Bear's First Day of Preschool

Well, the day has finally come for our dear Bear. He was so anxious I couldn't get a real picture of the boy! Bear started his first day on the 17th of this month.

He was more than ready and MOM was more than ready for it!

He was all smiles when I picked him up and couldn't stop talking about all his new friends and how his teachers were so funny. I'm really happy he has this opportunity to grow.

Some of his work he brought home.

Bear is a little ham too. On his SECOND day of school, he again wanted his picture taken! He's waited for years through Gavin and Reese and he just wanted to make sure I knew he was a big school boy now!

Of course, he's still my little baby boy goof ball...who may or may not still sleep with his mommy! Love you!

Back to School Night

The kids had a Back to School night where we got to take a look at some of the things they've been doing. Gavin, of course, is a star/model student. We sure are proud of him.

Reese showing us one of her Reesie Van Gogh flower pictures that made it to the outside hallway for display. Very nice baby girl. She's really soaking in Kindergarten and is already reading simple sentence books! Way to go, girl!

We also found Reese's family star on the tree in the main hallway of the school. On one side she glued a picture of our family with our names beside it (a name per point, boyah for family of 5!) and on the other side she was to decorate it symbolizing our family. I think she did a fine job with the glittery blinged up Texas!

Praying Mantis Expo

I have never seen as many Praying Mantis as I have seen in my few short months this summer. Like, in all my life! Utah is a Praying Mantis breeding ground! Sure does make my bug loving boys wild with excitement though. Especially when one of the Mantis ate a Lady Bug.

G Style Hair

G-man is growing out his hair. He has a style that he wants to try out. I'm not sure I'm ready for this "I'm doing my own hair my own way" stuff. My he is growing though. He'll be baptized next month!

International Days w/ Bean n Hyrum

Bean and Hyrum were coming over for a visit a few Saturday's ago (I'm such a lame blogger anymore) and Gavin was itchin' to go to the International Day's here in South Jordan. So, we went.

Gavin and Bear enjoyed the Native American Tepee's and bear skin rugs and such.

These were some dancers from the Czeck Republic.

There were dancers from “Wulan Mugi” from Wusen Qui, Inner Mongolia CHINA, “Janosicek” from Bruno, Czech Republic, and “Amarere” from Accara, Ghana who took the stage for 4 days at the begining of August.

We had hit the tail end of the performances (it wasn't really planned or directed well, many people were lost or confused as to where things were happening) and didn't get any other pictures of the awesome costumes from the Mongolian dancers. Bummer. But the kids did have fun of their own.

We ended up going to The Pie for dinner (right next to City Hall where the dancers did their farewell) and Hyrum got Gavin good during a straw war. His hair is outta control, but he wants to grow it out. We'll see.

Then we came home for some dessert and a little Domino's action with Hyrum before hitting our beds for some much needed slumber. It was a good night! Thanks for sharing it with us Bean n Hyrum.

Twinkle Toes

I had to take Reese out to get some "walking" shoes for school. She's got loads and loads of shoes but she didn't have "Twinkle Toes" and how am I going to deny my one and only baby girl girlie shoes?

She's been SO in love with this shoes. She's even worn them to church! And today she wore them for her mile walk with her Kindy class.

They even light up in various places as seen here. I couldn't get my camera to catch it at the right time. These shoes are all the rage right now and she couldn't be happier. So fun!

Reese is a Two Wheelin'

Remember how Gavin just learned how to ride his bike this past weekend? And Reese was ticked that she didn't? Well, Reese got on her bike this past Friday (first time since trying the weekend Gavin learned) and came inside 5 minutes later telling us she could ride her bike. What?!?

Christopher and I didn't believe her until we went out and saw this! The girl taught herself in under 5 minutes and now she rides like a pro around the neighborhood with her brother.

Reese is most proud of her skid marks! The longer the better! Way to go, Reese! Now we just need to get Caden riding!

A Sad Day w/ A Happy Ending

If you've read my latest Facebook you'll understand the most recent drama we encountered. I swear Utah has always had it out for me!

After reclaiming our car from being impounded, we changed our plates. It was some sad times.

We retired our beloved Texas plates to the Texas plate wall in our Texas bathroom. We have however, kept our Texas plates on Christopher's car (and I'm still keeping my license). So take THAT Utah!

After the days drama, Christopher was so kind to make my porch finally look pretty. We did some planters and got two little trees and stands for our porch. Just in time of the holiday decorating! Guess I didn't get a picture of the finished product.

'Doh Boy

Caden is loving his one on one time with me again now that the other kids are in school all week. His latest love is playdoh play and this is my 'doh portrait! Thanks, Bear! I think it looks just like me.

Night with the Bee's

Bean and Hyrum invited us out for a Bee's game. The U of U employees (Bean works there) were given discount tickets so we snatched the opportunity!

It was a beautiful night seeing as Autumn has already made it known that she's on Summers doorstep. Food is a big part of going to games. I mean, seriously, I don't think we'd make it an inning without it.

Reese and Gavin's faces were stained with cotton candy evidence.

Surprisingly, Caden stayed the cleanest. He even had just about everything you could on his hot dog and chowed it all up without incident.

Reese was given the camera to take pictures of the game and it appears Hyrum was the object of her affection.

Reese n Bean.

Mommy n Gavin.

Reese n Hyrum.

We made it to the 6th inning when we decided we'd better get home. It was late and the Bee's were getting their trash dealt! (I hear that happens a lot to them. So sad.)

Because ball game food is so filling we called it a night with a little Del Taco for dinner. Thanks Bean and Hyrum for the fun night!

Bear's Preschool Open House

Bear has been crazy excited about starting preschool and going to school like his older siblings. Today was his Open House where he got to go and meet his teachers and classroom. Couldn't have come sooner!

He was so sure he was going to need to take his backpack packed with all his bugs in his bug container and a lunch. I just went with it. He was so excited. When we drove up he was quick to get himself out of the car and said "good-bye mommy, love you, give me kiss, see you later" all in one breath. He knows the drill, too bad it doesn't quite start yet. Poor kid, today I have to come in with you!!

Bear found his "pants" and put them up on the clothesline. He was given the choice of being called Caden or Bear for school and he chose Bear. So, Bear it is. Which is good while living in Utah. Utah is like the birth place of the name Caden or something. It's everywhere.

Bear with his teachers. Yes, Utah hair is back in action. A little more tame this day, but don't you worry, I'll have more for you later I'm sure.

Bear got to meet a few of his classmates and familiarize himself with his new school and left loaded up with goodies! Now he's just counting down yet another week until he officially starts. And so is his mother!!!