First Day of School

Summer is finally over and the kids started school today. (They have 4 days they have to make up...bummer). The day started earlier than we have been getting up but the kids were up and ready with plenty of time!

Not the greatest pics as I had camera issues this morning. oh well.


Justin had a good day at school but couldn't believe that he had homework today. Nothing too serious but still, it was homework. He is looking so grown up!

And, in no particular order:


Darren wanted so badly to be in all the pictures. He was ready right along with the big kids. A few more years kiddo! You can't leave me too yet. I am not ready for that.

And, the REAL reason for the excitement of going to school? New shoes. I told the kids they couldn't wear them until the first day of school and the extra days they had to wait were torture! I am such a mean mom!

And, we're off!

I LOVED the walk up to school today. I missed that this summer. I really enjoy walking and talking with my kids. I LOVED the 1 on 1 time with my little guy. We had a good day today and he even got a nap! I LOVED the kids coming home from school and telling me about their day. It is going to be a good year.

End of Summer? NO! Strike, Strike, Strike!

Almost a month has gone by. I am not even going to catch up (I am a rebel). We have seemed to be fairly busy but really enjoyed our more relaxing August. Now it is September and school started on Wednesday...wait, no it didn't. It was suppose to start on Wed. but our summer vacation keeps going and going. It is all fun and games til the end of school when we will get out much much much later than everyone else!

Our teachers are on strike and we just found out that school is cancelled on Monday also. Argh. Maybe Tuesday they will get to go. Backpacks are filled and ready!

Meanwhile, we enjoyed what we thought was the last week of summer vacation. We swam at the lake and jumped off a bridge (well, Justin jumped).


We enjoyed the BYU vs Husky football game on Saturday with friends. So much fun was had by all except the Husky fans. (and us Ferndalians were disappointed in Jake Locker's performance.)

Aaron built me some shelves in my kitchen/utility closet that we just couldn't keep neat and organzied. But now, I LOVE it. It is very usable and my kids even actually put the vacuum away after using it now! Here is before:

As you can see, there is not a good system here. And this is after:


I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. I struggle with chaos in a room/closet, etc. It is OK only for so long and the 9 months we have lived here is long enough! Nice progress and proof that a little bit goes a long way!

Darren can't go anywhere lately without his flip flops. He wears them from the time he gets up to when he goes to bed. He would sleep in them if I let him.



And Finally, the kids have been spending so much time outside catching frogs! Darren is very good at catching them. (poor frogs)


They hop out from under our feet as we are walking on the lawn (especially after it rains). They are so much fun and Darren adores them. He had one in his had while we walked up to the school on Tuesday to check class schedules. It had been at least 30 minutes and he still had it in his hand! I coerced him to let it go and hoped it was still alive.

Here is a little frog video for your viewing pleasure.