Salutations School & See Ya Summer

Here's to a fantastic school year! I've heard wonderful things about my kids teachers. One even lives on our street!

First day outfits have been picked for days. Oh the anticipation. Though both kids changed their outfits last minute this morning. Brands are now important to my children and they wanted Adidas and Puma backpacks. 

Welcome 4th and 2nd grade!

Penelope is crushed to lose her favorite pals while they go to school everyday.

To wrap up summer, we fit in a lot! I didn't snap pics of everything (like the park and games with the Thomans or the aquarium with the Bradshaws) but you get the idea.

Albion Basin Hike: Saturday, July 25

Stunning hike full of colorful wildflowers. Also full of people. We saw a bride and groom taking photos there!

Museum of Natural History: Monday, August 3

Jeff's family visited Utah. Simon wanted to celebrate his birthday at the Museum of Natural History. I had coupons to get in 6 of us for free which saved a chunk of money. It's not a cheap place. ($25 per adult) The kids came home with souvenirs. I had really swollen feet and stayed home with Penelope.

Camp Velocity: Tuesday August 4-Thursday August 6

The kids did another camp at Mrs. B's house with George. Penelope was emotional that she could not participate.

Bamboo HR Work Party: Wednesday, August 5

"Can we come back again tomorrow?" Penelope exclaimed through tears as we were leaving. Andrew's annual summer work carnival was even better than we remembered! None of the kids wanted to leave. The bounce houses, food trucks, train rides, and other entertainment made for a picturesque summer evening. It wasn't that hot either. 

I guess James has outgrown the face-painting phase. Sad day. Isabelle was old/brave enough to do the zipline this year. We had a caricature done and it is beloved by all. There has been lots of brainstorming about where to display it.

PIT: My flip flop broke walking into the party. I tried to fix it but it kept falling apart every few steps. Terrible timing. I ending up walking around barefoot on my right foot. Of  course last year we didn't bump into or meet any of Andrew's coworkers (it's a large company), but this year we did. Last time, I was very thin and dressed very cute. This time, I'm 8 months pregnant and barefoot (only wearing a shoe). I'm sure I made quite the impression looking wild and free. Flip flops are about the only shoes that fit me these days.

We all got vouchers to food trucks for dinner and dessert- Huzzah!

Stake Valiant Camp: Thursday, August 6-Friday, August 7

For the second summer in a row, our stake put on a camp for valiant age children. The camp was from 9:30-12 both days. I think this is an excellent idea! James got to see lots of his friends from school.

T-shirts were included. One day was more spiritual and James learned about Esther and others in the Old Testament. The second day was more fun with a dunk tank. Both days were a win. I went to the closing program and the kids sang a cute song they had learned. Isabelle is amped to go next year!

Beau and Taft

Leatherby's: Thursday, August 13

To kick off going back to school, we always get ice cream as a family and do Father's blessings. This year we took the kids to Leatherby's. They are fans! And I'm happy to report the peanut butter cookie dough ice cream is my new favorite. The night was extra memorable because a ginormous rain storm started on our way home. According to the news, the biggest we've had in 100 years. We were drenched and the roads were sketchy and terrifying with lots of hydroplaning. We survived. The kids loved dipping french fries in ice cream and wanted more.

Swim Team: Monday and Wednesday evenings

The kids are enjoying another month of swim team! No swim team in September and I think we might take a break until spring when it warms up a bit. This month, our friend and neighbor Elise joined in on the fun. It's been amazing to carpool!

Paw Patrol Movie: Tuesday, August 18

Last day of summer and we went to $5 Tuesday at the movie theater. We sat in the luxury reclining seats. James is a good sport! He's a bit old for Paw Patrol, but still wanted to see it. Penelope was very into it. Good thing we had the theater to ourselves because Penny kept shouting things like "go Rhubarb!" We nearly polished off the entire Megatub of popcorn.

Lagoon Tuesday, August 18

All summer, the kids have been diligently doing their chores. They earned tallies and decided what they wanted to work towards. James chose going to Lagoon. On Tuesdays this summer, there is a BOGO deal. 2 tickets for $99 (plus tax) if you go from 2:00-9:00pm. We cut it close. Andrew and James went the last day of the deal. They had planned to go last Tuesday, August 11, but James didn't want to miss activity days which was an egg drop. James has the brain of an engineer. After several safe landings, his leaders had to kick his egg when it landed to get it to break. He created a pretty unstoppable contraption. Look how exhilarated he is.

James had the time of his life at Lagoon and can talk about it endlessly. That boy is fearless. He went on the Cannibal ride 6x which is really intense. He wanted to keep going on repeat but Andrew paused that idea. Andrew and James also went on the newest ride, "The Nutcracker" which is not for everyone and exceptionally fast. Of course, James loved it. When they first arrived at the park, it wasn't very crowded and they were able to go on rides multiple times. James was so wiped out that he fell asleep on the drive home. Andrew couldn't keep his eyes open rehashing the afternoon to me. "It's hard to keep up with James." James is already talking about going back next summer. Hopefully we don't regret letting James stay out late the night before school starts.... Look at my boys.

Isabelle went to swig earlier this summer for her chores and In and Out while they boys were off adventuring.

We miss you Austin Dennings!

Parade of homes

Now cue the song "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire. It's almost baby time! In the meantime, I'm trying to rapid fire decorate our brand new basement! It's finished and passed inspection last Friday, so keep an eye out for pics.