The end of Elementary School

Today Lance and I watched our children walk to the bus. They were so excited for school today--the last day--field day--water games day--I don't need a backpack day. We waved bye to them and told them to have a blast. Watching Kamryn walk away was a little sad and a little exciting. Today is her last day of elementary school. Yesterday was her 5th grade graduation. It was really great. She was so happy. She had a good year, with the exception of a life lesson, and had a good teacher. She is ready to move on. A couple months ago I thought I wasn't ready for her to move on, but that changed when we went to the middle school open house last month. It was an awesome experience for her and seeing her face light up at everything about middle school changed my sadness into excitement for her. So, this morning, yes I had a twinge of sadness watching my first baby walk to the elementary school bus for the last time. But...the fun is just about to begin for Kamryn!

Halli Our Palli

I was looking through pictures just now on our computer and saw this one of Halli 4 years ago. She may be older now, but this is truly Halli---bright blue eyes, big smile, and spunkiest girl I've ever met.

Chrissa and Josephina

For the past 3 Christmases, Nana and Grandpa have given Kamryn and Halli American Girl dolls. They are treasured in our house and played with often. Here are the newest additions...

Christmas...2 months later

I have been thinking I should add to our blog for the last 3 months, but there is always a miniature person or chore that needs my attention. Anyway, we had such a great Christmas. It was so simple and so quiet and so perfect. I remember last Christmas thinking "Next year we will have an almost 1 year old. How strange..." And then all of a sudden, it was Christmas again and we had an almost 1 year old. It was just the 6 of us and we had a late start to the day and a slow morning. We did very little for Christmas this year, so there wasn't a pile of gifts. I think we will make that a new tradition. It was so nice to slowly open presents and let the kids just play and enjoy and appreciate the gifts they received. We talked with family members and one of the best things about the day was a call from my brother Matt, who is in Afghanistan for a while. It was so wonderful to hear his voice and be reminded of what is really important at Christmastime and all the time. I love Christmas--the music, the lights, the spirit it brings, the peace, the fireplace going when it's cold outside, watching each child's face as they open the gift they have been hoping for, being together, no work or school. It's my favorite time of year.

Halloween!

We had such a fun Halloween! Our second Halloween with cousins from Idaho Falls and Meridian. And that is the funnest way to do Halloween! Kam, Halli, and Zack were anticipating it for weeks. Kamryn and Halli knew for a while what they wanted to be for Halloween--Kamryn was Lola from Hannah Montana and Halli was a soccer player. Zack, however, couldn't decide. As soon as he heard his cousin Tyler was going to be Luigi, the decision making was over. He decided he just had to be Mario. They were funny to watch together.

Jaxon wore monster pajamas and he definitely makes a good monster. A sweet monster.

Our Halloween fun started with dinner with cousins where they got a free kids meal at Sizzler for dressing up in their costumes. Then we went trunk or treating at the cousins' church building. We finished up with trick or treating in their neighborhood. It was a great night! Thanks Amy and Derek and cousins!

Fun with Jax!