I have a KINDERGARTNER!!

James started Kindergarten on Monday. I am happy to say it was a fairly easy transition for both of us. I really think that going to preschool for two years was good for him, as well as being one of the oldest kids in Kindergarten (he will be 6 in a month and a half). It was also really good that our little neighbor girl, Erin, is in his class and we carpool with her. The first day I could tell he was nervous because when we drove up to the school, he starting shrieking "look mom, a squirrel," in this really weird, high voice. Other than that, he was good to go. He and Erin marched right up the stairs, into the school, hung up their backpacks, went right into their classroom and found their name tags. I did refrain from kissing him, although he did get a hug and a whispered "I love you, have fun!" I'm so proud of my boy!

From Andrew's mouth

In Joy School they are taught the song "Where is Thumpkin." Andrew goes around the house singing "Where is tuckin (only substitute the t with an f). How can I correct it when he can't say the th sound?? Luckily James doesn't know it's a bad word and he hasn't picked up on it. Only little kids can innocently swear!

This next one is probably a common one among LDS toddlers, but it's still cute and funny! Andrew has recently found a liking to the song "I am a Child of God." There is a line in the middle of the song that says "with parents kind and dear." Andrew sings it, "with parents kind of dear." It seems as though Andrew's parents are only kind of dear!

Feeding the ducks

Our boys love having a canal in our back yard. They love going to look for snakes, grasshoppers, and other little critters by the water, but most of all, they love to feed the ducks. Last year, we actually purchased two little ducks (Pip and June), but unfortunatly our neighbors cat got to them. It was a sad day in our house. Luckily, there are plenty of wild ducks to feed. During the winter months, this is something we all miss and we look foreward to the spring when the cute little ducklings come out and eat all our stale, frozen bread!!!

Joy School

Here are a few pictures of Andrew's first day of Joy School. He started last Thursday, Aug. 21. He was so excited to go! We had been talking about it for weeks. He would wake up every day and ask me how many more sleeps until Joy School? When I talked to his teacher when I picked him up after his first day, she said he did really well, except he refused to wear the apron during the art project. I wasn't surprised. He hated wearing a life jacket when we went boating. I even had a hard time getting him to wear a bib when he was a baby. Funny kid. I guess it could be worse. At least he didn't bite or fight with any of the other kids.

Lagoon

We went to Lagoon last Friday. I love Lagoon and I hate Lagoon. It is so crowded, dirty, there are the most interesting people there, it is hot, but....the kids absolutly love it! Mark and I did take turns going on the ride Wicked, but that was enough. I just can't handle rollercoasters like I used to. Too bad, they used to be so much fun. I guess that's happens as you get older.

Potter Puppet Pals

Thanks to my little sis, Kathryn, for introducing this youtube clip to my boys. They love it and can't get enough of it! It's been a favorite at our house for a few weeks now. They especially love the speeded up version, but you'll have to look that one up for yourself!! Just thought I would share! But don't blame me if you walk around your house singing, Snape, Snape, Severus Snape.....

Boys VS Girls

So, I had a conversation with this girl I met last night. Now I have had this conversation with a few other people before, and it never sits right with me. If this girl ever ends up reading my blog, I know she didn't mean any harm and is just speaking from her experience, but it still just bothers me some. The conversation was as follows:

Her:Hi, I'm __________.
Me: Hi, I'm Heidi. Nice to meet you.
Her: Oh, you have two boys?
Me: (Andrew was a few steps away)-Actually, we have three boys (I pull Andrew into me).
Her: Wow. Good for you guys. I have one boy and that is plenty. I don't know how you do it. Boys are so hard!
Me: (Remember, all three of my boys are standing right there and listening). I love my three boys. They are very nice and well-behaved boys.

Okay, maybe I'm being a little too sensitive, and maybe no one else sees anything wrong with the above conversation, but it just erks me a little bit.

These are the stereotypes I have heard
-little boys are rough and tumble, active physically, and wild.
-little girls are emotional

Now, since I don't have little girls (although my parents had 5 girls) I have no experience raising them. I have met plenty of little girls that are very active and many little boys that are emotional. I personally believe it depends on the individual and to some extent, the parenting.

Sure my boys are active and busy and they love physical play (think superheros and big trucks that crash)-but they are also very sweet, loving, sensitive, and kind-and yes, emotional at times.

Maybe some of you are thinking "she's just bitter because she doesn't have a girl." Let me assure you, I love my boys and I wouldn't trade them for a million girls. Would I like to have a girl someday, sure, but if I am supposed to have all boys, I welcome that opportunity whole heartedly! I love my boys to death. I am looking foreward to all the many sporting events, scout activities, and all the food that I am going to make for my three teenage boys some day. And if we don't ever have a little girl, I am going to be the only female example in our house. That is scary to think about, but I am up for the challenge.

Okay, I'm done. Vent over. Just needed to get that out.

Fun week

We are trying to cram in all the fun we can before school starts. Wednesday, we went to a park with my friend Heidi, and her three girls. I've known Heidi forever and we try to get together and hang out at least a few times a month.


Andrew, James, and Ellie


Heidi and Sammie playing some "music"



Thursday, I had the Young Women over for a "surprise breakfast." We kidnapped Stephanie, who is now a college student and no longer in Young Women's. She was surprised! We just brought her back to my house for french toast, sausage, and fresh fruit!

Can you tell some weren't so happy to be awake that early (it was only 7am...sheesh)




Thursday was also the last day of swimming lessons (see the post below).



Friday, Mark took the two older boys to a driving range to hit golf balls. James has quite a knack for golf. He is tons better than I am! He can actually hit the ball, and hit it well. Then we took all the boys to see the Narnia film, Prince Caspian. It was a little dark and over their heads. They still enjoyed the popcorn and the atmosphere of a movie theater.

Today I took the boys to the Tree House museum. We met up with another friend of mine named Heidi. I promise, I do have other friends that are NOT named Heidi!!!!! We lucked out and happened to go to the museum on a free day. We just watched our kids play, run around, and explore. I have to say, I was pretty impressed with this museum. We will definitely come back again sometime.





Rachel, James, Andrew, and Ethan


Heidi and I with our babes

Last day of swimming=end of the summer

Today was James and Andrew's last day of swimming for the year. I guess that means the summer is just about over. James has progressed so much and I am so proud of him. He is actually enjoying the water. Andrew on the other hand, has regressed some, but I am still proud of him and I know he will be a little swimmer next year!

Little buddies

Their fellow swimmers

James swimming to the side after jumping off the board

Andrew getting ready to jump!

Cute Caleb

First 5k

Today I ran in my first race ever! It was Bear Lake's Raspberry Day's 5k. I ran it with my sister in-law Rebekah, and my friend Heidi and her husband Craig and their brother in-law Eric. They all beat me, but I was happy about my time and progress that I've made. My baby is only 4 months old, I still have 15 lbs of baby weight on me, and I am NOT a natural born runner (I guess that means I just have very limited running experience), but I set 2 goals and I made them both! 1-run the entire 3.1 miles without stopping, and 2-run it in under 30.00 minutes. I ran the entire trail, and I came in at 29.55!!! Thanks to Heidi for running along side of me at the end and cheering me on, or I don't think I would have made it in time! I felt really good after the race, and I hope to run this same race next year and beat my time! I hope to continue to keep on running, and I might even sign up for a 10k this November. Running isn't easy, but I'm learning.

New Family Pics