Pantsless Juggling

I really wasn't sure if I would post this video, but there is something so hilarious about the flailing arms. Mike is a pretty good juggler, and Jack believes that he is also.

Church Talent Show

Last night was our ward's cultural night and talent show. We set up a Chinese display, and dressed the kids in their Chinese outfits. I only wish we knew a Chinese song! Also, Jack totally knows this song, but wasn't at all interested in singing once on stage.

Piano Men

We are now the proud owners of a FREE Baldwin piano! While out shopping garage sales last weekend, we spied a sign in someone's yard that said "Free Piano Inside." Mike ran inside and checked it out, and after a couple of hours, a uHaul van, and three generous friends helping out, we settled this beauty into our office. It's not in horrible condition and it has a really pretty sound. Mike is overjoyed and loves to play it. Amelia is starting piano lessons next week, and hopefully Colin will too in the next couple of years. I'm having lovely visions of gathering around the piano to sing Christmas carols each year!

Colin's First Day

Today was Colin's first day of preschool. He was so much more confident and comfortable in the classroom this year. I was so proud! The moms go to school with the kids on the first day, so tomorrow is his first day alone, and I'm not worried about him at all! I know I'll be crying all the way home. He's in a class of all boys, and there are 12 of them. He's getting to be such a big boy, and a genuine sweetheart.

For Ruby

Ruby, the family dog that my parents bought right after I went away to college, passed away this week. She was a sweet, loyal, and good natured pet, and we'll miss her.

With Amelia, just under one year old.

Last Christmas at Mom and Dad's cabin

On Amelia's 2nd birthday

Ballet

Amelia's first day of a new ballet class started yesterday. The first grade class wears blue, so that meant a new leotard. She is beginning preparations for a performance of the Nutcracker at the Christmastime. She loves ballet SO much, and we're really happy with her studio. Here she is with her two male dance partners.

Amelia's First Day of First Grade

Today was Amelia's first day of school. The summer just rushed by, and I don't think I was emotionally prepared to send her off to a full day of school! She looked nervous when I dropped her off, and I managed to hold my annual first-day-of-school-tears until I got to the car. Her day went great, of course. She loved going to music and gym for the first time, and seemed intrigued by the lunchroom. She's excited to go back tomorrow, and we'll see if I can make it through the drop this time.

Looking like a very mature and sophisticated first grader.

Colin and Jack were excited for Amelia (until they saw me bawling, I did some fast talking afterward). Colin is holding a pine cone named "coney" that he's been kicking around for a couple of months. His first day of school isn't for a couple of weeks, thankfully!

Slip 'n' Slide

Jack Singing

Here's Jack singing "I Am a Child of God."

Final AZ Photos

Here's a mishmash of a few other photos we took in AZ.

Jack begged to sit on the motorcycle with Papa.

The cousins at another fire station visit.

At the famous Organ Stop Pizza. Ice cream + crazy organ music + strange moth-eaten cat puppets = Total Blast!

Visit to the splashpark #2.

Tea Party

While we were in AZ, Grandma Debi hosted a lovely tea party for Amelia and her cousins. It was amazing, and Amelia loved every second of it!

The beautiful table setting- we all (girls included) used real china. The tulle at each chair is actually a shawl.

Each girl got to make a headband to wear during tea.

The girls all dressed up.

Evie thinks nothing of tea cups. She infinitely prefers to drink from tiny vases (once the flowers have been removed).

The party ended with some spontaneous dancing.

The happy girls after the party.

Jack's Birthday

For Jack's birthday we had berry pie. Jack loved blowing out the candles, but he refused to try the pie until Mike left a blob of it on the table for him to test out! After he tried it, he willingly polished off two small slices!

Colin's Birthday

Since I missed Colin's birthday while I was at camp (Mike had a lovely celebration for him on the actual day), we celebrated again when I got home. Colin specifically asked for chocolate chip cookies baked by Dad, so that is exactly what he got!

Splash Park

This is the first post of many to come with photos from our visit to AZ. We stayed two weeks, which in some ways wasn't nearly long enough. These photos are from our visit to the Splash Park with G.G., Jim, and Mike's cousin and her kids. It was more fun than ever this year, and all the kids loved the water and getting wet.

Girls Camp

I spent last week as a cook at our church's girls camp. I had a great time hanging out in the kitchen with wonderful ladies, and an even better time hanging out with the girls from our ward and getting to know them better. They are such a great group!