Easton's first day of preschool

Easton started preschool this week. He was so excited and ready. His school is adorable and going to be a perfect fit for him. Hard to believe he is already in preschool, turning 4 in about two months, and only two years away from kindergarten. Ahhhhh! Stop growing up little guy, my heart can't handle all these changes happening so fast.
Before getting in the car to drop Easton off at school, we had to take a picture by the front door and Avery had to get in on the action. These two are really becoming quite the duo. I love watching them together.

He asked me to walk him up to the door, but then he walked in all by himself and didn't flinch or even look back.

On his second day of school I picked him up and he had his little back pack around his shoulder, just like Talan likes to wear his. Man I love this kid!

37

I turned 37 today and honestly it wasn't too bad. I went to lunch with Avery and some great friends, talked to some other dear friends on the phone and in person, that I don't get to talk too as much as I would like, and just felt over the top special thanks to all my family and friends who took time out of their busy day to let me know they cared. And then to top off it off, tonight I attended PIE back to school for the kids at their school. Where I was again reminded how awesome my kids are! :) All of their teachers only had nice things to say about each of them. Hooray for that as well!
I recently read a quote somewhere that said "don't feel bad about growing old it's something that is denied too so many." It went something like that anyway. And then I remember someone near to my mom, having an experience with her right after she passed, where she said that my mom told her in a dream, "don't be so focused on the physical, but focus on the spiritual." So I am happy to be 37 today, even if it is REALLY REALLY old. ;)
My dear friend Lynette posted this on Instagram for my big day. Totally made me smile.

And then my sweet Taylor posted this as well. Made my day! It's the little things, right? I am so blessed.

Talan turns six

For the past few weeks all I have heard from Talan is "its almost my birthday" and then all last week "six more days til more birthday, five more days til my birthday," etc etc I guess you could say someone was excited. He even kept snooping around the house looking for his presents unfortunately he found all of them except one. Sigh.

Regardless the day was a HUGE success!
Of course to start the day off, we did the traditional birthday balloons, somehow I missed a picture of that, (say what?!!!) and then of course the traditional birthday breakfast as well.

Then me and Easton and Avery met Talan for lunch at his school.

After school we came home and then headed to Peter Piper Pizza (one of my personal favorite places to go) with a couple of Talan's friends who games and pizza and then back to our house for cake and ice cream and presents. 

Opening presents

Birthday cake

Lastly, tonight me and Talan took his brand new electric scooter out for a spin. While we were out I asked him a couple of questions. 

What do you want to be when you grow up? Talan said "a missionary" I said awesome and after your mission what do you want to be he said "a cop."
I also asked him what his favorite scripture story was from the Book of Mormon he said Ammon. In fact his exact words were "I love Ammon! He's so cool."
Lastly, I asked him what's your favorite thing to do and what's your favorite part of school?
He said his favorite thing to do is "the monkey bars." And then he said his favorite part of school is "I love doing coloring." 
I am so grateful for Talan. I just love him. And his love of life, and all the good times he brings to our family. His laugh is contagious, he is so obedient, usually I only have to ask him once to do something and he hops up and does it, definitely appreciate that about him. People love to be around him, he has a magnetic personality and he is still our little ladies man. Happy 6th birthday Tal! We sure do love you around here.

And then there were two

Me and my littles on the first day of school after dropping off the "big kids". 

 Our three older kids started back at school today. Everyone was very excited and more than ready to head back.
Taylor's first day of 5th grade 

Chases first day of 2nd grade

Talan's first day of ALL DAY kindergarten 

The traditional group picture before leaving for school

 Taylor and Chase both took off for their classes once we got to the school and neither of them looked back. I did, however manage to sneak a couple pics of them when they weren't looking. I have a really hard time letting go. Such a bitter sweet thing. Hate to see my babies grow up and yet at the same time, I'm excited for them to experience new things and learn and grow and become all that they have the potential to be. Just wish that second part didn't have to happen so fast. 

Chase lined up with a couple of his buddies 

If you look closely you can see Taylor through her door, with her head turned here. she has no idea I took this picture and would be totally embarrassed if she knew I was peaking in her classroom door.

