update

Just a little update from Lilly.
"Mom, there is not a girl named Sebastian in my class I just thought there was"
Now can you see why I love this girl. Another great day of school.
Tonight as she was getting in her PJ's, she had a huge smile on her face and says "I get to go to school every day!!! And when I'm done with kindergarten I get to go to college"

First day of school

She is a Kindergartner now!!! It's official. She did great, there were no fights or tears. She got up got dressed, said a prayer, ate breakfast, brushed teeth and hair done all with a smile and no complaints. Max didn't really like the new routine, meaning that there were a few tantrums we will have to work this out before next Tuesday. I walked her to a mass group of people and waited for her teacher to walk the class in. As she walked in line she had a smile on her face, then I blew her a kiss and said have a great day!!!! She blew a kiss back to me and then she was through the doors. My baby is all grown up.

All day I thought about what was she doing now. I was pleased to find out that she had a surprising handful of details to report.

These are things that she told me about her day.

She sits at the blue table. There is only one other girl at her table.

Her friend Hope opened her lunch stuff.

She got a paper cut and has a band aid.

There is a girl named Sebastian in her class.

She didn't get to share with the class the homework bear that she made.

She ate a cupcake for snack because it was the Teacher's aide birthday.

She played on the play ground for a little and has sand in her shoes to prove it.

She read the story the Kissing Hand and retold it to me. Then she showed my how my love would always be with her.

Tonight she said "Mom, come here I have to talk to you. Tomorrow I get to go to school again and again and again, I love school"

I think that is a sure sign that she had a great first day.

Pajama Party

Friday was the last day of our summer vacation. School is starting on Monday so we had to celebrate. This is all weird to me b/c this is the first year that I will have a child going to school. Lilly is more then ready, I will be the one in tears. Ever since we moved here we would pass by our elementary school and say " That's your school" At that time I really never thought that it would come so soon. Since it is such a big day we must through a party. Parties make everything better. Lilly wanted to hold a pajama party so we had one celebrating the start of school. She specifically requested to have a party that was not girly so her cousins would like it. Here was the outline.
Everyone is in PJs
Hot dogs and fruit for dinner
Games: musical pillows, charades and spoons
Make an ice cream sundae
Movie: "Ink Heart"
sleep (not so much)

I had to include an ice cream sundae b/c that is what my mom did when we were young. I always thought that was a wonderful way to celebrate. I would like to make this back to school party a tradition. I had so much fun and the kids did too. But next year I just might skip the whole dinner thing and just have the ice cream. One day a year won't kill you.

In the morning I thought I was being a supper cool Mom/Aunt and made the kids chocolate chip pancakes topped with raspberries and berry syrup. I know what you are thinking, yes, Laura that sounds so good, lucky children. Well lets just say I was way more excited about breakfast then the kids. Oh well now there are more for me.

I'm a WORKMAN!!!

We got back from our Family reunion on Monday. I'm at loss for words of how much I love my family and how wonderful they are. There were 84 that attended and we were missing some families. Now I think I can say I know everyone by name and can name them in order.

Everything was just so fun from yummy food, to kids swords. From the talent show to boat rides and swimming in the bay. The list goes on, sand castles, freeway traffic, s'mores, really hot showers, and bug bites.

My kids made new friends and I was able to catch up with my most awesome cousins, aunts and uncles. I only wish we lived closer. Until then I will count down to the next one and hope to keep in touch with ever so cool facebook.

To sum up the our time there it goes like the song Grandma's Feather Bed "we didn't get much sleep but we had allot of fun"

Here is my best Uncle Bert getting the boat ready for some fun.

My sweet cousin Natalie built about 12 sandcastles with my kids. Lilly wanted to bring her home with us. Who could blame her she is so stink'n cute.Kevin is getting in on the cooking with my cousin Jason.Arts and crafts time thanks to my Aunt Nancy.

John and Shannyn enjoying camping! The 3 musketeers Becca, me and Jamie!!!The beach and water.

Before we got there

Since the trip is 12 hours long, we decided that we should break up the trip. Bryce Cyn is about 7 hours from here and that would be a good spot to take a break. I love Bryce Cyn it is just breath taking. I wanted to show the kids how amazing and spectacular nature is. Lilly was more amazed with the hotel and made a few comments like "I don't want to see another canyon. We already saw this" I can see where a 5 year old can get tired of seeing red rock but at least now she can say that she has been.
Our little monkeys jumping on the bed.

Hiking the switchbacks.Heading to Willard's Bay we stopped for a very short, too short visit with my old roommate Antonia. We went up to BYU campus for old time sake and to show the kids where mom went to school. Of course I had to take the kids to the Candy counter and take a picture with the naked indian.