Westley Pics!

We sure are enjoying this little dog. Despite his random accidents, nipping at the little boys, and chewing up some coupons and stuff like that he is doing great. He really is the sweetest little dog and Elle is doing a fantastic job of taking care of him. She truly loves him and he follows her wherever she goes. It's the cutest. We love you Westley.

Cash's First Day of 4th Grade

Well this will be Cash's first year of him not having Elle in his school with him.  Isn't that just heart-breaking?! It is to me. It was so cute to watch the two of them walk off together and know that Elle was watching out for him and had his back. They had the same recess so they came home everyday talking about what they did together that day. They even shared some same friends. So I will miss that. And I know that Cash will too. I'm grateful for the time and the same school that they did have. Cash is ready for 4th grade. I'm excited for him this year. He's so smart, and responsible, and obedient, and he's really excelling in all of his studies at school. He is a good friend, and an amazing brother and son. They don't come better than Cash. Love you bud. I'd be lost without you.

Elle's first day of 7th GRADE!!!

I just can't wrap my brain around this one. My daughter is in SEVENTH GRADE. Middle School. How this happened I just won't understand. I feel like I blinked and she grew up. And I also feel like I was the one who was just in middle school. It's just crazy. The only thing that is making me feel better is that she is SO ready. I just feel like she is done being the oldest in elementary school and primary and that she is just a bit more mature that most of the kids her age and so that it's holding her back and bit and she's ready to move up and accomplish more. I think she's ready to be challenged and make new friends. So for that reason...I am beyond excited for her. She's excited to ride the bus and have 7 new classes which will include her favorites...art and theater...and also 8th grade honors math! How cool is that?! I love this girl and will continue to pray for her happiness and growth and success in this critical time in her life. I LOVE you Elle.

1st Day of 3rd year of Preschool for Tate

Look at this little boy. Look at his smile. Look at his eyes. Isn't he incredible. He is seriously everything. I love EVERYTHING about him. This is is 3rd year of preschool and he's attending a new place called Puddle Jumpers. He's really excited about it and I just know he's going to do really well there. Go get em Taters!

MTC Tour

One thing that was one my "Summer bucket list" with the kids was to make sure that I took the kids to the MTC tour that was happening that month. They have remodeled the entire MTC and were taking tours for awhile. I really wanted the kids to tour it and see what it was like. I had them all at the Lindon pool that day but we pulled a 'Superman' and a quick change for all of them in the parking lot and met Toby at the MTC. They bused us there and then everyone went in shifts and walked around on a self guided tour. So this is the part I do NOT want to FORGET. Little Kemp folded his arms through the ENTIRE TOUR. Seriously it was the cutest thing. He just knew that it was a place he needed to be reverent and I KNOW he felt like it was a special place. He was so quiet and so good and every picture we have of him there..walking, standing in front of the gorgeous pictures, in my arms, everywhere..he is folding his arms. It was THEE cutest little thing. I love him so much. The kids learned a lot about the place and I was so grateful we were able to go there. I can't imagine having to sent me kids there someday...but I can't imagine a greater blessing either. I know it'll come before I know it.

Trip to Vegas for Market

So I got home from our family's St. George trip Sunday morning. We woke up at 7 am and left to make sure we were home in time for Toby's meeting and Sacrament meeting. I went to 3 hours of church and then literally turned around and DROVE BACK to St. George with Tara and Kat for us to attend the Las Vegas Market. Can you believe that?! Lots of driving for me. But I couldn't stand the thought of my family being in the car that long without me. I get so nervous about that kind of stuff and I'd rather be with them in a car then in a condo by myself. So that's what I did! - We just drove part way to St. George since it was late. We stayed in the same condo that my family did that night and then we woke up early the next morning and drove the rest of the way to Vegas. We stayed at the Tahiti Village and just dropped Kat off there while she waited for Tara and I at Market. Tara and I had a great time at Market and picked out some great clothes for Bluish. Definitely a successful day. Then Kat came and picked us up and we went and did some more shopping but this time for us haha! After we found an awesome buffet and stuffed ourselves silly. I love these girls. They are so fun to be with. We laughed and talked and shopped and had a great time. We woke up the next morning and went to the pool for a bit, snagged a smoothie, then started on our drive home. Great fast trip!

Last Summer Trip to St. George

One of the main reasons I've been so hesitant/nervous/somewhat sad/concerned about Elle starting middle school is that I know it will be harder for us to take family trips because she won't be able to miss school as easily. I'm still going to make it a huge priority for us though. Our St. George getaways are so precious to me. They help me get through the mundane and spending that time together and making those memories is invaluable. This was our last St. George getaway before school started. One of the funnest things we did this trip was I was able to take both Elle and Cash separately on "school shopping dates"! First Cash and I went to Orange Peel and then we shopped around at TJ Maxx and got him some great new school clothes. I love spending time with that little boy. He's so witty. Then the next day I was able to do the same thing with Elle. How lucky am I?! She is getting to be such a fun little shopping partner. She's got her own cute style and we had a great time. We played games, watched movies, swam, read the Michael Vey series together and lived it up. Till next time St. George!