"I Just Feel So Much Older"

McKell started third grade last week. She had a great first day of school. She has a really fun teacher who will be getting married in October. It is so funny that the students are so excited about her name changing during the year. McKell is 100% girl. She loves to shop and we bought way too many new school clothes. Not only did we buy the clothes this year, but we had to buy the matching shoes, necklaces, watches, bracelets, and hair things. It is all about the accessories.

After school was over, McKell and I were going through her papers and I asked her how her day was. She answered, "I just feel so much older." I said "older than yesterday?" She said, "Of course." Our baby girl has grown up and I have enjoyed every second of it!!

"Give 'Em L"

Excuse the profanity in the title, but this is a slogan for the high school. They actually have T-shirts with this slogan on it that the students wear. I don't love it, but it seemed appropriate for this post as Braxton started high school this week as a Freshman. I can't believe it either. It seems like only yesterday that Braxton was that crazy, busy two-year-old that would not leave my side. He wanted me to hold him ALL the time even after he was way too big and heavy for me to pack around. He hated to sleep without the light on all night and he wouldn't let me out of his sight.

Well, he has completely grown out of that stage. Now, he wants me to be as far away as possible. I probably couldn't pick him up if I tried and he shuts his bedroom door tight every night because it is so "annoying that McKell has to sleep with the hall light on." He now wants to be out of my sight, at least most of the time. He is just starting Driver's Ed (scary, huh?) so he still needs me to drive him to school, practices, movies and anywhere else he and his friends can think of. But, it is official - I now have a high school student. It makes me feel old.

This is Braxton on his first day of high school. He fought me on taking the picture. He said it was stupid. I said that I have taken a "first day picture" since he started pre-school at age 3 and I wasn't stopping now just because he was in high school. He reluctantly agreed to pose for the picture. Doesn't he look so excited?? Here are some stats on Brax:

Height: 5 foot, 8 inches; Weight: 130 pounds; Shoe Size: 10.5; Classes: Biology, Geography, Driver's Ed, Seminary, English, Spanish; Favorite Sports: Football, Soccer; Favorite Sports Team: San Diego Chargers

He actually was really excited to start 9th grade and can't wait to play in his first official football game next Thursday. I have been driving him to football practice at the high school since the first of August and it hasn't seemed strange. But, it was crazy dropping him off on the first day of school. It is hard to be sad because he just couldn't wait. Braxton, I am so proud of you and I hope this year you do your best and "Give 'Em L."

Summertime - when the living is easy

I cannot believe that school is starting. We have had so much fun this summer. We have stayed up way too late and slept in way too late. I have absolutely loved the lazy days of summer. I love to stay in my pajamas all morning and not get anything done until late afternoon. Actually, we were gone from our home a lot this summer, whether it was on family vacation, a trip to Salt Lake City, or just hanging out in Idaho at grandma and grandpa's house. Here are some highlights of our summer:
The week after school got out we went on a last minute family vacation to California. Some of our friends were going with their kids and invited us to come along. We had a blast!! We started out at Sea World in San Diego. We also hit Disneyland and California Adventure and ended with Universal Studios in Hollywood. We would get to Disney when the park opened and stay until it closed. McKell loved meeting the characters, riding the tea cups, and the "Finding Nemo" submarine ride. Braxton rode pretty much every ride and loved the "Indiana Jones" ride and "Screamin'" at California Adventure. Also, the "Tower of Terror" was a huge highlight for him and me as well. I love fast rides and roller coasters and had a great time. Derek even made it through "Space Mountain" without getting too sick.

We even spent a whole day at Laguna Beach, California. I was not thrilled about this because I really don't like to lounge out in a swimsuit. However, this ended up being one of our favorite days. It was a great way to relax and slow down after the fast pace of the theme parks. Derek and I got completely fried. Apparently our snow-white skin wasn't used to the sun. We came home really red but it was worth it. It was a great experience for our family because our usual family vacation is to Idaho.

Our kids were also involved in many other things this summer. Braxton spent a week at football camp and McKell took swimming lessons. We spent the Fourth of July with my family. It is always fun to go to the parade and the sprinkler park. We always have a great time with our cousins. The Fourth is one of my favorite holidays and I love going to the fireworks in Idaho Falls. They are still the best I have ever seen.

To end the summer we spent two weekends with Destry and Tricia. They were great hosts as always. It was great to see them and catch up. When we visit there is always great food, great fun, and great conversation. The four of us stay up way too late talking. Also, my kids love to see their girls and Luke. We spent a Saturday afternoon swimming in Tricia's sister's pool and finished up our school shopping just in time to come home and get back to reality.

The summer is officially over. The kids have gone back to school and I have gone back to work. We were so not ready. I already miss the days of hanging out in my pajamas at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go. I guess getting back on schedule will be nice but I will be counting down the days until next summer.

Welcome!

Hi, welcome to our blog. I am officially a blogger (well, I am learning as I go). I have been wanting to start a blog for months and finally took the plunge. Although the name is "Just the 4 of Us," the two kids pictured above will probably be the main focus. These two keep me going with all the music lessons, practices, games, and other events they are involved in. I actually love every minute of it!!