What... School Already?

So where in the world did the summer go? I have to admit that I am sad to see my kids go back to school. I do love having a little structure in our lives, but I hate to think they are with their teachers more than they are with me. I guess I get a little jealous! Oh well, I'm not ready for home schooling, so I must obey the rules! Sunday night we bid a sad farewell to my niece. It is sad to see her go, but we are glad that she is making the choice to go to college. Good luck Sarah! We miss you already! (Who knows why I only ended up with a picture of the cake and not the actual college student?)Hard to believe Wesley will be a Junior this year. They grow up so fast!Connor is relieved to not be the "low man" on the totem pole this year!Braden is thrilled to be the one of the oldest kids in the school. I think he is going to have a great year! Check out his shoes. Both he and Connor have shoes that remind me a little too much of when I was in school. I guess what they say is true, Fashions always come back! My little adorable princess. She was very nervous to start 1st grade this year. She was so excited to get a blessing from her Dad to put her mind at ease. Although she went to the first day clutching her stomach because she was so nervous, she came home very excited about the coming year.

Parker doesn't start for another week and a half, so I'll post that when the big day arrives!

Here's wishing my kids the best school year ever! I love you all!

Zions National Park

So, this post is a few months overdue. Over Memorial Weekend we finally took the trailer and went to Zions National Park. Even though we had a few kinks to work out, the trailer was awesome and we had a great time! I love the picture below because I think we look like the Beverly Hillbilly's, all loaded up and ready to go.The campground was right next to the Virgin River. Connor ended up with strep AGAIN, so this is about as far as he ventured out the first day.We went on a short walk up the canyon. It is such a beautiful place.Unfortunately, Connor didn't join us on the first hike, but the boys had fun.The campground had a pool. Although it was VERY cold, the kids seemed to enjoy it. The scenery was amazing!After a very EXPENSIVE trip to the doctor, Connor tried to do a little swimming.Rod even made a quick pool appearance.The next day, we did a fun hike. Connor even came along. Wesley was so cute. The hike had a lot of drop-offs, so he would not allow Halle out of his sight!We had a great time hiking and camping with the Jensen's. Nate was such a big help with ALL things relating to the trailer. Sandy was great to have around because she always has such a fun, cheerful attitude!What a cute little family!!The last day we were there, Nate and Rod took Wes and Chase on the hike up Angel's Landing. Once again, Wesley was being overprotective and would not allow his brothers' to come. He said he would be too stressed out worrying about them on the drop-offs. The trails really are STEEP. Notice the chain that you hang on to.
Lucky for Rod, Wes was in great spirits.

I love this picture of Rod and Wesley at the top. The scenery is beautiful, but I especially love how it shows how grown up Wesley is becoming. It is nice for Rod to have someone physically able to help him and also do things that they both enjoy.
Thanks to the Jensens for coming with us on our first big camping adventure with the trailer. It was great to have such good company. I loved having my kids undivided attention and getting to spend time with playing games, cooking smores, and hiking. I hope this is the beginning of many more fun adventures.