Spencer made it through his first day of kindergarten yesterday. He wouldn't pose for any pictures so I had to catch him off guard as he left the bus (which is why it isn't a great picture.) He liked school and was excited to go today so I hope that continues as they get into the nitty gritty of real school in the coming weeks. 
Thursday, August 28, 2008
1st bus ride to kindergarten
Spencer made it through his first day of kindergarten yesterday. He wouldn't pose for any pictures so I had to catch him off guard as he left the bus (which is why it isn't a great picture.) He liked school and was excited to go today so I hope that continues as they get into the nitty gritty of real school in the coming weeks. 
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
And the bell rings. . .
The school year has officially arrived. Rachel got on the bus for middle school this morning (5th - 8th grade.) I have to admit, I am a bit worried that she will be riding the bus every day with 8th graders. At the school, they separate the 5th and 6th graders from the 7th and 8th graders but they do have a long bus ride together which makes me nervous. Just think about yourself at 10 versus 14--that's a huge maturity gap. I already think she's growing up too fast. This experience will only accelerate it.
All of the parents showed up at the bus stop to wave good bye to the kids. Strangely, the bus windows are tinted so we couldn't see our kids once they climbed up the steps of the bus. We waved anyway and said a little silent prayer that the same smiling kids we sent on the bus will come down the steps this afternoon with a smiles on their faces at the end of the day.
Friday, we toured the school. It's enormous (three floors) so it will be a big change from the elementary school. Luckily, Rachel has two other girls that she knows in all her classes so I'm sure she will be just fine. The only glitch was that her locker wouldn't open. Hopefully, that will be resolved today. She left the school feeling nervous and excited at the same time.
Saturday, I became a soccer mom once again as I watched Rachel play three soccer games in her tournament. I enjoyed watching her play. I thought she would be exhausted after three straight games but she wasn't. She told me she could play another game with no problem. Playing on a traveling team will be a change from the YMCA for her but she absolutely loves playing on a team with a bunch of her school friends so it's worth it (I think. Ask me at the end of the season and you'll get the real answer.)
Spencer begins kindergarten on Wednesday and the twins start pre-school next week so this is just the beginning of the transitions for my kids. Everyone is starting a new school this year. I will have morning preschoolers, an afternoon kindergartner, and a middle schooler so I will spend a lot of time transporting and waiting for the bus. It will be a great year as long as I can stay organized. We shall see!
Spencer's so cute--he's very determined to get everything he needs for school. In fact, last night, he drew pictures of the things he needs: backpack, lunch box, etc. While naming them and checking them off on his paper, I thought it was adorable when he said, "Shot" and checked it off. He also told me yesterday that the getting his kindergarten immunizations "destroyed his muscles" but he was building them back up again. He just cracks me up. I know he's scared to go to school but he got a really nice teacher so that should help him.
Yesterday was a typical nightmare sacrament meeting. I'm not really sure what the talks were about--maybe family history? It took all my energy to keep the kids from being too disruptive. I still apologized to the people around me for my unruly children. The rest of the time at church was great. I got to substitute on the piano for primary the first hour and teach relief society the second hour. I love teaching because it gives me a reason to delve into a spiritual topic and I end up learning much more than I am able to share. Choir practice was fun despite the low turn-out. It will take a few weeks to get back into the groove after a four week break.
So now I wait for the bus to return and hope that Rachel loved school and can't wait to return tomorrow.
All of the parents showed up at the bus stop to wave good bye to the kids. Strangely, the bus windows are tinted so we couldn't see our kids once they climbed up the steps of the bus. We waved anyway and said a little silent prayer that the same smiling kids we sent on the bus will come down the steps this afternoon with a smiles on their faces at the end of the day.
Friday, we toured the school. It's enormous (three floors) so it will be a big change from the elementary school. Luckily, Rachel has two other girls that she knows in all her classes so I'm sure she will be just fine. The only glitch was that her locker wouldn't open. Hopefully, that will be resolved today. She left the school feeling nervous and excited at the same time.
