Just As Cute

Darren, Lindsey, Hayley, Nate

Just Real Quick

I'm sitting here at my computer, looking for poems for Kelly, and I turn around and this is what I see. Holy Cow. When I read other people's blogs, it's easy to compare their beautiful children and orderly lives to the screaming children on my lap and the CHAOS (can't have anyone over syndrome) {thank you fly lady for the descriptive terminology} that surrounds me. SO, I just thought to publish for the world to see one of my obvious weaknesses that drives me crazy. I'm trying to get a handle on it....
PS what do you think about my orange room?

Labor Day Weekend in Yellowstone

I'm a little behind here, and pretty much about everywhere, but here's a sampling of our Labor Day weekend trip to Yellowstone, one of my favorite places on earth.

Mia watching a momma duck and her babies

How's this for a good shot of all the kids?

Sweet.

Cute baby elk.

The falls as the sun sets.

Not much for narrating today, just thought you'd like to know where we've been.

First and Last Day of Preschool

Amelia was pretty excited about starting preschool. I was not really hesitant because I know she does pretty well in social situations and I felt like she needed to get used to a little {away from mom} time before we launch her into all day kindergarten. (let's not go there yet) So, we register in the preschool next to Nate's office. First day of preschool and 12:30 would not come soon enough for her. She was ready to eat lunch at 10:00 when I told her we had to wait until after lunch. She picked out one of her new outfits (tea:) and insisted on curls in her hair. She walked right in and didn't even turn around to say good-bye. She was ready to play. Emma and I enjoyed a lunch in the park with dad, then kind of wondered what to do without our Mia. Finally, the 2 1/2 hour wait was over and I went to pick her up. When I went into the building, I just had a very uncomfortable feeling. I asked Amelia all about her day, and she had a wonderful lion that she made, and was thrilled to have been able to do puzzles. But I couldn't get over that feeling I had, and when I really thought about it, I had felt the same when we registered and I shrugged it off as nerves, etc. So, I took this one to my knees, and decided that I would find out more about the new teachers there this year, and then sit in on the class for a day or two. Amelia could finish up the month that I had paid for, and maybe I would feel more comfortable. That was when the impression came to me that it wasn't important to know {why} I felt so uncomfortable. What was important was to act on that feeling: no preschool there for Amelia. That was tough, and I really didn't want to disappoint her because she had had such a good time and there had been so much anticipation for preschool. The next morning I sat her down and explained that I felt like she shouldn't go to preschool there anymore and I asked her how she felt about that. She paused for a moment {thinking} and then a huge smile spread across her face and she said "GOOD." Enough said. No more preschool.

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.