A New School Year. . . .

The first day of school take two. . .hate it when I fight with my computer/blog and it/they win :). . .

So we have been in school about ten days so far. . .

This year I sent Jacob off to the JUNIOR HIGH!!! I remember so clearly dropping him off at kindegarten or even better yet, his first day of PRESCHOOL!! Where does the time go? I was nervous sending Jacob to the Junior High as there are classes and Jacob time, had to end. . . I really worried about whether he would be able to get from one place to another. . .He did fine the first day and so far, he has been very happy! I am relieved and very grateful. He really seems to enjoy his classes, and is finding them interesting but not as challenging as Neely. I am grateful for that. He enjoys some new found freedoms of going to the library and using their computer in the early morning and at lunch time -- we allow very little computer time at our house. . .so I am glad he has figured out a system that works for him.

Ryan started FOURTH grade this year!!! He had a rough year last year, so he was DREADING going back to school, and to be honest, so was I. But, he went and he seems to enjoy his teacher and school isn't nearly as bad as he thought it would be. He was proud of his reading comprehension level, and so far is doing the things he hates (he loves to read, but testing on AR? He HATES it) so I am pleased about that. I did tell Ryan that if he complained about this year, I was pulling him out and sending him to the neighborhood school. He has not said one negative word this year. Happy day!


Spencer was SOOOO excited about going to first grade at NEEELY! His whole life he has been hearing about his brothers' school and going to activities, and then last year, I sent him to a different school, so this is a HUGE treat for him. He seems to be very happy even after the first full week of school. I had some trepidation as rumor is his teacher is a tough teacher, but he and she seem to get along fine. I am a happy mom. Last night, he went to a play date to a friend of mine who has a son in Spence's class. On the way, he told me the key to a successful year was Play dates -- who knew???

Spencer demanded pictures of he and Ryan in fact I had a hard time getting one of just Ryan as Spencer was just so thrilled to be going with his brother to school. I wish that I could have had the three brothers pictures taken, but alas, they go to school at different times and they weren't all ready.

Spencer got a little nervous waiting to go into the classroom. But, I was happy to pick him up with the BIGGEST smile on his face!! I love that boy!

Now, that they are all in school. . .what to do with all of my free time?! I wish -- the free time just gets eaten up with the list of things that "need to be done!"

Lily's new quilt. . .

I have a new neice. . .

 

She is adorable. . .I like the she part. . .but she got a new quilt. . .

 

I think it is soooo cute. I made it. Don't look at it too close!

Harvesting the Corn

The day before school starts, some families do fun things, we get to harvest corn. I know, you are jealous. . .

 

Jake decided that we needed to start harvesting on Monday, so I have had to enjoy the heat and dirt. I told Ryan that we needed to take some pictures for posterity, he said that he can't wait to show his kids and tell them that he filled at least a fourth of the crib. . .

 

The work is hot, and dirty, but it is satisfying to see the crib filling up. Fun times, and I guess it is good to see the boys working.

 

Take me out to the Ball game

On Friday, Jake called and wanted to know if we were going to continue our new tradition of going to a D-backs game (we went last year for a special price for tickets) -- so, I figured we better continue our tradition, so we went Friday to a Dodger game. It was really fun, too bad the D-backs didn't know we were there so they would win -- don't we wish? but the boys enjoyed the game and Jake always enjoys a good ball game, especially when I can't ask him to come help me do something "important" during it. :)

 

 

 

 

We rode the Light rail into the ball game, next year I think we will drive, but it was an enjoyable game enjoyed by all!

Family Reunion

For the 24th of July weekend, we made our annual trek to Kanosh for Jake's family's family reunion. Emmy, Jake's sister and her family were in charge, and boy did they plan a fun filled reunion. We had a lot of learning and playing "pioneer games" -- the life size Lincoln Logs were a huge hit -- one really big cabin was built by some hard working kids. . .ropes, and candles and rag dolls were also made.

 

 

Roller skating after lunch was quite an event. Some were old pros, and well others, got help to keep them upright. Some, by the end of the afternoon, were quite good on their feet. . .others, were old and their joints were feeling it. :)

 

Kanosh, Jake's hometown, has a fantastic 24th of July celebration. Jake's dad requested that he drive all of his grandchildren ride in his wagon with him and Jake's mom. So, all did as Grandpa requested and overcame the fact they couldn't collect the candy thrown -- fortunately, many of the people in the parade knew that when the adults called for some candy, it was really for some sad kids on a float. . .we were quite the sight though, collecting the candy .

 

 

 

The parade goes up one side of the street and then turns and goes back the other side, so these "poor" kids were able to catch the fire trucks at the end of the parade, and got sufficiently wet. Fun times were had by all.