That time again...

It's conference time again. I have been so excited to hear the words of our leaders. We are so blessed to have this sacred instruction every six months. Every talk I heard was so wonderful, and I almost feel like it's too much to digest in one sitting. There is so much to do and improve, it can be overwhelming. President Monson's talk, however, emphasized to me to just keep trying our very best, to focus on the things that are MOST important, and to enjoy the journey. I LOVE that. I really am trying to delight in each day and the memories that we as a family are making together.

As I was trying to listen and be edified, the kids were TRYING to be good, but we finally sent Aidan outside to find the cat. Two hours is a little long for him. (actually, 2 MINUTES is a little long for him!) The kids were fairly busy with the Conference Bingo (the Skittles were a hit), and other activities I found online. (thank goodness for those!!) I also had fun trying hairdo's on the girls that I usually don't have time for. Corey made a DELICIOUS breakfast for us, complete with pancakes, eggs, bacon, and cinnamon pull-aparts. He promptly informed us how many calories we had consumed, but I didn't care. It's such a treat to cuddle up on the couch, listen with my family, and enjoy the day.

Aidan is Three!

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I can't believe my baby is three! He is SUCH a fun addition to our family! He is always good for a smile and keeps us on our toes! We love him SOOOOO much! He wanted a T-ball party this year. It was his very first "friend" party. Grandma and Grandpa got him a new T-ball set, and the friends came and helped break it in! We are so lucky to have such cute, fun friends for Aidan. They had a great time running around in the backyard and eating baseball cupcakes. I had a lot of help (thanks, ladies!!)...and Aidan was SO happy to have celebrated his birthday in such a fun way. We're SO glad Nana could be there!

Volleyball

Austen's playing volleyball again this year. She's really worked hard and finally got her serve down!! The last time she had the ball, she got 5 or 6 over the net and scored the winning point! She's still working on her other skills, but it's fun to watch and practice with her. (We've been out in the not quite large enough back yard practicing serves... good thing we have nice neighbors to return the ball!) I told her that she might have a little volleyball talent in her blood since she has two uncles who are pretty AWESOME at the sport. Either way... it's fun to watch her have fun. She was SO excited when they won... she's definitely got spunk! :) And yes, that is Aidan in the BOTTOM of his stroller.... ANYTHING for a laugh!

Playdates

I am a HUGE fan of playdates! I have always loved setting these up for my kids. It's a total win-win situation! The kids have a blast, the moms get a break once and a while, and moms and kids both end up with treasured friendships. Austen and Noah both did playgroups and STILL are friends with those kids! Aidan and Ellie both LOVE their playdates they have scheduled each week. Aidan started his first playgroup this month and he asks almost daily when it is time for playgroup again! Good times and good friends... what more can kids (and moms) ask for??




















































































I had to add this page about the most anticipated playdate of all... KINDERBEAR!! My kids have always brought the bear home on the most boring days!! You have to write in KINDERBEAR's journal, and it's always been hard to make it sound like we had an exciting afternoon, especially if I was teaching piano! Well, Ellie got the WHOLE weekend to hang out... she was so cute with him, and I even had time to make a little scrapbook page for his journal. Yea!

Camping.. finally!

We have been trying to fit in a camping trip all summer! It never happened since we were busy doing lots of other fun things!!! SO, we SQUEEZED one in this weekend. We told the kids earlier in the week, and I'm telling you it was all, especially Aidan, they could talk about! They were SO excited!

We have not camped all together for a few years, and our camping gear is in SERIOUS need of updating! We had THREE sleeping bags for the six of us! I brought lots of blankets and warm jammies, but we were ALL cold. Poor Corey got up before 6:00 to go and start a fire to get warm. (and I was happy because he stopped putting his cold feet on ME!)

Aside from a mediocre night's sleep, however, we had SO much fun! As we sat around the campfire eating s'mores, talking and laughing, I was so happy! We were having a great time together with absolutely NO distractions! (computer included!) :)

We have not been camping in a while because, let's be honest, it's a lot of work no matter what, and even it's even worse with babies!! (and it qualifies as certifiable torture if you are pregnant!) However, I told the gang that we have officially entered the CAMPING phase of our lives! Corey and I both LOVE to be outside, and we used to do lots of camping, hiking, mountain biking, etc. Then came the babies and this all dwindled. But, I'm happy to say that we're back!! This summer has proved it. Aidan is still chattering non-stop about sleeping in the tent. I just hope that next time we are a little warmer!! :)

Yes, Corey did bring an ENTIRE tree back the the campsite for our firewood!! I thought the kids were kidding....

