Tara wins the spelling bee

Tara came home from school yesterday with a certificate for having won the first spelling bee in her class. I guess they will have them weekly. She had to spell several words including 'trudge' and 'clothes.' She said it was easy....and no one in her class knows how to spell.
I got an enthusiastic "I love third grade" from her last night.

First Day of school for the girls

Well, school has begun. The girls are so happy with their new teachers and classmates. Emily is thrilled she gets to ride the bus. The first day, the new bus driver got too close to some branches and knocked them down, swishing leaves into the open windows. Emily thought that was the coolest.
Both girls are exhausted at the end of the day. So far, no homework...but that will start Monday. Tara wore new shoes on Monday and chose not to wear socks....so this caused 4 blisters. She's been tough...and actually has been happy about being back in school.
Jacob had one day of kindergarten assessment...he finds out today who his teacher will be. He'll have 2 days next week and then begin for real on the 25th. Yeah!

we found a pirate at the airport

Grandma's "sweetie pie" horse and a very cold stream to play in.

The girls with uncle James and aunt Brandi & cousin Brynnlee

Camp Lomia Lodge

This is where we stayed all together at camp Lomia.

Kung Fu Panda

The whole family went to see Kung Fu Panda. It was great fun. Alayna and Jacob had a great time after the movie showing everyone their new found fun kung fu fighting.
Unfortunately, after the movie at the icecream shop, Jake touched a very hot motorcycle exhaust pipe and burned his thumb. He's ok and has learned not to touch motorcycles.

The willow park zoo

The kids went to the willow park zoo in Logan. Behind them are two bald eagles.
After seeing the animals we played at the park and ate snow cones and then had a water-balloon game/fight.

kids at uncle Jonathan's art studio

The kids had one night at uncle Jonathan's while the girls went to see the movie Mamma Mia...and had our surprise baby and bridal shower for Diana and Kristi.
They ate pizza and drew and painted for hours.

Summer Vacation

We just got back from our summer vacation. We traveled west and had a great time.
My parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and we finally had a family photo taken with everyone. Of course, it is now outdated because Joe's wife Diana had a baby girl a couple of days ago. Welcome Hailey!
Anyhoo. Here are some photos of the fun.