At the end of last year I couldn't wait for summer. I was feeling terribly sick and I was so burnt out from taking the kids all over the place. I felt like we were living in the car. When summer started it was just what we wanted. We didn't do a thing. Our days were filled with lounging around, Gracie stepping up and getting the boys breakfast almost every morning, and best of all, no plans at all. We had the occasional trip to visit families and a reunion here and there, but mostly we were just home. It was just what we needed to re-boot. Or what I needed rather. The week before school started I started to get pretty antsy. The kids were at each others throats most of the time and I felt like I was a referee more than a mother. We have a tradition every year that the day before school starts, we have a fancy feast and the kids get to dress up and use candles and wine glasses. After we eat we watch a clip about Carpe Diem from the movie The Dead Poets Society. We teach the kids about making every day count and then Chad gives each of us a blessing for the year. This year was amazing. Our oldest is turning 8 and with a new baby on the way, I feel like I cried through all of them. Owen couldn't wait for his turn and he sat so reverent while Chad blessed him. I am so grateful for Chad. Mike gave Chad some advice while he was here on a visit and told Chad the importance of giving your children blessings. Mostly our daughter. He told us to never underestimate the power of a Priesthood blessing. I guess after being a Stake President for a while you start to see what makes a difference and what doesn't in children's lives.
Grace started a week before Mikey and it turned out to be a great blessing because she knew what she was doing on the bus and was able to help Mike on his first day. Owen and I are really enjoying our time together and I am trying my best to soak it all up before the baby gets here. We were able to potty train Owen fairly quickly and I feel like that was my biggest "to do" before the new one arrives. What a fun time of life we are having right now. I am trying to enjoy it the best I can.... when I feel up to it that is :)
Every year before school the kids get a fresh haircut. I love it so much.
Our dessert for our feast. Sweet Tooth Fairy cupcakes!
This is the best picture I could get.
Gracies first day of 2nd Grade!!
The Elementary Principal is honestly the funnest guy in the world. This is him with a bunch of balloons and a big sign that says "ALA rocks and so do YOU!"
She was SO nervous to ride the bus. We talked for weeks about it and she was still scared to death. I walked her to the bus and said "Turn around so I can get a picture" She said "Okay" Then proceeded to walk right on. She was pretty distracted.
Mikey's First day!! All day Kindergarten!
Unlike Grace, Mike was stoked to ride the bus. He was running to get on.
