Family Home Evening

Tonight Kensington was in charge of Family Night and she has been planning to make home made play dough for weeks. We got all the ingredients last week and she was excited to execute her plan. They had a lot of fun. I am not a hands on mom so this wouldn't be my first choice, especially after an afternoon filled with a lot of chaos and the night before getting ready for company, ;) ;) they are happy though and that's all that matters for now.

Signing Away Our Lives

I am in shock at how much paperwork is necessary with the beginning of school. Check out this picture of all the crap I had to fill out. And YES, it was stinky!!! AND, homework on the first day...what is that all about??? This is just a small gripe session but the first day did go really well for all four girls. And I am happy because this is the only year that all four of them will ever be in the same school.

First Day of KINDERGARTEN and 2nd, 4th & 5th Grades

Maybe I am crazy but I am not ready to send my girls back to school. Some argue that I am not ready to give up late nights and sleeping in  but I really enjoyed spending time with my kids this summer. I think it may have been the best summer I have had and we did not do much of anything notable! The first day back was good and for the most part they are ready to go. I got teary at home before I took them and teary walking them into the school. I am used to having Bella with me. Every morning after I dropped her sisters off I would say "Bella, you know what? And she would always answer "It's only you and me, momma!" No more...:( 

But hey, there's promise...I have the whole house to myself every day. That can't be bad!!!

Bella's First Day of Kindergarten. Can you believe it???!!!

Calissa Hope, Second Grader

Kensington's First Day of 4th Grade

Brae starting 5th Grade. That's her teacher in the background.

We went to Open Gym on Friday night with our friends. It was so fun although I am pretty sore today from flipping around. This was a bitter sweet night cause it was the last time we will see Nick and Eric before they go back to Utah and head back to the fabulous world of school. It was a great summer with them and I am thankful for their friendship!! I'm gonna miss them so much. :(

Sunday Crafts

Kensington made some crafts today while I was taking a little nap ;) She made Braelyn, Calissa and Isabella onto pieces of velcro that come off the paper. THEN, she made one of herself. Notice one small difference between hers and theirs????? So funny...Well, the three others don't think so.

Party At Our House

Friday night we were able to keep KK and we had a great time with her. Her two feet never touched the ground...my girls carried her the whole time. She is a joy. I truly find it remarkable how one little girl can bless the lives of so many. Look at her personality. 

Kennedi and My Girls Dancing

Exhaustion!

Our friends, Christy and her boys, came over Saturday for pizza and a movie. It was so fun to have them! These boys are so adorable!

Funny Faces

Girl's Haircuts

Bella Before

Bella After

Cali Before

Cali After

Kensington Before

Kensington After

Braelyn Before

Braelyn After

Annika's Baptism and Family Time Together

Annika got baptized this morning. We got up bright and early (my eyes haven't seen 6:45am all summer haha) and met at Shannon and Jared's to ride with them out to Liberty for the baptism. I am so happy I can blog all I want about how Jared treats me. This is for the whole world to know!!! For those of you in Dallas who knew him as the loving Bishop, well here's the other side to him. :) He told me last night to be at his house at 7:20 this morning. I was on perfect track to be there right on time and on my way my phone rang. I knew instantly who it was... Butthead. That's what his name is on my phone (Shannon programmed it years ago) and immediately he starts questioning me about where I was 

and why I wasn't at his house yet. I told him I would be there right when he told me to be but he said when he says 7:20 he means 7:10. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Anyways... 

Here are some pics from our morning. The best thing in the world is spending time with those who mean the most to you. 

This was our ride to Liberty. Brennan and Bella sharing a seat ;) They are best buds. 

Our special girl... Annie Marie

Braelyn and Kennedi. This baby is the biggest HAM in the history of the world. She does this "pose" every time a camera is in front of her. She talks so much now. It's amazing how much joy this child has brought into so many lives. We are so crazy about her!

Kam, Sky, Tay

Kammy, Cali, Jordi

Aaron (we still need a nick name for you buddy :)

Ry Man

Ken, Bren & Belly

Ken & Bren at lunch afterwards

On the ride home I was sitting with Brennan and he was next to KK. He was leaning his head on her carseat and she was rubbing his hair and his ear. It was the sweetest thing. I am such a lucky girl for so many reasons. 

I love these kids!

Family is so good! How is it possible to love nieces and nephews so much!