1st Day of School

Another school has arrived and we have all had mixed feelings about it.  Brianna couldn't wait to start and counted down the days.  Ryan was pretty impartial about the whole thing.  And Alyssa has been dreading it.  I think it was more nervousness than anything and she will come to realize that she will enjoy High School a lot more than Jr. High.

I barely had time to take a picture of Alyssa this morning.  In her typical teenage style she slept in as long as possible and barely cracked a smile let alone made it to the bus stop on time.

 The new Freshman:  Alyssa, Makayla and Sadie.  They were a little dismayed that their mothers insisted on pictures now that they are High Schoolers.  But it is tradition after all.

Yes Ryan is a grown-up 6th grader.  Such a handsome and good kid.  Mrs. Gurr is lucky to have him this year.

This was Ryan's favorite part about starting school.  His new shoes.  He is now in men sizes so the sticker shock hit hard but he was thrilled with his purchase.  He is just like his dad when it comes to cool running shoes.

Brianna hasn't been feeling well these last few days.  She was so worried that she wouldn't make it to the first day of school.  But she put on her brave face, said a prayer and was on her way to the 2nd grade.

Too bad I don't have a picture of the 3 of them together.  Like I said,  Alyssa does her own thing now.

Here is looking ahead to a fabulous school year!!

End of Summer Photos

The final days of perfect summer evenings are winding down.  We have had some gorgeous sunsets so I had to take the opportunity to snap a few photos.  This was an unplanned photo shoot so you get the kids looking like they had a full summer day.  But they are still beautiful.

2 New Holes

When a teenage asks you to do something fun, never respond with, "if you can come up with something then we will do it",  or the next thing you know, you are taking your "baby" to get her ears pierced.  Yep,  that is exactly what happened to us. 

While Ryan was away on a camping trip with Hayden, the girls went to the mall and made memories upon Alyssa's suggestion.  Brianna was thrilled to be getting her ears pierced and handled the whole thing pretty well.  She was somewhat jumpy when it came time to do her second hole, but she was a trouper.  Afterwards,  we spent a long long time in the store picking out fun earrings for future wearing. 

I wasn't with Alyssa when she got her ears pierced, (Her Aunt Del in Ohio took her to get them done), so it was kind of fun to be a part of it.  Brianna has been vigilant about cleaning her ears and she loves to show them off.  She is so excited.

Drawing on the dots . .

Preparing for the first hole . .   Closing the eyes apparently helps

Doing the second hole. Not so exciting as the first one. But it had to be done . .

We are trying to muster a smile here.  I think she was in a little pain but trying to be brave.

The first cleaning.  She is so excited as you can see.

Finally a few days later and much more thrilled with the end result.  Plus we got a new haircut. . . side bangs, it is all the rage.  So here is my beautiful, grown-up girl.

IM Flash Work Party

Every year, Uncle Roland invites us to his work party.  This kids love it.  There is always a yummy BBQ lunch,  unlimited ice cream, snow cones and cotton candy, tons of games with prizes, bounce houses and so much more.  Plus we get to take a mini tour of the building and learn what Roland does each day.  The highlight this year was dressing up in the "bunny suit"  which all of the workers have to wear to work.  It is fascinating and fun to be with the family.

17 years

Another anniversary has come and gone.  It has been a wonderful 17 years.  As usual,  Roger brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers that matched my wedding bouquet.  He has done this on every anniversary.  He is such a romantic and all around great guy. 

We celebrated at the fondue restaurant and with a nice walk to Temple square.  It was a lovely evening.

First High School Soccer Game

Alyssa survived her first official soccer game for Westlake High School and did so amazingly well.  She started on the JV Team.  It was like she has been storing up all of her excitement, skill and enthusiasm for that one moment because she played amazing.  She came within 6 inches of scoring the first goal.  It was so fun to watch and hopefully it is an indicator of good things to come.

Oakland Trip