Old School

I did it...somehow I survived my first week back to school (my house, sadly did not fair so well). And of course to top it all off, I had a crazy flower week. There were several times I questioned my sanity...why was I doing this to myself? But then I went to my dental hygiene introductory course, and I was so excited. I know it is going to be crazy at times (ok..probably all the time), but I have been waiting to do for a long time. I learned seveal things week....my yellow Jansport backpack from 1998, while a classic, is not as high tech as Makayla's backpack (no headphone pass through, ipod case, fancy laptop pocket, or cell phone pouch), that unlike BYU, people smoke and swear all around you, textbooks are still outrageously priced, and it is easy to find my car in the parking lot because I am the only one that drives a minivan.

Twirling

Fluffy white tutus, hair wrapped tight in buns,
tip toe, tip toe around the room, leap and spin for fun,
pink satin shoes, lipstick and rouge...
twirling and whirling, that's what little ballerinas do.

The pictures pretty much speak for themselves. The dressing room was a sea of white fluff. The best part was that the girls didn't have to put their tutus on until right before they went on stage....of course that wouldn't do, they all had them on as soon as they got there (about two hours before going on stage). It is alot of fun to watch Makayala be part of something she enjoy she really loves. (when I was little, I cried every time my mom took me to ballet... I didn't have the patience for it. I know, big shocker)

First Grade

It happened, we knew it would....summer vacation officially came to and end at about 6:30am:( Somehow we made it out the door and to school on time. Makayla was really excited when she got there and all her classmates started to arrive.

It took me back how different things were dropping her off this time. She is a first grader now...she knows the drill, where to go, what to so. Evan was two when she stated kindergarten, I remember holding him and trying to take pictures of her. This year...he wanted to wear his own backpack...all grown up.

Makayla had fun saying hi to all the kids she hadn't seen over the summer, but she kept searching the crowd for her best friend Pearl. They are so lucky to have each other.

They looked so much bigger then the kindergartners in line next to them. I am still amazed at how much things change in a year. All I know is that right now I can't wait to hear all about her first day as a first grader...

4th of July

This summer we have been busy doing a whole lot of nothing...just enjoying simple things and time together. For the 4th of July, we had a family BBQ at my parents with swimming and games. Fireworks are illegal in El Dorado County, so that night we headed down to the Folsom Rodeo... good times!

Megan (always the fun aunt) face painted stars on Makayla's cheek. The kids were very excited to find out what the Rodeo was all about. Makayla's Favorite part was the "pretty ladies with the painted horses"(trick riders).

The best part of the night was when they had all the kids come down to play a game. The kids were supposed to line up around the edge and when the announcer yelled go, they were suppose to run out and collect silver dollars and cow bells. Well, Evan didn't quit get the whole wait until he says go part, and went running out filling his arms with bells. He was so proud of himself. If you look closely you will see him in the middle with the red shirt (and the mean cowboy that made him put the bells back and line up). When they made him return his prized bells, the crowd booed...I don't think I have ever laughed so much...that boy!

One of the really neat parts was that they had a man jump from a plane with a huge American Flag...it was amazing! I love so many things about the 4th of July...so many people coming together (even if it involves cowboy boots and tight jeans)....teaching our kids respect and love for their country...the awe on my kids faces as fireworks light up the night sky...and truly appreciating all the sacrifices that made it possible for us to enjoy that wonderful moment.