First Day of School

This year our kids began a new adventure at a new school near our home.  It took some prayer and contemplation commit to this change, and I think that it's going to be a good one.  One of the changes that our kids are getting used to, are the uniforms.  Grace, in particular, is super picky about her clothing.  She has had a hard time trying to feel "pretty" with these new clothes.  Crede couldn't care less, and Morgan spends about 20 minutes each night working out new combo's for the next day.  

Their teachers are really nice, and their school teaches with a more "hands-on" approach that is a lot of fun.  They do a lot of scientific experiements, and their homework is a little more extensive too.  We're happy with the change so far.  

Anywho ~ here are the cute kids on their very first day in their new school.

In front of the school...

And just a few more just cuz...

Bear Lake

We went on our "annual" friend camping trip this August.  We all decided that Bear Lake would be a great place to go, and it definitely didn't disappoint!  The weather was perfect....it sprinkled ONE day for about 5 minutes, and we had a lot of fun hanging out.  We have the best friends in this world, and it's a privilege to spend time with them.  They are amazing people to put up with my craziness, and my occasional breakdown when I yell at my children.  I can't wait until next year.  Thanks you guys. 

I didn't take many photo's this year, because ~ well ~ you'll find that when I am in a stressful situation (that I find stressful) I switch into survival mode.  Survival mode does not include photography.  "Why were you in survival mode?", you ask?  Well I had a month-old newborn and 5 other kids on a CAMPING trip.  **sigh**

Here are the photo's I DID capture...sorry.  Next year will be better.  Just you wait.

Here's a photo of what our kids decided to do most of the trip, and that was collect sea-shells.  I think we ended up with 3 or 4 water-bottles filled.  They had a lot of fun.

Here is our beach set-up.  I learned a valuable lesson sitting under these, and that is this:  that white awning is NOT sun-proof.  Poor Faith was sitting under there an entire day and her little face got sun-burned.  I felt horrible.  Luckily, it wasn't too bad, but for a newborn I'm sure it wasn't fun for her.  Sorry little Foof.

And of course Lilah kept checking in on Faith...

Chance out on the water...

And what camping trip would be complete without a good ol' mud-fight?  There were minimal tears this year...

Lilah eating her pb & j.

Playing in the water...

Those Steadmans, always making something cool.  Too bad Crede completely ruined this a few minutes later...

These 3 found a butterfly...a dead butterfly, and decided to bury it.  Here is the grave marker and some heart-felt sentiments.  Awww.......

I know...it's not a surf board...but it was cool.

Hi Gage!

Grace trying to warm up...

Gage, do you feel a little draft?

Remember that pb & j?  Lilah was mad at me for taking it away from her.  Blech.

Aaaand the group shots.  These are my favorites.  Sorry, there are a few.

I love that "antler" one.  We're pretty ferocious!

Muscles...

Silly Face?

This one is my favorite.  I just love these guys.

THE END.

Happy Birthday Gage!

I can't believe Gage is 4.  This kid is so much fun...and he makes me laugh pretty much every single day.  Just the inflection in his voice is funny.  He doesn't necessarily TRY to make us laugh, he's just a jolly kid.  He loves watching movies ~ and will get up super early in the morning to do so.  There have been mornings where I come downstairs at 5am and the boys are up and playing with their toys or watching a movie.  I have to admit ~ on those mornings I don't think it's too funny....and I may or may not yell.

BUT.

I am sure looking back I will remember these times with fondness and I'm sure it'll bring a smile to my face.  Right?

This was a good day.  Gage was so excited to celebrate his birthday.  He talked about it for WEEKS.  Here he is, enjoying some early morning cartoons....

 

Kickin' Back...

And of course...Chocolate Milk for breakfast.

 

I think Grace is a little jealous.

 

 

Blowing out his yogurt candle.

Even a goofball while brushing his teeth.

 

His birthday gift from church.  He loves his new tie pin.

 

I don't think he was too excited for the fried rice and yakisoba for dinner....but he got his special plate, so that's all that matters, right?

Don't mind the piece of cake missing already...our bishop stopped by right before we sang to Gage and we insisted that he take a piece home with him.  Gage was MORE than happy to oblige.

Taking is journey through the birthday spanking machine...

And opening his present.  He was so excited.  As you can see, Morgan and Grace decided he needed "heavy, heavy, hangover" first.  

Gage is one of my only kids that actually enjoys puzzles.  He could do them all day long if he didn't have a younger sister that would try to eat or rip the puzzles.  Sadly, we only get them out while Lilah is napping.

 

Doing one of his puzzles with Grandma.  He LOVED them....and he LOVES Grandma.

Happy Birthday Lilah!

She is two.  Our little spunky, brown-haired child is two.  The more I get to know Lilah, the more I love this girl.  She has the funniest little personality.  She loves to sing along to my songs in the car, and when she talks to you, she has one volume level.  Loud.  I am constantly saying, "Lilah, please do not yell at Mom.".  She has a tender heart and is afraid of things that you wouldn't expect.  The car wash....birthday candles.....

I was so happy to spend this special day with you Lilah.  We all love you so much.

 She's straight out of bed, and ready to eat.  Bring on the yogurt candle!!

Yep...she was terrified.  Good thing your big-sister, Morgan, stepped in and helped you not feel so afraid.  Thank you Morgan.  You are such a great big-sister.

I'm two!

Playing a little puppet-show...showing off for Grandma.

We just love Grandma at our house.  She's the best.

She's grown!

 

And don't mind the greasy hair.  Lilah decided to get into the A&D ointment right before dinner.  It was pretty slathered in there.

Don't you love that face?  She wasn't happy to see some more candles.

Dad made it home from work JUST in time to sing happy birthday.  He even blew out your candle for you, Lilah.  You have one amazing Dad.

Lilah wasn't too thrilled with her chocolate cupcakes...but that's okay because Dad saved the day with a sucker that he had bought that day just for Lilah.  That thing was huge....and it ended up being Lilah's very favorite thing.

Opening presents...

She loves these puzzles.  I thought they were so cute.

Let me talk a minute about Grace.  She is the most thoughtful person.  She had this birthday present for Lilah all ready about a month before her actual birthday.  She kept it in her room and saved it just for this special day.  It was Lilah's very favorite present.  Grace was so excited to give it to her and it was cute to watch those two playing with the small toys inside.  Lilah stuck those stickers all over her face, and I'm pretty sure we were finding them around the house for about a month after.

Happy Birthday Lilah.  We could never imagine our family without you.  We love you so much!