First Day

A new school year! I'm not sure who is more ready, me or the kids. Chandler is starting his Junior year at a new high school, Skyridge. It is within walking distance of his mom's house. He said things are going great and is excited for this new year. I can't believe he's a JUNIOR! Will he be ready to set out on his own in less than two years? I hope so but there may be a sharp learning curve. He is so good, in so many ways. I'm excited about all that this year holds for him.

Chandler and his step-sister, Olivia.

Watson was completely excited to start school again. He was so ready to be with other kids all day and use his brain again. I just couldn't keep up with him this summer, such a smarty pants. He started in the Portuguese Immersion program but we switched him to a charter school the next week. I'm sure he will do great in a smaller setting. He is even more excited that he is at the same school as two of his cousins. I can't believe he is no longer my part of the day buddy, but he has been ready for a full day away for a long time.

A Weekend with Goblins

School has started and we are getting back into the regular swing of things. Challey and Spencer invited us on one last adventure to Goblin Valley. We packed up the tent and sleeping bags and lots of food. The drive was beautiful. Daisy is so good in the car and Watson is such a helpful boy on road trips. We camped outside for two nights and explored slot canyons and goblins each day. The campground also had a frisbee golf course for Scott and Watson. Daisy loved exploring and being with her cousins. We had such a great time hiking and roasting marshmallows. Goblin Valley is absolutely beautiful and the stars are amazing at night. We plan to visit again next year. Watson already has plans to catch a lizard to keep during our next stay. I can't believe Daisy will be hiking on her own next time!

Last Hurrah of Summer

I took the littles to a little Downtown adventure. We visited the Church History Museum, had lunch at the Lion House Pantry and watched the movie at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Watson got to touch parts of the Salt Lake Temple and explore the grounds a little. We had a great time. Daisy was sweet and content and happy the whole time. It was a great last adventure before school starts.

Daisy loved, loved, loved climbing and sliding all over this play area. She also walked everywhere. As long as she's got space to roam, she is happy. Watson had a great time building his own creation with the blocks. He was so proud of his own "temple." There are so many fun places to take the kids in Salt Lake. I missed fitting in more during the summer. Luckily, we will have breaks from school that allow us to do more exploring.

Bear Lake 2016

Summer was busy and fun. We finished it off with a bang by heading to Bear Lake with the Hoopes clan. The kids and I caravanned with Challey and her kids while our husbands were working/traveling. Scott and Spencer came up later together. We stayed at a different, bigger cabin than our usual. There was lots of cousin time and good times at the beach. We ate and played and swam and wave runnered. Daisy loved the water and having the kids around constantly. Chandler spent extra time connecting with his teen cousins and Aunt Channa. We had a great weekend and it definitely got me ready to get back to a good Daisy sleep schedule and regular life.

Summertime Fun

Summer has been very busy this year. I have to admit I've struggled a little to engage all of the kids in activities everyone enjoys. What do you do with a 16, 6 and almost one year old? I feel like I wasn't completely successful but I did try. Watson, Daisy and I spent some time at The Museum of Natural Curiosity. Practically any activity with Watson included Daisy. We went to a movie, played in the backyard, went swimming, and visited the Dinosaur Museum. Both boys went mountain biking with Dad a few times and I had a final outing to This is the Place Park with Watson and Daisy. 

Chandler had a few adventures of his own. Due to our California trip Chandler missed the Scouts High Adventure camp with our ward. So, he went with his friend Jonathan. He had a great time doing some dangerous teenage boy things and came home sufficiently dirty and tired. Chandler got to attend the Stake Trek this year. He walked and pushed a handcart for three days in Wyoming. It seemed to be a great experience and he spent good time with new friends.

It is so great to have the backyard finished! We've watched movies outside: Kung Fu Panda 3, The Sandlot, and Ghostbusters. The weather has been completely perfect and it feels like a little piece of heaven.

Daisy has loved playing outside. She is happiest in dirt of any kind but water is fun for her too.

Watson has also stayed busy with a week at Portuguese camp, in preparation for his language immersion in first grade. He loved going to a little summer camp too, Super Summer, at the rec center. And he has done so well during swim lessons at a pool in the neighborhood. We did fit in some time with friends and riding bikes around the neighborhood and at the BMX track.