Luke's First Day of Kindergarten

I honestly cannot believe this day is already here! He is not old enough for school is he? Well ready or not, he could not have been more excited. He is going to Ridgeline Elementary and his teacher is Mrs. Westover. He went and met her last week for his kindergarten assessment in which he told me he knew all of the answers! So last night we worked on his homework to take to class today. He was suppose to decorate a cutout to look like him and on the back write some of his favorites. I love the answers he gave:

Favorite food: Pepperoni Pizza

Favorite Dessert: suckers and root beer ice cream

Favorite thing to do at school: play on the playground and draw

Favorite story: Spiderman

Favorite color: red and blue (are you sensing a spiderman theme:

What do you want to be when you grow up: a missionary and a police officer (I tried to talk him out of the missionary answer because this was for school but he insisted. He is such a great example to me. His first answer I did not write which was Prophet!)

After we finished his work Joey gave him a father's blessing for the school year. Such a great tradition to start. I bawled like a baby through the whole thing. The blessing was beautiful- spoke of Luke learning and growing this year, blessed his teacher that she would be able to teach him, spoke of making good choices and being a good friend. So thankful for a husband who honors his priesthood and can give these special blessings to our children. He struggled to fall asleep because he was so excited.

He woke up this morning and quickly got ready. He could not wait to ride the bus. He waited with his friends for the bus to come but before getting on the bus he gave me a kiss goodbye. What a good boy. I figured I better appreciate that because in a few years he might be a little more embarrassed to do that in front of his friends! He rode the bus and crazy mom followed the bus to school- I needed to make sure that he knew where to go and I needed a few more pictures! They arrived and walked to the kindergarten playground. He walked with his friends and at one point the four of the held hands- such a cute sight! He found his way to his class and we left. We were there to greet him as he got off the bus. I asked him how his day was. He told me he had his very own desk. He also said "I got to draw and I did not go to the Principal's office". We are off to a good start! We celebrated by lunch at Carls with Cade and his mom and home to find a spiderman toy for making it through his first day. We are so proud of Luke and wish him the best first year of school!

Halloween Possibility

When we went to Costco on Monday, I let Luke and Harlee pick out a Halloween costume for Nash. They went back and forth between a cheetah and a tiger. The cheetah won and they were so excited to see Nash in his new costume. We decided to try it on only to figure out that it is too small. This might be a good thing because Nash does not look too happy in the costume! We took it back today and could not find anything in a larger size. We will just have to get something from Old Navy where we can find the 18-24 month costume for our 8 month little tank!

Partners in Crime

You always have to wonder what is going on when Luke and Harlee are in a small space and laughing hysterically. Well I did not have to wonder too long as I walked past the bathroom downstairs. They were taking the soap, squirting it on toilet paper and sticking the paper all over the bathroom. Clever but such a mess. They have been told on numerous occasions to not play in the bathroom. After I put them in a time out I needed to take a few pictures of the damage. They sure get into a lot of trouble together and I always seem to be cleaning up the mess!

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Dedication

I was so lucky to attend the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Dedication on Sunday. Since Joey had been to a temple dedication before, he offered to stay home with the kids and I went to quietly enjoy the dedication. The temple is beautiful. We sat and watched a video of all the different rooms for about 30 min and then the dedication began. There were a few speakers and I was touched by all that they had to say. The first speaker spoke of the blessings of the temple and of the love our Heavenly Father has for each of us. The second speaker focused on how the temple blessings can overcome any trials. I loved that. No matter what we go through, if we keep focused on the covenants we make in the temple we can get through anything. The dedicatory prayer was given by President Monson and the Hosanna shout was by Elder Bednar. It was such a neat experience and I will never forget the way I felt that day.

Of the Same Mold

We always joke that Joey and I have one mold. All of three of our children look so much alike. We are beginning to see that the mold stretches far beyond looks. Luke and Harlee love to be funny and make others laugh. I love these pictures and I am positive that there will be many more like them to come!

