Good Grades

The kids got their first quarter grades and they were great!  Nathaniel, Emily, Andrew and Daniel had almost all As and only 2 Bs among them (and the Bs were only one percent away from an A).  I am so proud of them!  We took their report cards to Krispy Kreme and we got two dozen free glazed doughnuts!  We also let them pick out their own frosted doughnuts for an extra treat.  Here's hoping they freeze well!

A Busy Saturday

This Saturday, Andrew and Emily had their piano recital.  They each played three songs and they did a great job!  Andrew has only been playing for about a month, and he was so happy to be there and so proud of himself.  I was very happy that they both practiced all week without any nagging from me!

 

The rest of our Saturday was spent working on essays and projects.  Emily, Nathaniel, and Daniel all had projects and papers to do.  I think Andrew felt a little left out of the "fun" so I said, "Andrew, if you need something to do why don't you go out front and pull the weeds."  So he did.  And then he got out the rake and push broom to clean up all of the pine needles.  By the time I went out there to check on him, he had already filled a bag with pine needles.  I told him we should use them to lay down a fresh layer in the front planter, so he did the side that faces the street and I did the other side.  Doesn't it look good?  He was so proud of himself for making me happy.  I was feeling stressed because the yard needed attention and Michael had been out of town, but just getting that little bit done made me feel much better.

 



When I went back inside, I found Nathaniel helping Emily with her project because he was already done with his essay.  I am a very blessed Mama!!!

Andrew's Baptism

Andrew is 8 now and he has chosen to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He was so excited!  The smile on his face as he came out of the water was priceless!

 

Here he is, waiting for his baptism.

Andrew and Mommy

We were also blessed that his grandparents, Jim and Carol May, could be there to share in the joy of the occasion.

Jonathan couldn't be bothered to be in this picture.  He was too busy talking to his "girlfriend" Annie Mae in the second row.

Thank you, Nathaniel.  That smile is much better!

Daniel and Grandma

Emily with Grandpa and Grandma

Daddy and Andrew

On Saturday night, Michael was ready to cheer on BYU.  Go Cougars!

Grandpa and Jonathan

We love you, Andrew, and we are so proud of you!!!

Birthdays

Jonathan is 4!!! 

The thing he wanted most was a Mike Wazowski toy from Monsters University.

He also loved the Lego set he got.  In fact, all of the kids loved the Lego set he got.

Here is one of his many creations

Andrew is 8!!!!

He loved his cookie cake and Sully toy.  We saved the rest of his presents for his party at...

...Chuck E. Cheese's!

We had a combined party for Jonathan and Andrew.  They had so much fun!

So did Nathaniel and Emily

and Daniel

Jonathan was pretty excited about his Mike Wazowski cookie cake.  Andrew doesn't look too happy in this picture, but he really did have a fun time.

Meeting Chuck E. Cheese

Jonathan and his friend Annie Mae
Jonathan only wanted to invite girls, so his guests were Annie Mae and Valerie (above in the pink).  Andrew invited three friends--two friends from church (Jared and Travis) and a friend from school (Riley).   

Happy Birthday to my sweet boys!!!!

First Day of School

Nathaniel, 8th grade

Emily, 5th grade

Andrew, 2nd grade

Daniel, 1st grade

Jonathan, Preschool

The kids are off to a great start this year.  Everyone seems to be happy with their classes and their teachers.  I am grateful to have a few hours of quiet every day, but I sure do miss them when they're gone. 

Summer!

As the summer started winding down, we tried to fit in some fun activities for the kids. 

 

Here we are at Gigi's Cupcakes.  They had some July deals and the kids had fun picking out their own cupcakes.  They mostly just ate the frosting, though.

Popcorn!  No, we don't want to share, Mom!

Nathaniel and his friend completed their Mountain Biking merit badge.  They had to ride for 22 miles in less than 6 hours.  It only took them around four hours, and they were exhausted!  

Here is Jonathan at his first day of preschool.  He loves it!  He's a little sad that his best friend Annie Mae isn't in his class, but he loves his teacher.

Daniel had been craving some one-on-one time with Mom and Dad.  I took him to lunch one day, and he chose Jacks.  He talked and talked and talked and we had a wonderful time.  The other kids got a Mommy/Daddy date, too.

It was a wonderful summer!!!

Family Fun Day at the YMCA

Our YMCA had a Family Fun Day on Friday.  Once the kids saw the signs posted, they couldn't stop talking about it.  We had to go!  It was actually pretty cute.  They had a number of different games and activities.  The bouncy house is always a big hit with my kids.  They also served lunch and gave out prizes. 

Jonny liked seeing Mickey Mouse.  It took me a few minutes to pry him off of poor Mickey's leg.

He was also excited about meeting Cookie Monster and Elmo.

 
They were all pretty excited about Sponge Bob.  Andrew was off playing in another part of the gym with his friend from school.

Nathaniel was too cool for Family Fun Day, of course.  I dropped him off at the movies. :-)