So last week was the first week of school. Sorry no pictures. I am a slacker this year but in my defense I was starting the day off at 5:15 am. That's right. Ren is now in High School and his bus comes at 6:20. First day of high school was pretty traumatic for Dave and I. Dave gave Ren a blessing and drove him to the bus stop and waited with him until the bus arrived. I don't know how cool that is but sending your child into a den of lions isn't cool either. We were both relieved when he came home in one piece with a smile on his face. Savannah was a little easier. It's her 2nd year at middle school but she's the only one there now and without Ren to look after her we were still a bit concerned. So Dave again laid his hands on her head for a father's blessing and sent her on her way out into the world. Last but not least came the 3 little monkeys. Emma being a 5th grader is an old pro at the elementary scene and Jordan and Jackson have been there and done that being a 2nd and a 1st grader. We were more concerned about the little boys behavior than anything. They have installed cameras on the buses now so now they will have proof of the chaos they cause. My husband lovingly sat his boys down and talked to them about being a good example and well behaved for their teachers. He then blessed the 3 youngest before sending them to school on their first day. So no I didn't get pictures for their first day of school but I do have a lasting memory of the sweetness of the morning. I love all my children and I love that I have a wonderful husband that cherishes them and protects them.
For those who don't know I have 3 birthdays in 2 days. Ren was born on July 31st and Emma and Jackson share July 30th. That makes for one crazy week every summer. Despite the fact that I tell myself every year that I will tone down their birthday celebrations every year I can't help myself. It's their birthdays and I went them all to feel special. So this year started out with a girls day out with Emma.
I forgot my camera so this is the only birthday one I have, sorry Emma. Alisha joined me as I took Emma, Savannah and a friend Avery to Tucson. 10 is the magic age in our family to get your ears pierced so that's what we started out doing. The girl making the holes made her 2 purple dots on the ears to make sure the earings were even. She then proceeded by piercing one ear well below the purple dot. Emma assured us that they were fine the way they were but Alisha and I vetoed her so Emma got 3 holes for the price of 2. No pain, no gain. We had lunch, saw a movie, and of course did some shopping. I love spending time with my girls. Happy Birthday to my favorite Emma in the whole world!!!
Ren had a surprise party this year. The kids seemed to have fun swimming and taking underwater pictures. Ren loved it. He loves to be the center of attention. He gets that from Dave. He's a freshman this year and I wanted to send him off with a bang. Good luck at high school Ren. I love your guts and ribs!
We finished out the week with a BBQ and swim party for Jack. It started with a bit of a hiccup because we had to change locations at the last minute but it ended up being a better party for it. Good food, good friends and a great kid! I couldn't ask for a better end to the summer. A HUGE thanks to Heidi for providing a killer location for Ren and Jack's parties!!!
I couldn't end without a special note to Lisa. Once again she came through with an amazing cake. The kids loved the smoking volcano. You never cease to amaze me Lis! Thanks for everything.
Pictures to come soon I hope.
Savannah was so excited to go to Girls Camp. This was her first year and she was a little nervous but she could hardly hold still the night before she was so anxious to get started. All of her gear was packed and loaded in the trailer and the rest of her stuff was sitting by the door to grab in the morning. She showered and I braided her hair so she could get out the door quick since they were headed out at 5:30 in the morning. She still insisted on setting her alarm for 4:00 am. Unfortunately, she was so tired that she slept through the alarm. I woke up with my alarm at 5:00 and went in to check on her. I gently shook her shoulder and she sat straight up and jumped off the top bunk. To my amazement she was fully dressed. She had slept in her clothes so she would be faster in the morning.
We arrived at the Strebe's home to load up the girls and she quickly met up with her friend Laura, another first year. They were talking a mile a minute in hyper voices and I felt for Sister Williamson who had a 5 hour drive ahead of her with all the first years.
We missed Savannah so much in that week but we were happy to see what a good time she had. She gave a talk this Sunday on her experience and she shared her sweet testimony of the Savior and the gospel. Her dad and I are starting to understand that the pigtails are almost gone.
