They're Back!

School is officially back in session!  I wish I could say I was happy about it . . . it seems like just when we've gotten used to being together all day every day, fall hits . . . and it's time to say goodbye (though my house seems to stay much cleaner . . . can't say I hate that part).  This fall was a big one because the Ethanator started kindergarten.  My Eth . . . he's such a special little guy   He was SO excited to be in school like Joshua and Livi.  There wasn't even a little part of him that was nervous.  But of course I was nervous enough for the both of us.  On his first day I gave him a big hug, watched him file into his classroom with the other kindergarteners, and then got in my car and cried the entire way home because I know that kindergarten is the beginning of the end.  He's growing up . . . and I'm totally crying as I write this!  Enough with the mushy stuff.  The kids are having a great year so far, and we've already started in with spelling tests, book reports, and math homework that I have to google (Fifth grade math is much harder than I remember it being!)  Here are the kids on their first day back . . .

Ethan

Kindergarten: Mrs. Gale

Favorite things about school:  Centers and recess

Olivia

3rd Grade: Mrs. Christensen

Favorite things about school: Writing stories and making crafts

Joshua

5th Grade: Mrs. Mullinax

Favorite things about school: History and playing soccer at recess

Here's to another fabulous year at Riverview Elementary!!

Roughin' It!

My family went camping a lot growing up.  Some of my best memories come from those camping trips.  As I've grown older, I have to admit camping has lost a lot of its appeal . . . or maybe all of its appeal (just being honest here).  Joshua has been begging us for years to go camping, so Jason and I finally decided to suck it up and go.  Fortunately, Jordan and Katie are camping experts and they agreed to go with us.  The boys had a blast!  They went exploring, played soccer, burned things in the fire . . . they couldn't have been happier.  Then there was Livi . . . poor Livi!  She takes after her mom.  She was just miserable the entire trip.  She hated the dirt, was terrified of the bugs, and every time we made the hike to the porta potty she would say, "Mom, now I know how the pioneers felt!"  I didn't tell her that we had it VERY good compared to the pioneers. =)  As we were packing up to leave, she pulled me down and whispered into my ear, "Mom, next time can the boys go camping and you and me just go to the spa?"  DEAL!

A Princess Party!!

On August 1, Olivia was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It was a day she had looked forward to for a long time . . . made all the sweeter because her long-awaited little sister was blessed on the same day!  We called it Olivia and Brooklyn's Princess Party, and it was seriously such a special day for our family.

Waiting for the baptism to begin . . . 

Livi's program was beautiful.   She sang "I Know that My Savior Loves Me," and Joshua gave a talk and bore his testimony.  Then it was time for the actual baptism.  Livi had been SO nervous about going under the water (I'm a bad mom . . . my kids still don't know how to swim!)  She was so afraid she would get water in her nose and mouth.  She prayed for weeks that Heavenly Father would help her to be brave when it was time to be baptized.  When she came out of the water, I wrapped her in a towel and took her into the bathroom to help her get dressed.  She said, "It worked mom!  My prayer worked!  I wasn't even scared!!"  Then she told me she wanted to do it again!  This was my favorite part of the day . . . being with Olivia right after she came out of the water . . . seeing how happy she was . . . how good she felt.  It made my heart happy.  I love that girl!!

After the baptism, she was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.  It was absolutely sweet, and she was beaming from ear to ear.

When the baptism and confirmation were complete, Jason blessed our little Brooklyn.  It was a beautiful blessing, and I just felt grateful beyond words that she is a part of our family.  What a sweetheart!

After Brooklyn's blessing, it was time for the princess party!!

Lots of good food and great company!

What an amazing day!!  We love our girls so much, and it was so sweet to celebrate these special moments with them.  Love you Olivia and Brooklyn!