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School Pictures

This year, I decided not to buy the pictures taken at the school for the pictures of the kids. Instead, I took them to a neighbor who has a studio in her basement who was running a "school picture" special. It was about half the price, and I could be right there with the kids to make sure their hair wasn't sticking up, they were smiling, etc. I picked up the photos today, and I couldn't be happier with the results! Check out these good lookin' kids!!

Luke. ... 8th grade Kennedy. ... 5th grade

Elizabeth. . . .. 2nd grade

Mia. . . .Kindergarten

over due. . . Meet Vin

OK, so this post is a couple weeks over due. . .Mom keeps saying. . ."I can't believe you haven't posted pictures of your dog!!?"

Well, I know most of you already know, but somehow my family got me to cave in to pressure, and agree to getting a dog. . . unbelievable, right? I still can't believe it myself, but here is the proof.

Meet out dog, Vin. She is a Rotweiller and quite beautiful, if you ask me. The kids were so excited! Kennedy kept saying. . " I just can't stop smiling" as we were driving home from picking her up. We have had her two weeks now. And I almost gave her back last week. . . it is a lot of work. This is why I have always said "No" all these years. She is doing well, and is very smart. . . I just want her trained NOW, Today. . . not a few weeks or months from now. But I know I must be patient. But in the mean time, I feel like I have a new born again. Getting up at night to take her out to do "her business" and then still waking up to a mess to clean up in her crate! It is trying my patience.But at the same time, she is learning. She is easy to have around. She is learning to sit, and walking her is getting easier. I keep hearing it will be worth it in the end. . .

Will it really?? I hope so.

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!

I thought I better try and post before the day is over! Elizabeth celebrated her 8th birthday today. We had a little get together yesterday at the new park here is Spanish Fork that has some nice play equipment as well as a fun splash pad for the kids to play in. It was a beautiful fall afternoon, and still warm enough to play in the water for the kids. Today was a little low key. Elizabeth opened a couple presents this morning, we went to church, played with her sisters and our dog ( yes, we got a dog. .. post to come about that one. . . . .) and we had cake and sang to her tonight. We love having Elizabeth in our home. She is full of life and is eager to help and please. She is a hard worker and a great sister and daughter. I was helping her fill out a paper tonight for school that is called "My Me Book". I thought I would share a few things she said. . . .so you can get to know her a bit better!

• I am happiest when I am at church
• I am proud of myself because I am helpful
• I am good at soccer
• When I grow up I want to be a Shaved Ice Worker

Here are her TOP TEN FAVORITES:

• Sport: Soccer
• Hobby: Art
• Game: Battleship
• Book: Frog and Toad
• Holiday: Halloween
• Movie: Night at the Museum
• Color: Green
• Food: Lasagna
• School Subject: Music
• Ice Cream Flavor: Bubble Gum

Now you now everything you need to know about our wonderful Elizabeth!! I have to crack up when she said she wanted to be a shaved ice worker when she grows up. . . .nothing like shooting for the starts, right?! The other day we were driving in the car and Mia and Elizabeth were talking. . . .and Elizabeth said she wanted to either work at The Pizza Factory or Shaved Ice when she grows up and Mia said she wants to work at Shaved ice. . . . then they decided they can work together!! Sounds like quite the plan, huh??

Mia is off to Kindergarten!

Oh my, time passes! A few years ago I thought the day would never come when all my kids are in school. . . . but the time is here! Mia is soooo excited for school. She had a hard time waiting a WHOLE week while her siblings went off to school, but today was the big day for her! I have her in afternoon, so I just dropped her off at Noon and then she will get to walk home with Kennedy and Elizabeth after school. What a big girl!!

When she first gets to her class room, she is to move her "shell" over to show that she is here today!

Her teacher, Mrs. Bennett. I think she will be fabulous. When we went in for Mia's assesment last week, she did so great! She told her all her letters, counted, etc. Did everything for her! I wasn't sure if Mia would regress and not talk when she got to school this fall. . . . but she is doing incredible! She is still a little leary and shy, but with a little bribery. . . .she does great.

No, I didn't cry. But it is a little strange dropping her off. . . . I am glad I still have my mornings to spend with her. I will miss her saying:

"Mommy"

"yes" (i say)

"I love you"

She says that several times a day. I will miss her!!

Happy Birthday Mia! 5!

Mia LOVES Strawberries. .. she she wanted a strawberry cake! Very good taste. . .

We had a busy day. . . but by bedtime we were able to have some cake and sing!

Ready to sing and blow out the candles!

I wonder what she wished for??

Ear Piercing time!

Mia decided that for her birthday we would get her ears pierced. . . . so we went off to the mall. Here she is right before. All smiles. And very cute I have to add! Right after. . . she was so brave. Didn't cry. .. but her eyes got just a little watery like she wanted to.. . but she didn't make a peep. Just squeezed my hand a little when the earring first went in.

All done. . . A sucker for a prize! Gotta love this girl!