1st Grade and Big Changes

Kylie and Bailey went to first grade today. There's been more nervousness for 1st grade than there was for kindergarten. After talking about it and what to expect, I think they went today without too much apprehension {i hope}. The first day of school is all about new beginnings so they have new haircuts {aren't they darling}, new clothes, new shoes and new backpacks with matching lunch bags.

 

 

 

They are super excited about their three recesses and being able to eat at school. They did so well in kindergarten that I'm positive they will be fine {i hope}. I think I'm probably more nervous than they are. 

{Reasons for nervousness}
Being a parent, you have to make decisions for your children you hope are the right ones for them and your family.  One decision we had to make was whether to keep them on D track or switch to C track like the rest of their friends and those in our ward (church). We kept them on D track since it was closer to my schedule and would work best for our family. It gave them a longer summer break, 6 weeks rather than 3. I love my summers and the time I have with my kids, it would be hard if they were in school most of the time. Once we made that choice, we were told D track would have two teachers and we could have them in separate classes. We have always talked about whether we would put the girls in separate classes once they were in school. Paul has been adamant that they do, I'm a little more wishy washy. I just want them happy. In their second year of preschool, we were forced to separate them due to class space. They had a very hard time for months so we put them back together as soon as we could. It wasn't an issue in kindergarden since we are on year round, there was only one class. After some discussion, we decided it was best for them to try separation, if it doesn't work, we'll cross that bridge then.  Their kindergarten teacher put them with the teacher she thought would be the best for them. Kylie's teacher is more creatively structured while Bailey's is more structured. I hope we chose right. Here's a picture of them in front of their classes. Luckily they are right next door!

Good luck in first grade girls!

Yellowstone & Camping

We've had some rough camping trips the last few times we've gone but this camping trip was lots of fun. The first day, was freezing and I just didn't anticipate the cold nor did I pack for the cold/wet temperatures. Luckily, we bought new sleeping bags before and were nice and warm all night.

We went with Paul's brothers and their families. We spent the day looking at geysers, animals (buffalos and elk) and playing. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins. It was a nice way to end our summer.

 These are ones of the boys... love them!

Kade's explanation of why Yellowstone is called "yellowstone" after he heard the ranger's explaination {this is his version of the story with no coaching...}.

Paul: Why is it called Yellowstone?
Kade: Because of the Yellow river.
Paul: Why is the river yellow?
Kade: Because all of the Indians peed in the water.

California Adventure

We love going to California. I miss living there but am so glad we get to visit at least once a year. This year, we decided to go while Paul was at his sales conference in Arizona. He was able to fly in and out of Ontario so he spent half the time with us. We all had a great time! I took way too many pictures again so I'm going to show you the highlights. For all our pictures click here

Day 1: Sea World
Our favorite were: feeding the dolphins (awesome!), shamu shows, fireworks, the polar bears (Kade), the dolphin show (Kylie), Seal show (Bailey), and just being together! The kids each got $25 to spend of their own money and spent it wisely. There was no asking over and over of anything and everything. Kylie chose a white seal stuffed animal and dolphin necklace, Bailey chose a baby shamu and turtle necklace, and Kade chose a polar bear. We had a fabulous time!

Day 2-3: Visit Great Grandparent
Monday morning Paul flew out and we headed to my grandparents house for the night. We ate mickey mouse pancakes and swam in the spa. It was so much fun and I'm so sad I didn't think to take pictures.

When we got back to my parents, the kids decorated their own beach pails my mom bought them. I made some vinyls before we left, they each chose what they wanted, then they decorated them. It was a lot of fun!

Click on the picture to see it larger

Day 4: Oceanside Beach

We sat in the sun, played in the sand and splashed in the ocean. L-O-V-E-D it!

Click on the picture to see it larger

Day 5: Hanging out

Paul came home around noon, so the two of us went to lunch. It was nice to spend some time alone. Then we ran errands (boring I know) and that night my Aunt Robin and Uncle Jim came to dinner. It was so much fun seeing them. Again I didn't take pictures. I'm not sure why I forget when we are hanging out at home... 

Day 6: San Diego Zoo

On our final day, my grandparents gave us 4 free passes to the San diego zoo. I <3 this zoo. It has every animal and is just beautiful. We saw tons of monkeys (they have a whole section of all the different monkeys), tigers, pandas, lions, elephants, zebras, bears, koalas, turtles, alligators, crocs, gorillas, hippos, and so much more. It was a great day and a great way to end the vacation!

Click on the picture to see it larger

We had a great vacation and can't wait to go back!

Happy Birthday Kylie and Bailey!

Today, Kylie and Bailey are 7 years old. I remember my dad always telling me they grow up in the blink of an eye. Why does he have to be so right? I thought I'd celebrate this by giving little snapshots of our wonderful girls.

Kylie is such a sweet girl. She's tenderhearted and so loving. She's Mama Ky, a little mother hen with her brothers. She's a little bossy but means well. She loves pink, is shy at first but once you know her isn't at all. She love Ariel, babies, her glasses (they make her different from Bailey and therefore she loves them!), and her family. She is a daddy's girl but likes all things girly. She enjoys reading and does great in school. She loves all things creative and is a wonderful artist.

We are so proud of her and the girl she is growing up to be.                                         

Bailey is such a fun girl! She loves life and always has a big smile on her face. She loves purple, and tends to be shy with those she doesn't know but once you get her started watch out! She loves the water and being outside. She's not afraid to play with bugs or other creepy crawly things.  She's our picky eater but is also a garbage disposal, we don't know where she puts it all and can out-eat some adults.  She's smart and loves to read. She does great in school and loves to be near everyone. She's our little monkey and loves to climb on everything and always has.

We are so proud of her and the girl she is growing up to be.        

For Bailey and Kylie's 7th birthday, we were on vacation in California and decided to go to Sea World on their birthday to make it a little more special but we did manage to open presents before we left.

They had a wonderful 7th birthday!