More Summer Pics

Here is a few random pictures from the summer I haven't yet posted, and since adult school (and the craziness) once again begins tomorrow I thought I'd just better hurry up and get this done.

We went for a quick trip to Idaho Falls. We love the hotel on the falls and riding bikes around, makes for a great mini-vacation.

Mandee and I got hooked up with VIP passes for Eclipse when it first came out. I will go to a free movie anytime, even this one- and the free popcorn and soda didn't hurt.

Royce loved having his longer mohawk all summer. Had to make it red for the 4th.

Riding to the parade (that the kids rode a horse in) with cousin Dallon. So cute and so many questions!

A beautiful calm day at Bear Lake.

Syd even tried water skiing for the very first time!

Then after my finals and applications were completed my honey took me to the place of the stone that is yellow for another quick trip. As a kid I always hated taking a cooler on trips, but we took a cooler and only ate out once (thanks for breakfast G & G !). We ate healthier and it worked much better with our schedule in the park. A cooler is the cooler way to go.

We went on different trails and saw new things, this pic just doesn't do these bright colors justice.

We saw lots of elk.

We took respite at the place of peace (aka my lake), and enjoyed the serenity. I love taking walks along here to the country store to get ice cream and just enjoying the lake.

Amazing things like this always seem to help put things in perspective.

And of course we saw lots and lots of bison. We had to turn back from our walk because the frisky bison had migrated and were way too close to the path. Tyler took this opportunity in the car to ask various bison if they knew they had a little butt.

I can't wait to go back next year!

Let School Begin

31 flavors of fun, ya'll!

Thanks for all the B-day wishes - I feel the love!

(This picture of myself is my special gift back to you.)

The juniors on their first day of 4th and 2nd grades at school yesterday. They were both so excited, I don't think they slept much at all the night before. I remember being nervous for my 1st day, too. Guess it is just part of being a kid. I am so glad that I am sending them to such an awesome school where they are challenged and engaged rather than just babysat for the day, and I love that they have to wear modest and classy clothes. Aren't they just stinkin' cute!

They got twinner shoes! They are both so excited for their new Chuck Taylors. Oh boy, let the brand name recognition begin, egh?

Great Summer

A few of these pics are way past due. This is from July when my baby turned 7. SEVEN, can you believe it? Wow, I am feeling old. He had the coolest archery cake from Aunt Tricia!

We got hooked up with passes for Raging Waters and so we had to go, our friend had the day off and was able to spend it with us and we had so much fun. I would definitely go again!

It was clean and there was a lot for the kids to do, Royce did this at least a dozen times and would have happily done it a few dozen more.

They had so much fun!

Thanks for the hook up Miss Mandy!

While in SL the kids got haircuts for school (I love trying out funky things on Royce's hair).

Syd chopped her hair off! I can't believe she chose this haircut, but it is way cute and fun.

Guys night: Lego's, loud metal music, manly junk food, & wrestling.

Ladies Night: Rodeo, face painting, junk food, hooping and hollering, & cute cowboys.

Up in Them Hills

Summer semester in finally over for me! I am relishing being able to cook and clean and actually just hanging out with my 2 cute kids and doing regular Mom things. We had some great company today (THANK YOU!) and it was so relaxing to visit and eat without the threat of homework lurking nearby.

I am so blessed to have such supportive and amazing family and friends, especially my husband. I know I will be happy wherever we end up and whatever we end up doing. Although I have my moments where I'd like to cry (and sometimes I do), I am confident that we are staying true to ourselves and doing what is right for our family.

I believe in staying positive and celebrating the small things in life. With that in mind, let the journey continue...

We went up in them thar hills a few weeks ago for some good old target practice and quality family time playing games. We had so much fun!

Who does she get these freckles from? I always wanted freckles when I was younger, guess my daughter got them instead.

Ready.

Aim.....

Fire!

This thing would not leave us alone- obviously he is used to getting fed.