Back to School

The kids started school this morning. I always hate to see the summer end, but they were ready to start. Tyler and Emily were really excited, there was no anxiety this year, which made it so much easier to send them off.

We started the morning with the traditional sweet rolls.

Emily was so excited to pick the best looking roll to frost.

Tyler, on the other hand, a little sleepy.

I think he stayed up too late last night reading.

I love the back to school pictures.

New shoes.

Good luck to the both of you. I will miss you, but I know that you will do great this year!

Nuts!

Kids say the darndest things. Especially this kid...

Mom: "Gavin. Can you PLEASE stop complaining?"

Gavin: "Mom. I'm not complaining. You have to have nuts to complain."

Mom (a little confused and maybe a little concerned): "What? What kind of nuts are you talking about?"

Gavin: "You know mom. The nuts like squirrels have."

Mom: "Oh." Whew!

I'm still trying to figure out exactly where he came up with that one!

I wanted to add one more thing to this post. The boy's on a roll today! Gavin's Wii Sports game is pretty scratched up and it wouldn't work today. I asked him to bring me the game so I could try to fix it. Here's the conversation that ensued:

Mom: "Gavin, bring me the alcohol."

Gavin: "MOM! YOU DON'T DRINK ALCOHOL. YOU CAN'T!!!!!"

Hmmmm. I guess he is listening :)

Jack Johnson

Travis surprised me on Mother's Day with tickets to see Jack Johnson. I could not have been more surprised. The long awaited day finally arrived on Friday. Our 15th anniversary was a few days before, but due to crazy schedules, we weren't able to celebrate. We decided to make the concert our big outing for our anniversary. We met in Salt Lake for dinner at David's Kitchen, the best Chinese food around. We had pot stickers, hot and sour soup, chicken, ham fried rice, and my favorite, walnut shrimp. After we had gorged ourselves, we made our way to Usana Ampitheater. Travis offered to buy me a T-shirt, and I jumped at the chance. I think he may have been a little embarrassed when I put it on right then and there, but I wore it with pride! The concert was AMAZING! By far the best I've ever seen. He sang for two hours and I was totally entertained the entire time. I was sad to see it end. Travis isn't quite as big of a fan as I am, but when I asked if he like it, he replied, "I can see why you like him." In other words, even Travis liked it. I look forward to when he comes again. Thanks, Travis, for the awesome date night! Happy anniversary! You are the best :)

Preston Rodeo

The Preston Rodeo was as good as ever this year. It's always fun to get together with grandma great, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. We definitely don't get to see them nearly as often as we would like to.

Here's our little Buckaroo. I bought him a pair of Wranglers to complete his cowboy get up, and I have to say, he makes a good looking cowboy. He insisted on modeling for me. He wears his cowboy boots everywhere he goes, but gets a little nervous to wear his hat outside, fearing that it might blow away. I hope he always wants to be a cowboy :)

This picture was taken after the parade on Friday, before the rodeo started. It was a fluke that I actually caught him smiling!

There were skydivers this year. It's been a long time since I have seen skydivers, and I'm not sure that the kids have ever seen one before. They were delighted!

Kate loves her grandpa. This is the only picture I got of Kate where's she's actually happy. She cried through the entire rodeo. It was WAY past her bedtime, and maybe a bit loud for her? She was NOT a happy girl.

Gavin enjoyed every minute of the trip. He is always in heaven when we visit Preston. He wants a farm and a horse of his own. Someday buddy, someday.....

Emily was in heaven this trip. She helped Uncle Jeff move hay, and took care of the horses as often as she could. She is a hard working little girl. She enjoyed her time being pampered by the big girls, but her highlight was riding the horse all by herself. She was a natural. She was, however, a little disappointed that I wouldn't let her go a little faster.

I was a little surprised with Kate. She made a couple of new friends this trip. Kate will not sleep anywhere except her crib, so when Marlin got her to sleep, I was a little shocked!

She also fell in love with Ashley. Quite unusual for this little girl to leave my side for a minute to make new friends, but she was certainly glad she did! She couldn't have found better people to make friends with :)

She also enjoyed the parade. I loved this video of her clapping. They sure do make me smile :)

New Running Shoes :)

Paulette called me this morning and asked me if I would like to go to Striders with her. She knew I was needing some new running shoes, and she was in the market for some walking shoes. After trying on several shoes, we each found the perfect pair. I picked the Mizuno Wave Rider 13. When we got to the counter to pay, she snatched the shoes out of my hand and despite my protests, insisted on paying for them. I was speechless. I didn't know what to do or say. She said that I always put everyone else's needs before my own, and that she would like to do something nice for me. Wow! What a surprise! It is beyond me what I did to deserve such a great mother in law. I am truly grateful for such a great family. It's amazing! I ran my first 4 miles tonight, and I love these little beauties! Thanks again! You're the best :)

Wow! You're OLD!

My sweet little Emily just asked what year I was born in. When I told her 1973, she said, "Wow! You're Old. Was Abraham Lincoln the president?"

Funny? Yes, I think so :)

Go to Bed!!!

Here's the conversation Gavin and I had tonight after about the 30th time that he had gotten out of bed.

Mom: "Gavin, if you don't go to sleep, I'm going to start losing my patience."

Gavin: "Oh mom. Please don't be mad at me. I'm just little."

Honestly, that kid knows how to play me. He has me wrapped around his little finger!