Keeping the Goal

I made a goal for Joey and I to go on a date 2 times a month. This might not sound like a lot but when you go from no dates a month to two, we feel like we are spending so much time together! Last night Mindi and Brody came over to watch the kids. We went to the Iron and Wine concert at the Gallivan Center. The music was amazing and I wish I could say the same about the company. The immediate company, Joey, was perfect but the crazies we were mingling with let a bit to be desired. There were so many people there which made it impossible to get close enough to see (Joey could still see because he is so tall but all I could see was the sweaty head in front of me). So we walked around and found a quiet bench to enjoy the music. Although we could not see it was perfect. He sang some of our favs and we had a great time. Can't wait to see what September's dates bring!! P.S With dates come photo opportunities which Joey loves! Here are a few of the shots! How HOT is my husband- I am truly lucky!

8 Months and 2 Teeth!

Our little Nashie turned 8 months on the 18th. I cannot believe how fast the time goes. He is doing great. He refuses to eat baby food but loves to eat whatever we have. He has an infectious smile and laugh- such a joy to be around. He is totally on the move and scoots everywhere on his little tummy. He loves to put everything he finds in his mouth. He also had two teeth finally cut through on his 8 month birthday. He is officially a big kid. *If you look really close you can see his cute new teeth in the picture.

Hogle Zoo

It was an early Friday for Joey so we decided to go to the zoo. The kids were so excited which helped Joey and I get over the fact that we are not really fans of the zoo! We stopped and grabbed a quick lunch and then we were on our way. After about 2 minutes of entering the zoo, it started pouring rain. Luckily in Utah the weather changes by the minute. So we waited out the rain by the black widow and tarantula. When it quickly cleared up we went to see all of the animals. Luke and Harlee loved seeing all that the zoo has to offer. When I asked Luke what his favorite animal was he said "My favorite was the tigers, cheetahs, and even guess what my favorite animal on earth, the parrot and the spiders of course!" Love it! He is so excited and so fun! When I asked Harlee this what she said "My favorite was hmmmmm this animal, two animals- the montees(monkeys) and the spiders." Too cute! Nash was not so happy to see the animals from the view of the stroller so we carried him most of the time. It was amazing how he perked right up when he was out and about. After seeing the animals, Luke and Harlee rode the carousel and then we all rode the train. After a quick stop at the playground, only because Luke said I promised, we made it to our car before the next downpour. We all enjoyed, me a little too much, some kettle corn on the drive home. We all were in agreement with Luke when he said "This was the best day ever!"

Worth the Wait

On Friday Joey and I had the best opportunity to get away for the night and spend some time together. Thanks to grandma and grandpa for their willingness to watch the little ones! We were able to go and spend the night at Zermatt in Midway. It had been since I was pregnant with Harlee that we last went away for a night so it was really needed. We left early and went to Chili's for lunch. From there we drove to the hotel. We then took a nap and then went into Heber for dinner. We ate at the Dairy Keen which would be such a fun place to take the kids. They have a train you can sit in while you eat and lots of fun things. The food was really good. We were so lazy the whole day and it could not have been more fun. I just want to mention that I am truly lucky. I am married to my best friend who makes my life so full of blessings. We really don't need to be do anything- just as long as we are together, I am truly happy. Thanks Joel Dave for a great weekend!

Swimming Lessons

Well we got a late start but we finally did swimming lessons this year. I had heard about Stapp Swimming and how great they are so we signed them up. They are a bit pricey, $90 a week for 5 30 min private lessons, but it has been worth it. Harlee did one session with Annie and Luke is on his second session with Rachel. They have been great teachers and the kids are loving it. I am just happy that they will be a little bit safer in the water.

BROTHERS

While Harlee was having her makeup swimming lesson today, Luke was being so cute with Nash. I had the camera with me so I decided to take a few pictures. I pray that they always stay this close. What cute boys!!