First Day of School

So, here's to the first day of school (2 weeks ago). Always such a bittersweet day. I love to have my kids home with me, but Sam and Clay really enjoy school and the structure it provides. They like to learn, have recess, and play with friends. So, because they like it, I reluctantly like them to go. I had a picture of the shirt Clay wore his very first day. It says in Japanese, and then in English, "Strength through Virtue." I love that saying, and Clay and I discussed what it meant. He thought it was great, and wanted to wear that shirt on his first day to remind him that strength, power, and confidence come from being kind and clean. It's from a company I just recently discovered and fell in love with their clothes. You can find them at http://www.teacollection.com/. I had received the catalogue, but I don't like to order unless I can really see how something is constructed, how the knit feels, etc. When I was in Jackson, there was a store there with this line of clothing, and I was very impressed. I did my "school" shopping for the girls at their website, and was so happy with the things I received for them that I ordered for Clay too. (too bad they only go to size 8)

Day At Lagoon

What's better than a send-off to summer than a day at an Amusement Park, right?

Holy Cow.

A million other people must have thought that same thing

Let me tell you a few other reasons it wasn't the best way to spend our time and money today.

HOT HOT HOT day

Lines Lines Lines

Thirsty Tired and Grumpy Kids

People who wear next to no clothes

Man who walks off with the tube we just paid $5.oo to rent (honestly)

So, here's the classic group shot that shows what a great time we are having at the park.Here's the classic shot that shows Emma not having a good time at the park. And of course this moment caused me a great deal of mom-guilt. She wants to ride the airplane. This is a kids only ride, so mom sets her down with a little complaint and buckles her in. She starts screaming. Mom thinks, she'll be fine in a minute when the ride starts, besides, I can't get the buckle undone. Dad laughs. Mom takes pictures. Emma is still crying and ride still is not going. Mom says, will you please let me get her out and feels like an idiot for trying to subject her child to such torture.

When we were having fun for the first couple hours in the water park. When I went back for the locker later there was a line of people waiting to get in because the water park had reached its capacity.

Cute boys who like waterslides.

Long lines. Waiting in line.

Now, the really very best part of the day. {besides the roller coasters that I did ride with the boys because I really do love roller coasters}

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture and Nate and I had a good laugh watching them take it!!!!

Strike A Pose

Emma likes the camera. If even from a distance, she strikes a pose the minute she sees the lens on her.

I Love To See The Temple

On the way home from Pocatello. {WAIT: Is that really ON THE WAY?} OK, so we took the long way around from Pocatello to home. We drove through Rexburg and were amazed at the growth and the temple that stands like a beacon on the hill. It really was an awesome sight to drive into town. The children were all captivated and Amelia announced that she would sing "I Love To See The Temple" as soon as she saw the temple. And she did. Soon, all the children were gracing us with their sweet voices. There is such a reverent and beautiful atmosphere there, and I know that the children could feel it. As we drove into the parking lot Amelia asked, "Is Jesus here?" Emma immediately repeated the question and they were determined that this was the place that Jesus visited. We posed for pictures and as we walked back to the car, Emma begged to go inside. She asked and asked and asked. Then she cried. I am so greatful that my children recognize the reverence and the presence of the Spirit at the temple. What a tender moment I hope they will remember. {I know I will}

Idaho: Wyatt's Baptism

We just returned from a fun weekend in Idaho. The kids loved playing with cousins! We are happy that Wyatt was baptized. {Good choice Wyatt!} As you can see, he was pretty happy about it too.

The most difficult part of any family gathering is the insistence of all the female adults present that we corral all the children present for a picture. This is as good as it got. And we're missing Kael.

Sam's Cherry Pie

It started with a visit to dad's office. The cherry trees were in full ripeness, and the birds had not attacked them yet {as they had done in previous years}.

"Mom, can we pick some cherries?"

"Yeah, if you pick enough, I'll make you a pie." {thinking, this will keep them busy while I do what I need to get done here}

Sam picked cherries
Clay noticed tree #2 at the back of the office with even more cherries than tree #1

We went home with a garabage bag full of cherries.

I washed cherries then announced that we needed to pit them. Sam asked if we had a button hook. I knew where he was going with that because I have a mother that loves cherries and baking. But most of you right now are saying, {why would he want a button hook?} Which is the same question I asked him. And he said that they are good for pitting cherries. And the next question that naturally come to mind is, {where in the world would a 9 year old boy get the idea that a button hook would be good to use for pitting cherries?} Which is the same question I asked him. And he said that he read it somewhere.

!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

And he remembered it!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

What a child. I am utterly amazed at his mental skills. The child can remember ANYTHING! No joke.

He pitted 8 cups of cherries {without a button hook}

AND THEN! he made the crust, rolled it out, and voila-check out that cherry pie! {uncooked here} But it was a beauty and delicious too. Way to go Sam!!!!!!

How many 9 year old boys do you know who have made a cherry pie from scratch like that?

I'm a proud mama!

Speaking

Last weekend was pretty crazy. Nate and I were asked to speak at the girls camp. So, Thursday night we drove up. We took the girls (who were very excited to go to girls camp to see Erica and Aunt Vicki and thought it pretty funny that dad would be going to "girls" camp) and let the boys stay and play with Wyatt at grandma's house. As we were getting close to the youth camp where they were staying, we saw black smoke. Nate says "that's exactly where we are going." UMMMMMM We kept on and arrived just in time to help pack up camp and evacuate. We were happy to have the room to help out just a little. We were even more happy not to have to speak:) The fire was burning about 3/4 mile up the road from the Youth Camp, and by the time we were ready to leave, it had reached the road. Fortunately, they were able to put the fire out and there was not damage at the Youth Camp. And everyone got out quickly and safely! WHEW!
That wasn't the end of it all, though, Friday was our anniversary. Nate had to chaperone and drive youth over to Lyman for their youth conference. So, we had a date at the Lyman Stake Youth Conference. It was fun though. We had dinner, listened to a fireside by Jenny Phillips {talented woman}, and then danced. It was a fun evening, all tempered by the fact that we had to speak for them in the morning!
Saturday morning we spoke. Steadfast & Immovable, always abounding in Good Works. Don't ask me how it went. I was nervous and just felt like a little sidekick to Nate's wonderful speaking presence. Nate thought it went well and wants us to do it for our stake activity next week. :(
Sunday after church, we took Wyatt down to Darren's because he had a ride home. That was fun to spend some time with that precious baby girl. Busy weekend!