynlee loves her new cousin, Harlow!

Swimming in Grandpa's pool...so fun!

Thank you so much Grandmama for everything you did for us. I know we stayed a LONG time, but we enjoyed every minute. We had so much fun swimming, going to the movies, making crafts, playing with Sophie (the puppy), and hanging out with Aunt Natalie! I'm glad you and I got to go to the temple and lunch. I really enjoyed that alone time with you. Thanks for the love and care you show my kids. You are wonderful and we love you so much!

We had fun with Grandpa and Grandma Debbie! We enjoyed pool parties, bowling, watching "G-Force", and visiting. We even got to see Great Grandma Nikolaus, which is always a treat! I went to a couple of "Spinning" classes with my Dad...they kicked my butt! Thank you so much for all you did for us. We love you guys!