Just a little walk/stroll/scoot to the park...

First Day of School: Avri

Avri's first day of 1st grade was today! She has been SO excited for this day to finally get here! She laid out her outfit last night, took a shower, got her nails painted, and received a special father's blessing on Monday night. She has had a hard time sleeping the past several nights, so I've been worried about her getting a good night's rest. Sure enough, sometime in the middle of the night she came and took James' spot in our bed (he was at work). Luckily she slept the rest of the morning and woke up all by herself ready to get to school. I was able to go in her class with her, deliver her school supplies, meet her teacher, and take lots of pictures. :) She clung to my hand the whole morning and when I asked if she wanted me to go yet she told me no, she was nervous. I stayed with her as long as I could, and was happy as can be walking around holding hands. I tried to give her some encouragement and to remember that most of the other kids were probably feeling the same way, so she should be brave and help make others feel better which in turn would help her feel better too. She ended up having a great day, made new friends, and is excited to go back tomorrow! So bittersweet sending her off all day, everyday, but I know she will do great and will learn and grow so much. We sure love our Avri!!

I wish our hands were in the picture...she was holding onto mine with both of hers. So sweet. So glad she still needs her mommy sometimes. :)

"My brothers and sisters, temples are more than stone and mortar. They are filled with faith and fasting. They are built of trials and testimonies. They are sanctified by sacrifice and service... My beloved brothers and sisters, may we make whatever sacrifices are necessary to attend the temple and to have the spirit of the temple in our hearts and in our homes. May we follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who made the ultimate sacrifice for us, that we might have eternal life and exaltation in our Heavenly Father’s kingdom." 

President Monson, The Holy Temple, April 2011

We had a wonderful night at the temple with Sherry and Grandma & Grandpa Jones. So grateful for the blessings of the temple!

The girls hosted a Rode-Yo in the living room this morning. Man, I love their imaginations! At first they were the horses and they "ran" the obstacles. Then they got their stick horses and were Rodeo Queens. Love it.

 

Day at the Salon

Avri and Emery have been begging for a day at Aunt Linny's salon (and I was anxious for it too!!) Since we were up for Grandma's Back-to-School sleepover, it worked out great to fit that in to our weekend too. The girls both got trims and loved getting pampered by Lindsay. Lindsay-thank you for fitting us in to your busy schedule and working your magic on our hair. :)

Avri's "selfie" after she got her hair done.

Emery looking nice and relaxed while Ave helped Lindsay rinse her hair.

When we slept over at Sherry's Claire ended up in our bed. She happily woke Dad up that morning. I thought these pictures were too cute.

Back to School Sleepover

Grandma Sherry hosted a fun back to school sleepover this weekend. We had dinner, a scavenger hunt, and did crafts. The girls loved it and had lots of fun playing with their cousins! Thanks Grandma!!

Right: Emmy, Sawyer, Olivia, Avri, Claire, Grace

 

Grandma even slept in the tent with the girls!!

Bear Lake 2013

We have been looking forward to our Bear Lake trip with the Norris' since planning it in February!! We were originally supposed to go a week earlier but had to do a little rescheduling after I got called as Camp Director. Luckily it all worked out and we were so excited for our little family vacation!

We were able to borrow Lindsay and Landon's camp trailer which was soooo much better than a tent! We did get a flat tire on the trailer about three miles from our campground, but handy James fixed it up in no time! We headed straight to the beach as soon as we got settled. The beach was rocky but that didn't stop the girls and we had plans to head to sandy beaches the next day. The water is just as blue and beautiful and clear as everyone says!

We enjoyed lots of beach time, the kids did crafts and had a blast together, and of course we got a famous Bear Lake raspberry shake. We had such a fun time and hope to make more trips to Bear Lake in the future. Thanks Norris family for such a fun getaway!!

 

 

Later on Avri got in her swimsuit and had a ball swimming by herself until she talked Dad into getting in the chilly water too. 

 

Someone is a major Daddy's girl... ;)

On right: the girls coloring rocks

 

Ave, James, Emmy, Kass, Mikele, Allie & Brock roasting hot dogs

Scary ghosts! ;)

Beach babes!! 

Brock & Mikele

 

Nicole took advantage of the wind to fly her stunt kite.

Pooped!

Mom and her girls!

Mermaid Island!

Avri, Emery, Mikele, Kassie, Allie

James and Brock sculpting their pyramid. They later added brick lines, an entrance, and Jason helped Brock sculpt a sphinx. Pretty intense. ;)

 

While waiting in line for shakes, I look down and see Claire is making this face to anyone who will look at her...mostly innocent line bystanders. Whose kid is this?!? ;)

Allie, Brock, Mikele, Kassie, Ave, Claire, Em patiently waiting for their yummy shakes!

Emery and Claire gave the famous raspberry shake a big thumb's up! It was delcious! Ave wouldn't even try a tiny bite. Silly goose.