Labor Day Adventure

We woke up today and decided to head over to Sequoia National Park. We live so close to some amazing parts of the country, and we had never been to the southern part of the park. The highlight of the day was seeing the famous Sequoia, "General Sherman". Standing there and looking up at it was incredible. Even more than that, the tree has been there for 2200 years! Imagine what it's been through and seen.

We had a great day just hanging out together. The kids were able to complete another "Jr. Ranger" program, their sixth one this summer!! We have all kinds of badges, and they really have learned a lot. I love that they have so much fun exploring and learning new things.

Aidan kept us ALL laughing... he is SUCH a boy! Every few feet, he would have to bend down and pick up a stick, a rock, or just swish around some dirt. It was almost a compulsion!! Needless to say, it took us a long time to get places! And that's ok! :)

Here we go!

The first day of school always evokes a mixture of emotions for me. Excitement and sadness are the most prevalent. It's SO fun to start a new school year... I asked Noah what he was doing in his room yesterday and he answered, "Just thinking about tomorrow!" Austen danced around all day yesterday counting the minutes until bedtime. (seriously!) And Ellie would just grin whenever anyone mentioned "Kindergarten". She can't WAIT to follow in the path of her siblings.

It was SO adorable the other day... I had to talk to Ellie about the "No Tolerance Policy" for school... no drugs, weapons, etc. She actually had to sign something that we had spoken about it. Later that night, Corey asked her if she was all ready for school. She answered and said, "Yes! And I know what NOT to bring." Corey was curious and asked her what this was. She answered, "Guns...and knives." She really was listening!!

I am so excited for them, but it also makes me a little sad to send my babies off to school knowing how fast the year goes and that they'll soon be yet another year older. Since there's nothing I can do about it, I guess I will enjoy a MUCH quieter home (and MAYBE a LITTLE cleaner), a little extra computer time (not to mention time for the 15 million things I SHOULD be doing!) and most importantly, one on one time with my little buddy Aidan. He's begging me to play with his train RIGHT NOW. Here we go....

Spoiled Rotten

I love birthdays!! I try and go as crazy as possible when planning the day for my kids, and I try to remember as many friends and family birthdays as I can. I am sometimes a little late, but I try. Well, this year, MY birthday was extra special. It was one of the best in a LONG time... Many friends and family members wished me a happy day, called, emailed, and even dropped off VERY nice birthday wishes. You don't realize how much this means to me!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

My dad came by to visit and my mom surprised me with the yummiest pie I've ever had! Mom, you could open a store up with that one!! Corey went ABOVE AND BEYOND. He took me to the Mac store the night before and told the salesguy he was buying me a laptop. I just laughed and said, "No way!" Then Corey pulled out CASH and the guy handed me a laptop!!! WHERE he got ALL that money I really don't know. WOW! This is a VERY exciting present for me... I hope Corey realizes what he's done! I can take my iphoto/digiscrapping/imovie/blogging/etc. activites ANYWHERE!!! I think he did it so we don't have to fight over the Mac anymore! :) Anyway, I just really wanted to say THANKS for an incredible day!

Cousins Rock!!

We were lucky enough to have three cousins come and visit this week! Lola, Maude, and Kalee flew in to play and we had a "rockin' awesome" (Austen's new favorite saying) time. We went swimming (of course!), played on the waterslide (of course!), went to the movies, and drove up to the children's museum in Oakhurst. They have had non-stop fun for days!! We have loved having them and hope they can come again soon! We sure wish they lived closer!! (click on the pages to see all the smiles!)

Summer at Shaver

Our bi-annual weekend at Shaver was a grand success. This was our fourth summer going to the cabin in Shaver with our dear friends. We all have such a blast. We ate like kings, laughed for hours, and played for three days on the beach. The kids are busy as can be together. Wow, it was fun! We look forward to this all year long!! Thanks for a great time!!




































As always, I went a little crazy with the camera!

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