First Day of School

Today Josh and Izzy went back to school. I know they'll have a great day, but I'm not ready for them to go back yet. I'm not ready for summer to end.
I'm not really emotional about it. I didn't cry from missing them. I just really like it when they're home. I like being around them and we have a great time together.

And,
I'm REALLY not looking forward to homework. (I could dedicate a whole post to my opinion on children's homework, but I'll save that for another time.)
One thing that is good about them going back to school, is that I get to spend quite a bit of one-on-one time with Ben. That's something I am looking forward to.

So for now, I'll put on my happy face as they get on the bus, and go back into the house to enjoy the time I have with my little brown boy.

Family Hike

Last Saturday we got up early and went on a hike up to the "Y." All of the kids did really well - I was surprised. David got to ride along in the pack, so you'd think he had less reason to complain and yet, he was the only one I heard whine. No, he wasn't too bad, really. We did have a good time together, and the view of the valley was gorgeous! Especially as the sun was coming up.

Sittin' on the "Y"

After about 100 feet into the hike, Ben said to me,"Mom, can you carry me?" I thought, "Oh, no." I was tempted to turn around and wait at the bottom of the mountain with Ben while the others went on ahead. But, Ben surprised me. He was great the whole way. He would run ahead of us and then run back down - all the way up. I think he covered twice the distance we did!

Just chillin'

Izzy was happy to finally be standing on the "Y"

Going, going. . . GONE!


While we were resting and sitting on the "Y," David decided to play his favorite game - throwing things and waiting for someone to pick it up and give it back, only to have him throw it again, and again, and again. So he decided to throw his sippy cup down. And down it went, bouncing all the way down the "Y" and off into the bushes. Everyone up there just sat and watched in silence. After it disappeared the laughter began.
All David could do was say, "Uh-oh, uh-oh." Uh-oh is right.

Sleeping Beauty

I guess that's appropriate seeing as how she married Prince Phillip (Kevin's middle name is Phillip).


You Are Aurora! (A.K.A. Sleeping Beauty.)

Thoughtful and loving. Authority figures probably have been sheltering you all of your life. Thankfully you're a very tranquil person who is content with what life has given you, but secretly you want to know how the outside world works.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Josh's Birthday

Josh's special day started out with the family waking him up singing "happy birthday," and then downstairs for the traditional birthday breakfast.


Later that morning he had an Indiana Jones themed birthday party with his friends.


First they had to figure out clues and follow a treasure map.

And then it was on to. . .

The Temple of Doom!

After making it past the falling boulders (me throwing & rolling balls down the driveway) we were on our way up the mountain searching for the treasure.


It took those boys no time at all to dig up the treasure. (It took me forever to bury it!!!)


And after one final riddle to solve, they had their treasure!





That evening the party continued with cake and ice cream. I'm not exactly sure what my Dad and Kev are doing with their arms. It looks kinda dangerous! Someone's arm hair is bound to get singed!







Josh's friend gave him this game. It's called "No Brainer." Have you heard of it? It is HILARIOUS!!! It asks yes or no questions to which you respond by shaking or nodding your head. Only the sensor doesn't really know which way your head is moving. And then it gives you encouraging suggestions like "You gotta be kiddin' me!" or "Go back to school!"
We were all laughing hysterically.






Yeah, we had a lot of fun with that game that night!

Happy Birthday Indy!

Josh Earned His Wolf Badge

Josh earned his wolf badge and 2 arrow points in Cub Scouts. We are so proud of him. He has worked really hard for this and he loves going to Cubs each week.

the ritual face painting

pinning on his badge and arrow points

pinning on the mother's pin

Great Job Josh!

Carillon Bell Concert

Last week we went to a bell concert. We took some treats and a blanket, and sat down to enjoy a relaxing evening with the family.

David with his licorice

Ben (I just love this kid!)

Josh & Izzy

1930s Wife

So I answered this questionnaire to find out how I would rank as a wife according to 1930 standards. . .

100 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior Take the test!

Surprised? Let me assure you, no one is more surprised than me - especially as I look around at my untidy house.

I think the fact that I have 4 children and I'm a morning person really boosted my score.

By the way, I do not wear red nail polish.