Saturday, I became a soccer mom once again as I watched Rachel play three soccer games in her tournament. I enjoyed watching her play. I thought she would be exhausted after three straight games but she wasn't. She told me she could play another game with no problem. Playing on a traveling team will be a change from the YMCA for her but she absolutely loves playing on a team with a bunch of her school friends so it's worth it (I think. Ask me at the end of the season and you'll get the real answer.)
Spencer begins kindergarten on Wednesday and the twins start pre-school next week so this is just the beginning of the transitions for my kids. Everyone is starting a new school this year. I will have morning preschoolers, an afternoon kindergartner, and a middle schooler so I will spend a lot of time transporting and waiting for the bus. It will be a great year as long as I can stay organized. We shall see!
Spencer's so cute--he's very determined to get everything he needs for school. In fact, last night, he drew pictures of the things he needs: backpack, lunch box, etc. While naming them and checking them off on his paper, I thought it was adorable when he said, "Shot" and checked it off. He also told me yesterday that the getting his kindergarten immunizations "destroyed his muscles" but he was building them back up again. He just cracks me up. I know he's scared to go to school but he got a really nice teacher so that should help him.
Yesterday was a typical nightmare sacrament meeting. I'm not really sure what the talks were about--maybe family history? It took all my energy to keep the kids from being too disruptive. I still apologized to the people around me for my unruly children. The rest of the time at church was great. I got to substitute on the piano for primary the first hour and teach relief society the second hour. I love teaching because it gives me a reason to delve into a spiritual topic and I end up learning much more than I am able to share. Choir practice was fun despite the low turn-out. It will take a few weeks to get back into the groove after a four week break.
So now I wait for the bus to return and hope that Rachel loved school and can't wait to return tomorrow.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Overheard. . .
A discussion between Paul and Rachel after Rachel described her favorite outfit we purchased during our back-to-school shopping spree today.
Paul: "Why don't you just wear jeans and a t-shirt? That's what I wore to school.
Rachel: "That's because you are a boy! You don't understand. School is like a fashion show, sort of, especially on the first day. You have to look perfect."
Can you believe she's only 10 years old? I don't remember caring much about clothes until 6th grade (oh yeah, I guess I was 11--close enough) Rachel and I did have a great time shopping today. Paul worked from home so we could get a few things before school starts next week.
When we got home, Rachel had two friends over and Spencer had a friend over and all the kids spent the afternoon on the trampoline with the sprinkler and on the slide with the water making a water slide. I have absolutely loved the trampoline this summer! It has kept the kids happy and busy all summer. Between that and the pool, our summer has flown by and been wonderful.
Speaking of the pool, I am happy to report that Spencer passed the diving test on Monday with flying colors. He had to swim all the way across the pool and tread water for one minute. He not only swam across the pool for the lifeguard but did it another three times just for fun. When I think of how much coaxing I had to do to get him to do any swimming at all at the beginning of the summer, it is so amazing to me what progress he has made this year. After he passed the test, Spencer loved going down the slide and jumping off the diving board and I was so excited to see him. He is really growing up faster than I imagined was possible. Anyway, I do love the pool--it has kept my kids entertained this summer. While I was at the pool this week I thought how sad it is that the summer is ending with its carefree days to be replaced with the regimented busyness of the school year. Well, we have a few more days to enjoy the sun and we will.
Paul: "Why don't you just wear jeans and a t-shirt? That's what I wore to school.
Rachel: "That's because you are a boy! You don't understand. School is like a fashion show, sort of, especially on the first day. You have to look perfect."
Can you believe she's only 10 years old? I don't remember caring much about clothes until 6th grade (oh yeah, I guess I was 11--close enough) Rachel and I did have a great time shopping today. Paul worked from home so we could get a few things before school starts next week.
When we got home, Rachel had two friends over and Spencer had a friend over and all the kids spent the afternoon on the trampoline with the sprinkler and on the slide with the water making a water slide. I have absolutely loved the trampoline this summer! It has kept the kids happy and busy all summer. Between that and the pool, our summer has flown by and been wonderful.
