First Day of School

There is something about the first day of school… Something that makes my heart so full.  No matter how old your children are when they go back to school there is a bit of anxiety.  Yesterday was no different.  The first day of school was full of firsts in my family..  Jordan started first grade.  Hunter went to middle school.  Kendall started a new school and Ryker started a new school.  I cried intermittently throughout the day as I thought of each of them in their new endeavors.  I am crying now just writing about it.  Sorry to Taylor, Reagan and Hayden…  it was old hat for you guys. 

Both Jordan and Taylor got excellent teachers which decreased my worry by a TON!  Jord was so excited and got up and could not wait to get dressed.

 

Taylor is in the cute student counsel group at her school called the Youth 2000.  They did an assembly on the first day of school and went early to greet the students.  Her group sang the National Anthem.  You know its first day of school emotions when you cry when 5th graders sing the National Anthem!   Taylor is such an incredible kid and has incredible friends! 

I always make my kids ride the bus on the first day of school.  The teachers are extra helpful that day and they easily learn their route.  But because Taylor had to be there early I drove my girls and some other neighborhood kids.  We also arrived to see Reagan get off the bus!

Sweet little Sicily (in the green) was so nervous she held my hand so tight! What a cutie!  

After school we participated in the 3rd annual Snack Shack.  One of my good friends sets up canopies in her yards and everyone in the neighborhood brings treats, drinks and popsicles.  The kids all get off the bus at her house and we have a little social.  It is SO fun and the kids look forward to it every year. 

Check out Jord!  First grade is such a big adjustment!  She had a great day!

It really does take a village and I could not live in a better village.  My kids have been blessed with wonderful friends to grow up with.  Friends who come from wonderful families!!

Hello and Goodbye!

Last Tuesday we were so blessed to welcome my sweet little nephew into the world Kyson Ryan Dattage.  He is the most beautiful baby boy and so special.  I get overcome with emotions when I see him!  He is so precious and straight from our Heavenly Father.  The kids all welcomed him into the world at the hospital.  Kendall was SO thrilled and is such a great big sister already.  When I asked Ryan what he looked like he said “he’s my kid, you know he is good looking!”  Go figure!!!

Kendall was able to be in the room after because she is a sibling.  Jamie was so brave!  She was in a lot of pain and did an incredible job!

Tay and Anders waiting to meet baby Kyson.

 

After we left the hospital we went to  a farewell party for one of my good friends.  As an adult I have never had a friend move that really made my heart ache… until now.  I love, love, love the Rigby’s.  They had girls the same age as mine and are wonderful, fun people.  Not to mention Heather makes the BEST cookies (Heath, if you’re reading please deliver on next trip to Logan!) Seriously, I will miss them so much!  When Taylor found out Preslie was moving she got on the computer to write her a note.  It started out by saying..  Preslie this news is devastating.  Here a  few photos in memory!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Jordi!

My sweet little Jordi turns 6 today!  I can hardly believe how the time flies.  In one short day I will be putting her on the school bus for 1st grade!  Jordan is an absolute riot to be around and always keeps me in stitches.  Jordan is absolutely always true to herself and ALWAYS says it exactly how it is.

Jordan has grown up so much this year.  She actually started to like skiing.  She participated in another round of swim lessons, took jump rope class, learned to read, rode all the “big” rides at Lagoon, lost 2 teeth, loved riding the horse and decreased the frequency of tantrums by at least 70%! 

Here are a few funnies from Jordan in the past few years that I can think of…

We are sitting at Stake Conference and we are watching the meeting via telecast.  Some members received some callings and etc and when the process was finished Jordan said (very loudly) to me, “How does that guy know if we object, he is not even really here”? 

“Mom, my most favorite part of everything is my family!”

“Mom, did you know Samantha is like my cousin friend?”  I then ask Jordan what that means.  “Welll, it’s like my best friend and my cousin, so like the best ever.”

Jordan’s 1st grade teacher met with each child and their parents individually.   During that meeting Jordan says to her “You know, I have 3 dads?  My “real” dad, my “Jeff” dad and Heavenly Father.”

This is Jordan to Kim.  Kim is taking the girls to the mini Caprielle clinic and talking about how much fun they are going to have learning a new dance.  Jordan says this “I am just in it for the pizza!”

Jordan’s favorite time of the day is the sunset.  She will often say “I just love this time when the sun is making the sky red.”

Jordan  had a family birthday party and a friend birthday party.  She has such darling girls her age in our neighborhood. 

 

 

Happy Birthday Jordi!  Thank you for making our days happy and so unpredictable.  Jordan absolutely lights up any room that she enters and I am so blessed to be her Mom!!

On another note, I have been a complete blog SLACKER.  So stay tuned in the next few days while I catch up on the events of the past week!!

Raspberry Days 2010

Raspberry Days is one of the highlights of our Summer.  The kids LOVE Bear Lake and love being in the parade.  This year we spent 4 days at the lake and truly loved every second (okay.. almost). 

On Thursday it was raining so we spent most of the day inside.  The parade was in the evening and the kids truly loved the parade.

I didn’t have my camera (I know, I suck!) but stole this photo off Kim’s blog.

What beautiful kids!  We threw 1000’s of pieces of candy and Jeff bought 500 Elden Dattage wrist bands.  What a great time!!

On Friday we went to the craft fair, played by the pool, some golfed and we went to the rodeo and celebrated my dad’s birthday.  When I referenced loving every second of the trip the exception was the rodeo.  It was raining and the wind was blowing, but we were brave.  At least everyone else was, I mostly just whined!!!

Playing by the pool..

 

Golfing…

The highlight of the freezing Rodeo was Samantha muttin bustin.  She was so cute!!!  Jordan was so concerned about her and after had to sit by her to make sure she was okay.

Big T got a Rhino some time back..  The kids are so spoiled they can’t walk the 2 blocks from the Laketown house to the Rodeo arena! 

Jordan, Kendall and Reagan also tried to catch a sheep..

After the Rodeo we went home and celebrated my Dad’s 65th birthday.  What a blessing to have such an incredible example as a father and grandfather.  My girls LOVE him and so do I!

On Saturday we participated in a 5K race, went to the not-so-good fireman’s breakfast and hung out by the lake.

Big T participated in her first 5 K ever and took 2nd place in her age division!  Way to go Mom!  Shea took 3rd place in his age division and is a super athlete!

We had a great day sitting by the Lake..  Check Kim’s blog for Jeff’s funny joke!  He may kill me if I post it.  It was SOOOO funny!!

Check out Miss Maelee’s swimming suit!  I love that girl!  I didn’t get many photos but the kids had a great time building castles.  Mitchell met up with some girls and built an incredible castle.  The kids also got in a huge water fight with Grandpa Elden.

Among all of the fun of Raspberry Days I appreciate most spending time with ALL of my siblings and their families.  I loved the last night laughs and talks…  I am already excited for next year.

Here is Ryker is one of our late night silly moments.  He is such a great kid and is growing up so fast!

WEIRDO!!!