Talan was so excited for his first day he could hardly contain himself. He was up at 6am dressed with his back pack on when I got home from working out. He didn't hesitate at all and lined up with his class with no probing or anything and once he got in the classroom he started pulling things out of his back pack and was ready to go. Like it was no big deal at all. Not much intimidates Talan. I love that about him. Everyone had a great day. I know it's going to be a great year! 

Talan and Chase at 6am ready to go to school

Talan on the play ground waiting for the bell to ring

Talan lining up with his class

Heading in 

At his desk ready to start his big day! 

I'm going to miss these 3 like crazy, but I am also looking forward to spending some good one on one time with Easton and Avery, because I know all too soon they will be heading off like their older brothers and sister, for school too. 

All 5 kids on their second day of school. 

Summer 2013 part 2 Utah and Oregon

The last two weeks of July me and the kids, while Cort stayed home to work and study, escaped the heat and headed north. We spent one week in Utah and the other in Oregon. Our first stop along the way was in St. George when we spent the night. And the Pizza Factory was a must for sure while we were there. That's right I took all 5 of my kids by myself out to dinner. I'm basically super mom. ;)

After dinner we went and checked into our hotel and did a little swimming that night and again the next morning before we left for Salt Lake. 

Avery practicing her float 

I ❤ these kids. 5 kids on one full size bed. Nice and cozy!

Utah was so much fun. As it always is. 

First night there went out to eat with the Hafens who we hadn't seen in almost a year. Taylor and Paige so happy to be together again!

Here are some other highlights from our trip while we were there. 

Spent one of our days there in down town Salt lake. 2 moms + 8 kids = fun times for sure!

I love to see the temple 

Salt Lake Temple Visitor Center.

LDS church museum downtown. Playing with the pioneer toys was a huge hit.

Pretty girls

Did some Swimming with the Peterson cousins at Grandpa's house that Saturday while we were there and then had a picnic in his backyard the next day. Love Utah in the summertime. The weather was perfect. 

We stayed at Tyson's house while we were there because my dad was remodeling his kitchen. Loved being there and spending time with him and Mikail and being so close to family and friends there in Herriman. 

Trying to pass the time at Tyson's while Avery took her naps was a little tricky. But we got creative. Massage anyone?

Or how about a friendly game of chess?

Avery was a horrible sleeper at night while we were there. After trying for over two hours one night to get her to go to sleep she finally fell asleep on the floor. 

My sister Whitney rented a bounce house one of the last days we were there and that was so fun. The kids loved it. Always a good time with Whitney.

We met up with My friend Leslie at a park one day too while we were there. So good to see her again. We have basically known each other forever. Here's our youngest kids playing together.

After a week there Cort finally flew up and we left early the next morning for our 10 hour drive to Portland Oregon where we spent 5 fabulous days with our good friends the Buchanans there. 

The girls Hanging out in the car while waiting for lunch in Boise along the way.

It was a very long drive 

After about a 11 hour drive we finally made it! And these two and the rest of everyone couldn't have been more happy to be together again. 

Our first day there we Made a quick stop at the Lake Oswego Farmers Market on our way to the coast. Seriously could it be prettier there?!

First stop once we got to the coast Seaside Aquarium to feed the seals

Audrey's mom house was a dream. So much to do and explore.

Got us some real fresh fish and chips for dinner that first night. Yum!

And then took our oldest girls for some shopping on the Seaside Boardwalk. 

The Next day we headed over to Cannon beach about five minutes away. Star fish and tide pools galore!

Plus some real good fun on these bikes we rented. While the kids played us adults enjoyed some clam chowder right there on the beach. Couldn't think of a better way for us to have spend that day. 

Our last night at the coast we had s'mores by the camp fire and the girls had their final camp out in the backyard. 

We spend our last day there at the lake in Lake Oswego. 

We left for home the next day. Always so hard to say good bye. We had plans to stop and break up the drive but when Avery broke out in huge welted hives after about 5 hours of driving we decided to take turns and drive 21 hours straight through. We went though California on our way home. The last four hours were brutal, but we made it. Such a fun and wonderful trip. Now back to reality this week. The kids start school in 3 days. Eek!