Another School Year Begins.....

We had our traditional back to school feast (inspired by nie nie although I don't go as fancy as her).  It is a fun night where we eat some good food, talk about our theme and then do Father's blessings.  We had stroganauf this year, plus homemade rolls, corn on the cob, peaches and frozen hot chocolate for dessert.  We were stuffed.  We usually have the feast outside but it was cold that day.  The kids each got a journal and eraser.  They were excited.

Then the first day of school arrived.  This year we have 8th grade, 7th grade, 4th grade and preschool!  The kids were mostly happy to go back (ok only kindof).  They got great teachers and I'm sure it's going to be a great year!

Preschool didn't start till the following week but so far, so good.  Mack likes it I think and is starting to make some friends.  He loves the playground the most and wants to play everyday after school-- it's hard to pull him away!

His school doesn't allow backpacks and that's why he has this little white tote.

The bigs kids of course headed off to middle school on the first day and I hung around with Macey until the bell rang.

She was excited to see some of her friends!

The best part of the year though is cousins to walk with and see at school!  Between us, the Blodgett's and Danny and Christy we have 5 kids there and each grade represented!  Yeah!

Heading out of Pawnee!

It's always bitter sweet sending these kids off.  I hate not knowing all that goes on in their lives but I love watching them grow and learn and face challenges and overcome.  I love the people they're becoming.  Next year we have high school... praying this year goes slowly!!

Back to School 2012

We have done a back to school special dinner for a couple of years now (of course inspired by Nie Nie- hers is always beautiful).  

But this years was just the best for some reason.  I think it's because it was very simple.  I bought flowers and special drinks.  We had Cheese Tortellini which we never have, and breadsticks which the kids love.  We moved our patio table onto the grass and threw a table cloth on it.  

It was so easy and so nice.  We ended up sitting out there until it got dark just enjoying being together.  Of course Dave gave the kids fathers blessings to start the school year off right.  I highly recommend this tradition.  

And if you haven't seen Nie Nie's this year, go and look- she really is amazing.

The chocolate cake was my favorite... that's why it's the only thing I really got pictures of!

 I could have eaten the whole thing myself.

Mack ate his dinner so fast and then when I got him out of his chair he proceeded to climb onto everyone else's chair and beg for sips of their drink, or bites of their food.  The kid is persistent.  And everyone pretty much gives him what he wants.  When he wants a taste of something he opens wide and says "aaaahhhh."  It really is hard to resist. 

But we make him give us kisses for it at least.

The next day was school!

We had such a long summer and we were all ready for a schedule!  

This year we have 2nd, 5th, and 6th grade.  Two new schools to learn about including bell schedules, pick up spots, rules and much more.  It's a little overwhelming but we'll get it all figured out soon.  

The kids had a good first day.  They have all, thankfully, made some good friends from church so they had a few familiar faces to look for!  And both Logan and Macey got great teachers (from what I've heard!).  Lexi has like 5 different ones and I hear they're all ok.  She loves having a locker and changing from class to class.  There's also a snack shack with yummy stuff to buy AND they can sit wherever they want to eat- she was excited.

And now the busy-ness of life starts.  Soccer, dance, piano, scouts, school play, volleyball and homework!  I am ready for it though and thankful that my kids get to participate in lots of fun things.

Now me and my best buddy Mack are getting stuff done around the house during the day!  And running errands!  And feeling organized!  And enjoying some quiet time!

It's going to be a good year.

The Girls Trip 2011

(the group shot... please keep in mind we had all just woken up... should have planned that better.)

(the story behind this photo is we had three cameras set up on one suitcase to do the self-timer. For no reason, Angie's camera started to slip and then crashed to the floor JUST as my camera fired a shot- We were all screaming over her camera falling....how hilarious is that? Answer: very hilarious).

Girls Trip 2011- otherwise known as "Oinkfest 2011". We had a great time! A couple of months ago I was telling Julie I wanted to see her before the babies come. I also wanted to see Kim and Ang because I didn't get to see them at Christmas. And I pretty much just wanted to see everyone since it's fun and I'm having a baby soon and will be homebound for awhile. Next thing I know Julie found us a great condo in St. George Utah and the planning began!

My friend Shally told us all the great places to eat and things to do. It was awesome. We ate like never before (ok I have eaten that much before but still...) and we laughed so much. It was a blast to be together without kid and husband interruptions. I hope we can do it every year.

What we did:

- Church historical museums- Brigham Young Winter Home, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers museum, and Jacob Hamblin home. Don't laugh. I love hearing pioneer stories and being where they were, seeing how they lived, and being grateful I live today and not back then! The museums were great.

- Food: a couple of places were to die for- 25 Main, and Bear Paw Cafe for breakfast. So delish. I'm still dreaming of the pizza I had at 25 main. Oh and the chocolate stuffed french toast at Bear Paw.

- Pedicures. We found a very nice, new salon with a man that could give a leg massage that almost made me cry it felt so good.

- Movies and lots of dessert. Lounging in the master suite together, playing a questions game that was fun and just talking about girl stuff, of course.

- Saw the St. George temple- so pretty.

- Shopping. I only bought clothes for baby boy. And please do not be jealous but I saw some real live polygamist women walking around with their big bangs and long dresses. One even smiled at me. I tried to get a picture but I am a clumsy idiot these days and it didn't happen. I was upset. Next time for sure.

- Bottom line: I am completely blessed to have these girls in my life. Each one of them is sweet, kind, intelligent, easy to talk to, beautiful, and funny. If they weren't my sisters (and mom) I would definitely choose them as friends and that is just awesome wouldn't you say? I am lucky. Now, no pressure to my littlest brother (who is only 16) but he better marry someone that fits in!

(notice my cankles)

THE END.