First Day of School

Well, I'm only a month behind on posting these.  The kids are already halfway through the first quarter.  They are all doing well in their classes and seem to be making even more friends.

Nathaniel, 10th grade

Jonathan, 1st grade

Andrew, 4th grade

Emily, 7th grade (1st year of middle school!)

Daniel, 3rd grade

My Kind of Camping

We had planned to go camping this summer, but it turned out we weren't able to go.  So, at the last minute, we decided to go on a quick trip up to Payson.  We drove up Friday night, went fishing on Saturday, and drove back late Saturday afternoon.  This picture was taken at the fish hatchery, which we visited on Saturday morning.  It was a fun little getaway.

 

 

I had to add this picture.  The kids were so cute this summer, always playing games with each other.  Unless they were going swimming, it was tough to go out and play in 110+ degree weather.  We had a routine where they would do their chores in the morning, but they couldn't have their media until the afternoon (video games, tv, tablets, etc.) so they could often be found playing Phase 10 or some other game together.  Jonathan was playing, too--he just didn't want his picture taken (as usual!).

More Summer Fun

Daniel found this book on tape, and said, "Mom, how the heck do you use this thing?" 

Once I got out the tape player and he realized he could listen to one of his Magic Treehouse books being read to him, he loved it!

The boys had a great time at Cub Scout Day Camp.  Here is Daniel trying his hand at archery.

Andrew loved it, too!

Nathaniel spent a week at Especially for Youth in Flagstaff.  He had a great time and made many new friends.

Jonathan loves to swim!  All of the kids do, but Jonathan has improved so much this summer.  He used to just play on that big step, but now he wants to swim all over the place!  He is getting much better and will be swimming on his own soon.

This was on June 20.  It was about 117 that day.  It said 122 after sitting in the sun for a while.

What do you do when Mom limits your media/video game time?  Play Phase 10!!

Emily's last day of band camp--they had a performance and invited the families to watch

 

 

We had fun using our Pogo Pass to go to Castles and Coasters last week.  Everyone (but Mom!) loved this ride that takes you up and drops suddenly. 

 

Only three weeks left until school starts!  Yikes!

Daniel's Baptism

We are so glad that Daniel made the decision to be baptized.  His baptism was on Saturday, June 20.  He awaited his special day anxiously!  It was a wonderful day. 

 

 

Daniel with his Daddy

We were so glad to have so much family there!

 Daniel's Primary teachers

Daniel and Andrew

Daniel and Lexi Williams; Lexi has made a keepsake binder for each of the Primary children baptized this year.  Daniel was so grateful to receive his!

 My sweet boy!

 

Since Grandpa (Jim) was still in the hospital and couldn't come to the baptism, we got permission to do Daniel's confirmation at the hospital so Jim could participate.  It was a wonderful experience!

 

Summer Stuff

Here is Nathaniel, all dressed as a pioneer and ready for his trek.  They pulled handcarts for four days.  It was hard, but he had a great time!

 

This cactus in our front yard blooms at night.  Michael and I were out late on Thursday evening, I was finally able to get a picture.

 

Last night we went to an Arizona Rattlers game.  The kids didn't want to go, but once we got there they had a good time.  The Rattlers beat the Tampa Bay Storm 69-46.  

School Stuff May 2015

Emily's last band concert for the year

 

Nathaniel got a certificate for having a 4.0 or higher, as well as the Social Studies Department award for the freshman class (he was nominated by his AP Human Geography teacher)

Jonathan's Kindergarten graduation party

 

Andrew, on his last day of school

 

 

 Daniel's Japan project

Daniel's Birthday

I can't believe Daniel is 8!  He had a fun birthday.  We took him and his friends to see Avengers: Age of Ultron, then to our house to eat Burger King for dinner and play games.  He has been looking forward to his birthday for months and everyone had a great time.  He can't wait to be baptized next month!  Happy Birthday, Daniel!