Roller Skating Old School!

The kids went to a birthday party yesterday at the good ole roller rink. They had so much fun! The first little while we had a lot of tears and hurt bums from falling, but by the end of the party they were both actually doing pretty well. I promised I would take them more often so they can do it without falling. The disco balls and music added a nice ole school touch at this place too!

First day of School!

The kids went back to school today. They were so excited to go! I thought I was excited to until I had to leave them. I always get so anxious leaving my kids on the first day. It's just the newness of everything. I don't really know their teachers yet and I am leaving my kids in their care for almost the whole day. That is hard for me! We took Rylie to class first. She is all the way down the hall and around the corner and down another hall from Jacksons class this year. Last year they were right across the hall from each other, which was kind of nice. Rylie went right in found her locker and sat right down. She really was excited! In her little prayer last night before bed time she said, "please help me to sleep tonight because I am so excited for school tomorrow". We left her and headed down to Jacksons class. He was practically running. He found his locker and sat right down and started talking to some of his buddies from last year. So the first day seems like it was a good start to another great year of Elementary!

Ward Luau!!

So last night we had a ward party (ward Luau)! We had a 40 day fast in our ward for missionary work and this was our party to end our fast. Every family that wanted to could sign up for one of the 40 days and fast. So we really all didn't go with out food for 40 days - hee hee! Just one day per family. The picture of the pig above we really ate along with some other great luau food. We also had some performers who put on a great show for us. They really know how to move those hips I tell ya! I was fascinated! They were in the authentic clothes and had thier instruments. It was just awesome - UNTIL... they pulled me up on stage to try and move my hips like them. I could have died, but at least there were a bunch of people from the ward doing it right along with me. I am sure I was red as a beet! I have to admit it would be kind of fun to learn how to move like that. They are so graceful! Anyhoo, we had a super time and after the shock of seeing the whole pig laying there on the table (teeth, eyeballs and all) the meat was pretty good too!

oh boy!! here we go!!

Last HOORAH before school starts!!

This is the last weekend of Summer break for us so we decided to take the kiddos to lunch and have some fun! We got together with friends and we were off to lunch. We went to this great little diner called the Purple Cow. They have yummy burgers and milkshakes (the onion rings were scrumptious too). They usually have a purple cow that comes around and you can get pictures with him and give him the good ole high five! They were so busy we never got to see him. Bummer! We still had loads of fun and ate some yummy food! I guess now we are all ready for school to begin!

Jackson ~ Marrisa ~ Rylie ~ Kayla

Dad's Home!

Britt made it home last night. We are so happy to have him home (even if it is just for two days). He has been gone most of the month and will be gone again until the 30th. We sure do miss you when you are gone! I know you are exhausted but just another week or so and hopefully no more trips for a while. Hang in there!

Ballet Anyone!

Rylie started Ballet today. I am so excited! She is taking at a Ballet Company that will put on the Nutcracker around Christmas time. She will have to try out for a part but hopefully she will get a spot. They also have the normal dance recitals at the end of the semester. She seemed to enjoy it today so hopefully I can get her to stick with it! Tuesday's will be a busy day for her and I hope I have not overloaded her (or me). She will have ballet for one hour and then straight to Piano for 45 minutes. Jackson has Soccer and Lacrosse starting up next week also and I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will not have practices on Tuesday's. Anyhoo, it was fun to see Rylie in her cute little Ballet clothes and learning some moves today.

Off to Ballet......

A goal reached!

AAAGHHH! Sometimes things just make you want to scream!! This would be a scream of accomplishment for me! I finally did it today. I ran my 4 miles and biked 6 miles in just under 50 minutes! Now if I can just get the swimming down maybe I can do that triathelon and get done in a competative time! This post was mainly for me but Britt too! He has been out of town for the past week and a half. He will come home tonight and leave again on Friday until the 30th. (it's been a long month) I know he checks our blog - so can you believe it Britt? That is a pretty good time for me.

Broadway Summer Camp!

This past week Rylie and Jackson have been at music camp. It was an art camp where they learned songs, how to perform, and some dancing. I knew Rylie would really get into this but I was a little nervous about Jackson. When I picked them up at the end of the first day it went a little something like this....


mom - "hey guys how was camp today?"


Rylie - "oh mom I had so much fun, I love it!" (while she is jumping around trying to tell me all the details)


Jackson - "My throat hurts from all that singing (while he is holding onto his neck). I don't want to sing in front of all the parents."


But by the end of the week they both didn't want it to end! They put on a show called Feelin' Good. It was so cute! They sang songs about how to keep our bodies healthy and each had a speaking part they memorized.

Rylie & Jackson right before the show!

Getting ready to say their parts!

The girls came for a visit in June!

I have to add one really fun thing that happened this Summer! This was before I got into the blogging stuff but is worth posting! Back in June my mom and my sisters came out for a visit. It was just the girls and we had so much fun! It was the first trip for 2 of them to come to visit since we left Utah 10 years ago! When my dad called to tell me that he and my brother in-law Brian (thanks again guys) were getting tickets to send the girls out - I of course started crying. No - me cry? not such a shock for those of you who know me well. If you live far away from family you will understand. Anyhoo, they came in June and we had a ball. We did alot of shopping, staying up late talking and just hanging out together.

One of the days while they were here we went shopping at this place called Sam Moon. It is this huge store where you can buy all sorts of knockoff purses, jewelry, luggage, belts, watches etc... Don't forget the hair pieces! There is quite a story behind the hair pieces that would take me to long to share, but we all tried a few on. I will have to have one of my sisters send a picture so I can post later. If you ever get to Texas (Dallas area) don't miss out on Sam Moon! You won't regret it!

We shopped at the outlet mall in Grapevine!

Went swimming with the kids!

Took them to eat at the Blue Goose (our favorite spot to eat)

I had so much fun girls! I love y'all and can't wait for the next visit!