August Instagrams

8.7.2014

Love having a little garden!

8.13.2014

Had this cute view while making lunch today.

8.16.2014

Soaking in the last days of summer with a neighborhood s'mores party.

8.18.2014

I know the day will come when she will be way too cool to hold her mom's hand at the store...so when that little hand grabs mine, I hold on tight! #avri

8.24.2014

A little Sunday afternoon tea party.

8.26.2014

This little cutie is off to 2nd grade!!

8.29.2014

Our cute Kindergartener!!

Back to School

The girls got to be pampered at Aunt Lindsay's salon for back to school haircuts. We gave Emery a darling bob, Avri had a few inches trimmed off, and even Claire got a little trim. We love going to see Aunt Linny and getting all dolled up!!

The girls had Back to School Night on Monday. We visited classrooms, dropped off school supplies, talked to teachers, and a few other things. They were both really excited, but a little timid too. 

Avri had her first day of school on Tuesday. She was so excited!! She had a great day, loved being back with friends and back to learning new things. She loves her teacher, Ms. McNabb, and is super excited for the mystery class pet they will be getting next week!

Emery's first day was on Friday. She couldn't wait!! She looked adorable, and after some pictures and dropping off her backpack, she was out on the playground with Avri! Ave was an excellent big sister and watched out for Emery and rode home with her on the bus. I'm excited for all the ways the girls will learn and grow this school year!

Frozen Party

The girls planned the cutest Frozen party for the family. They spent a lot of time planning and decorating. It was so sweet to see them so excited as they worked together on their special project. Their creativity was impressive! When it was time to party, we all had a character and costume. Avri was Elsa, Emery was Anna, Claire was Olaf (and the stinker would not let me take a picture...she looked adorable!!) Dad was Prince Hans/Kristoff, and Mom got to be Sven. Yes, Sven. The reindeer. We played pin the carrot nose on Olaf, acted out scenes along with the movie, and then made marshmallow Olafs and Annas. It was so fun and we were so proud of the girls for their planning and putting on such a great party!! I didn't get many great pics, but here's what I do have...

Hans and Anna singing "Love is an Open Door"

Some of the decor. Snowflakes, blue heart pictures, there were also blue streamers hung, and balloons.

The cutie party planners and our marshmallow creations. :)

July Instagrams

7.1.2014

Camping out in the backyard!

7.7.2014

Now that's just cute! 

7.8.2014

Someone got a hold of my phone... 

7.11.2014

How many cousins can fit on the tramp? :)

7.14.2014

Yesterday she fell asleep in timeout at Grandma's, today she crashed on the couch! 

#tiredgirl #clairebear

7.15.2014

Nothing says love like lunch at the taco wagon! Happy 9 years babe!!

7.20.2014

I think she's finally got it...no more training wheels!!

7.29.2014

We sure love this guy!! Happy Birthday James!

7.30.2014

Happy 5th Birthday to our sweet and sassy Emery!!

Bear Lake 2014

Less than 24 hours after coming home from our Jones reunion, we were packed up and on the road again for our trip to Bear Lake. We met Jason's family at the campsite and got set up and settled in before making dinner. When we woke up the next morning I was disappointed that it was overcast, but we made plans for the beach anyway. It ended up being a gorgeous day at the lake. The kids played and played and didn't want to leave. But by the time 5:00 rolled around, the clouds moved in and it started to rain just as we were packing up. We didn't let the rain and wind stop us from getting a shake though! The rest of the evening was on and off sprinkles, and unfortunately the rain continued on into the next day. I was especially sad to be rained out since it was James' birthday. :( We packed up camp and left for home dirty, wet, cold, and disappointed. At least we had one nice day at the beach! We got home, unpacked, cleaned up a bit, and then went to dinner to celebrate James' birthday. After dinner we stopped by some friends' to help them pack and get their moving truck loaded. By the time we got home we were all so exhausted! We're still trying to catch up on our sleep after our back-to-back camping adventures! :)

The girls loved making bracelets again this year.

James made the girls walking sticks and took them exploring.

Avri and Kassie

Well isn't he handsome!!

Allie voluntarily pulled/pushed us around the lake for a bit.

Mermaids! Claire, Kassie, Allie

Emmy and Allie

Of course James and Brock made a sandcastle. 

The kids having fun digging holes that were tunneled together. 

And then it rained and rained, so I didn't take anymore pictures... ;)

Jones Reunion 2014

Last week was the Jones family reunion. This year our family was in charge and we chose to host the reunion at Heise since that area is where Grandma Verona (Grandpa Jones' mother) grew up.

The first day we all took turns with a boat tour up the river to see the old homestead and schoolhouse.
The rest of the reunion was filled with lots of visiting, fun activities, good food, swimming, exploring, and of course campfire songs. James and I also put on Family Feud which was really fun...and our family won! :) Grandma Jones has not been doing well the past few weeks and wasn't able to make it to the reunion. We sure missed her. We were glad that Grandpa could come up a few times to be with all of his siblings, and enjoy the activities and all that he had worked with Sherry & Tyra to plan.

I didn't get too many pictures, but here's what I do have:

I know I said I wouldn't post anymore belly pics, but Avri snuck this shot and since it wasn't horrible I thought I'd include it. But yes, 25 weeks and still growing...everywhere!! ;)

Claire & Sawyer's "bed" while watching volleyball.