August 2015

August 2015

Summer va-cay always comes to an end too quickly.  Here's a snapshot of the last few weeks and the first day of school.  

Grandmas have a magical touch.  Shhh...

Welp, it looks like we're in the market for a new washing machine.  Ugh.  That's not exactly what you'd like to spend your money on right when you move into a new house.  I was hoping to buy window coverings.  Or lights.  Guess they'll wait!

She found her toes and decided they taste good.

Taking this picture was bitter sweet.  This was our last hurrah before the Taylor family moved to Utah.  We ate at Cici's Pizza before they took off.  It's been so nice with them here and the cousins really got to know one another.  

Last hugs.  *sniff*

Cousin Devon came to visit and brought his girlfriend Rachel.  Annika made sure she gave them makeovers.

The rains came down...

...and the floods came up!

Annika played dress up with Tamzyn.

Cowabunga Bay

It's nice that we live near Cowabunga Bay.  The whole family enjoyed it.  Brian took the big kids on all the big rides and I hung out with the littles.  

Happy 7th birthday Irelynn!!
Her birthday party was a work of art... literally!  We let the girls make bracelets, paint on canvas, use fabric markers on purses, and even create their own cupcake topping decoration.  Then they played Pictionary until their parents arrived to pick them up.  The girls had an amazing time!  Irelynn has a lot of new friends here and I'm so happy for her.  

We signed Irelynn and Annika up for gymnastics at Gymcats!  They love it.  Every day Annika wakes up and asks if it's Gymcats today.  

I didn't know where Irelynn was.  Then I found my little book worm rereading old Fancy Nancy books. 

For Natalya's 11th birthday we gave her 3 tickets to see R5 in concert.  The day finally arrived!  We had backstage passes and got to watch them warm up before the concert began.  

(We especially liked the life-size Austin cardboard cutout they set up in the background.  Apparently it's been on the road with them, ha!)

Natalya and her new friend, Halle

It was hot.  Like, Las Vegas in August hot.  Popsicles were a must.

Natalya and Halle with the band!  I guess Ross read Natalya's t-shirt that says, "Happy girls are the prettiest," and said he liked it.  She thought that was awesome. 

It was a great concert, but I was exhausted by the time we were done.  I think I'm getting old.

First day of school!!  
The kids had the first-day-jitters.  Then again, so did I.  They were nervous to start at a new school where they didn't know anyone.  They did great!  Everyone made a new friend by the end of the day.  I'm so proud of them.

Natalya, 6th grade, first day of middle school.  Phew!

Off you go, baby girl.

Irelynn, 2nd grade

Branson, 4th grade

Mom, Annika, and Tamzyn, still in PJ's and tired from a busy morning.  Let's go home.

Mrs. Van Son, the perfect teacher for Irelynn.  She was seriously an answer to prayer.  Mrs. Van Son was so loving and kind.  She put Irelynn at ease and created a smooth transition to this new school.  Thank you!!

I love these little legs!  They're so cute in leggings.

I don't ever want to forget my diapered babies snuggled in bed with me.  I hope I always remember.

My bar stools arrived!!  I love them.  It's the perfect splash of color.  They're sturdy, metal, and perfect for kids.  Yay!

Annika and Tamzyn hanging out, watching some TV.  I think they're going to be great friends.

Natalya started Cross Country season so we started running together in the mornings.  I love training with my daughter.  We get up and run at 6am.  It's peaceful in the desert that early.  Just us and wide open space.

And Tamzyn too :)