Neptune Park

Ammon and I have spent a lot of time together these past few weeks.  With all the driving out to Saratoga Springs from Cedar Hills, and Ammon having Kindergarten from 9:15-12:00pm I take Ammon to the park with a packed lunch, until it's time to get the others at 2:15 and 2:45.  Although spending time with him and having fun at the park is good, it's also hot and...yep I'm getting bored.  Not much to do out here.  Luckily, my sis-in-law Carrie lives out here and my friend Kendall, so now and then I will crash and hang with them.  But if you know me, I hate to inconvenience anyone and don't want to over stay my welcome. 

Ammon wouldn't get too high on this, now after much practice, he's almost all the way to the top.  And yes, even I have had a gander on this pyramid.

First Day of Kindergarden

My big boy!!  I can't believe the time has come that he officially goes to school.  He's excited but scared all at once. 

I had to get an official "altogether" first day of school picture

Dropping him off was difficult.  He was my only child that had a hard first day, because all the others had Pre-K in Georgia (may as well been Kindergarten--all day at the school).  He's trying to like it, but he has been my right hand buddy for several years now, so we are both feeling at a loss.  I hope he fits in soon.

Letters of Appreciation

Activity Days

Tarin has moved on to the older group, but I officially have Raegan in my group. :o)

Had the girls over and talked about people in their lives they appreciate and respect.  Then we had them compose these thoughts into letters to give to these people.  It was a lot of fun, and they all did a great job.

A few examples.  I'm going to miss these girls.  I truly have come to know them real well and have enjoyed their spunk and input.

First Day Of School 2013

 Another opening to another year of school...this one will compare to last year.  Hopefully this one will be out on top.  Because we are moving out to Saratoga Springs next month, we decided to start them in their local schools.  So just like moving here from Georgia, the kids will have to start a new school and make new friends all over again.  I know they will be strong and brave.

Jarom starts Jr. High so he and Rian will be together at Vista Heights Jr. High.  Tarin and Raegan will be attending Saratoga Shores Elementary.  Ammon will also be going to Kindergarden starting next week at Saratoga Shores.  It's going to be quite the commute for the next 5 weeks.

Driving away at 7:20am to make it out across the valley in time for 8am school.

Happy 9 Years!

 Raegan has turned 9 years old!  I can't believe this little sprite has grown up so fast.  She loves life and always has a smile on her face.  Her birthday is the day before school starts so it was a bit crazy, so we have been spreading out the celebration.  Sunday was the waffle candle celebration, and then on her birthday she got to spend some time with daddy at work and go to lunch and splurge on a few accessories.  Tomorrow we will make the cookie cake and finish her celebration with Gma and Gpa Wardwell on Saturday.  We love you Raegan and I know you will have another great year.

Back To School Get Together

Activity Days

We had a combined Activity Days that had close to 30 girls show up.  Wish I took pictures, but it was pretty crazy fun.  Down by the creek of Heritage Park, we had 4 rotations.  One was chocolate fondue in the pavilion, two stations had water games, and finally I had the "spiritual" station.  I thought it was important that the girls make something to put on their backpack.  This key chain idea came to mind.  The flower represents growth and beauty.  On the back I wrote "GROW".

Having a plant I asked what it needs to grow.  Various answers.  I explained we also need things to grow, such as experiences.  I referred to these experiences as moments of good and even not so good moments.  We need the good, but we also need the bad to help us recognize the great times. Our Heavenly Father would love to give us only good experiences, but we wouldn't learn anything. When the girls are not having a good day or something makes them feel down, I told them to look at this key chain and remember that the Lord has given us these moments to learn from and to be strong and GROW.  Think "what does the Lord want me to learn from this?" and to move forward.  And of course, we are all made with love from our Heavenly Father.

Happy Birthday Trent - 37

"One year older and wis-er too, Hap-py Birth-day, to you!"

This place was A-Ma-Zing!  Oh the steak and shimp...Yumm!  

No way we could have eaten here without a gift card, but so worth it!

Quite the dessert!  Magnifico!

Hope your wish comes true and this coming year is good to you.  Happy Birthday!