Speaking of the pool, I am happy to report that Spencer passed the diving test on Monday with flying colors. He had to swim all the way across the pool and tread water for one minute. He not only swam across the pool for the lifeguard but did it another three times just for fun. When I think of how much coaxing I had to do to get him to do any swimming at all at the beginning of the summer, it is so amazing to me what progress he has made this year. After he passed the test, Spencer loved going down the slide and jumping off the diving board and I was so excited to see him. He is really growing up faster than I imagined was possible. Anyway, I do love the pool--it has kept my kids entertained this summer. While I was at the pool this week I thought how sad it is that the summer is ending with its carefree days to be replaced with the regimented busyness of the school year. Well, we have a few more days to enjoy the sun and we will.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Final day--South Fork--my favorite park in Provo Canyon
Spencer's just as excited as I am about our visit to my favorite park--South Fork--in Provo Canyon. The views are stunning and the wading's free and fun!
The kids wade in the icy cold waters of the South Fork
Rachel with her hat and sunglasses looking like a rock star trying to go incognito
One of the many beautiful mountain views
The beautiful creek, with its perfect depth for wading and exploring
Grandpa Dennis with his rolled up jeans gets a snuggle from Caitlin
Me with the kids (Rachel, me, Courtney, Caitlin and Spencer
Grandma walking with the twins in the crystal clear water
Rachel, looking as beautiful as ever
There's my cute parents, wading right alongside the rest of us
Playing in the grass next to the river
Vivian Park
This park is one of my favorites from childhood--the views of the mountains are spectacular and kids under 12 can fish and will usually catch a fish very quickly. Unfortunately, right as the fishing poles came out, so did the thunderstorm and we had to run for our car. At least the kids got to play at the playground and we enjoyed a nice picnic dinner before the storm.
During our vacation, Caitlin suddenly developed a fear of thunderstorms. Any time she heard a loud sound outside, she would come running to me and say she was scared of the thunder. Rachel attempted to describe why Caitlin was upset to her Aunt Jana when she said, "Caitlin has a pathological fear of thunder." We thought it was a cute description of Caitlin's pathological condition.
During our vacation, Caitlin suddenly developed a fear of thunderstorms. Any time she heard a loud sound outside, she would come running to me and say she was scared of the thunder. Rachel attempted to describe why Caitlin was upset to her Aunt Jana when she said, "Caitlin has a pathological fear of thunder." We thought it was a cute description of Caitlin's pathological condition.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ely, NV: Riding the train and visiting the Renaissance Village
Caitlin kisses her Daddy
Rachel loves her Aunt Emily
Rachel and Madelyn--favorite cousins
Caitlin and Spencer climbing aboard
Courtney handing the conductor her ticket
Riding the train
Don holding Spencer while he cools off with a rootbeer. It was sooo hot that day.
Rachel at the Renaissance village, relieved to have liquid going down her throat
At the park for lunch
Spencer with the train engineer
All Aboard
RachelSunday, August 17, 2008
Cave Lake, Nevada
Courtney and cousin Logan taking a walk at the lake
Courtney in front of the "mess hall" that looks like Camp Rock (should have taken a picture--oh well!)
This is one of my best pictures of Caitlin
Little cousins looking at the ducks
Paul and Rachel exploring the green lake (it was really emerald green) by boat
Spencer getting his paddle wet
The twins are ready for their ride in the canoe
The sparkling green lake, a real jewel in the Nevada desert
Canoeing is fun!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Day 2 at Bear Lake--A Day to Play
Best Cousins: Lexi and Rachel
Paul and Spencer Wave Riding
Rachel, doing some great knee boarding.
Basking in the glory of a great ride!
Lexi, Miles and Spencer riding on the gigantic tube which gave me whiplash when Kevin decided to knock us off (unsuccessfully) by doing the toilet bowl and the spin of death with the boat.
Captain Spencer
There's my girls, relaxing at the front of the boat
Coco
Can you believe the color of the water--yes, it looks exactly like this when you are out on the lake. It looks like a giant swimming pool.
Spencer shows off his muscles
Paul and Courtney
Gorgeous Girls
Rachel getting ready to knee board--she was so afraid but loved it once she tried it!
Rachel wading in the lake
Making sandcastles and finding shells 
Courtney and Caitiln take a dip
Notice Rachel's feet? Miles just dumped her into the lake! They had a lot of fun on the wave runner despite being dumped several times (intentionally.)
Music Corner
