Dirt Bikers!

Alexandra got a new dirt bike - a PW80.  This freed up the PW50 for Avery to try.  

First, Alexandra.  She loved her new bike.  PERFECT size for her and she took off riding instantly.  I hadn't been out to watch her in awhile and was impressed with her confidence and ability to just take off!

Second, Avery.  She was very nervous and apprehensive.  I don't blame her.  Daddy worked with her for a long time.  Walking the bike with her.  Riding the bike with her.  Giving her rides on his bike.  But then, something clicked and she was riding and GIGGLING!  It was so darn cute.  

A very good day indeed.

Taking off on her new bike - Shark.

You can tell by the look on her face that she's not thrilled about this.

Getting better.

A few fun rides with daddy.

Look at this little toughie!

There is a BIG SMILE underneath that helmet!

12 Years

Matt and I were fortunate and were able to go away for two nights for our 12th anniversary.  We stayed over in Park City at the Goldener Hirsch…one of our favorite places.  One reason we love it is the deliciously creamy cheese fondue - ahhh, so GOOD!  We also spent time, shopping, spa'ing and sampling whiskey - which was surprisingly VERY FUN!  Missed the ladies but also loved the R&R.  

P. S.  You'd think I would have a picture of us together for our anniversary BUT, sigh, I just have a few pictures of cheese and me drinking whiskey!

Think someone wants a dog?

I can't tell you how many different dog books Alexandra has checked out of the school library - each week two new ones or sometimes the same ones come back home.  This one she POURED over for hours tagging each of the dogs that were medium sized, cute and family friendly.

Happy Happy Day DADDY!

Daddy's Day!  Girls were super excited and we decorated this special birthday cake just for him.  Girls were really sweet working on it and had all kinds of ideas.  Turned out perfect!  Love you daddy!!

Daddy wearing the crown the girls made for him!  That's one of the million reasons why we love this guy so much!

Someone loves her stuffed animals….

…and that someone is Ms. Alexandra.

Just some time with my ladies.

There is a new sporting good store in town called Scheels.  We had never been so we took a trip one day after school to check it out!  Really…what fun!  We played in the play land, had our pictures taken with "fish" we had supposedly caught ourselves, climbed into a 4x4, visited with Abraham Lincoln and took a ride on a real ferris wheel right inside the store.  Alexandra LOVED it…Avery and I prayed for it to end.  I had to put on my brave face for Av but man, I couldn't wait to get off that thing.  Just the rocking, swaying and general feeling of instability made me ill!  Fortunately the carmel swirl ice cream cone at the end of our visit made me feel all better!  

Labor Day Weekend Camping

Awesome Labor Day Weekend!  We started out by checking out the Sheepdog Show.  It was boiling HOT out in the sun but interesting to watch and we met some nice people - and DOGS.  Alexandra was in heaven.  We then went to campground way up in the mountains - Deer Creek Campground - very remote.  We camped with our friends the Henions and had a great time.  However, per usual, Matt and I forgot 'something'…and this time it was the food in our refrigerator.  We didn't have our hot dogs, our cheese for quesadillas, tortillas, veg meats, etc.  We made it though and our friends' fortunately are very good at sharing :)

We did a bit of exploring at Cascade Springs, short walks and even "pretended" to hang out at the beach which was most obviously a giant mud puddle.  Living the dream baby!

Good times though and it was fun to have a few nights in the camper.

Dinner time!

The girls then made ice cream in the blue ice cream maker - YUM!

Enjoying the fruits of their labors.

Cascade Springs.

Beautiful place.

Nice beach eh?!!!

Any Little Change

We brought this rug into the kitchen to see if we liked it….that alone was new enough to make the girls move all of their dolls, toys and little pets into the kitchen and set up shop under the table.  While cute….kind of difficult to sit and eat.

Color Run

I've never done a run of any kind.  I wanted to do a 5K so I signed up for the Color Run with my awesome supportive friend Steph.  It was way fun and way messy.  Girls even came down for a few minutes to cheer me on….seeing them jumping up and down on the side of the road for my first 5K was AWESOME!!  Next year I think they are going to do it with me!

First Day of FIRST Grade

Oh my.  My baby.  Off to all day school.  So emotional for me once I watched her walk in those doors. This is going to the first time in 9 years that I have had a few hours during the week to myself while both of my girls were off to school.  Sigh.  They are growing up - they always have been of course but these milestones really mark the passage of time.

She did great.  Nervous of course but she knew a couple of friends in her class and had met her teachers the day before.  She was very nervous about French too but she is wise, kind and listens well so I have no concerns that she will do well.

There she goes….

First Day of THIRD Grade

Here we are.  Another year.  Third Grade.  

School started early this year - August 19th - and seemed to cut our summer short but we took solace in the fact that a two week Christmas break wasn't terribly far away.

Alexandra was nervous.  I am always nervous about the first day so I'm certain I don't help the situation.  New teachers.  New rules.  Harder work.  She was a bit apprehensive on the way in BUT fortunately came out with a smile.  Loves her teachers.  Loves her friends….and we love her.

Look at this sweetheart!

A quick hug from Avery - her first day is the following day!

Flashback

This poster was made by Avery's Kindergarten classmates when she was in the hospital last spring.  She has had it hanging in her room for about 5 months.  We finally decided it was time to say good-bye so she wanted me to make sure that we took a picture before we sent it to the recycling bin so she could always remember her nice friends.  Sweet.

the Drive-In

A super fun summer family night!

We went to the Redwood Drive-In.  We had never been so weren't quite sure what to expect.  We packed treats, blankets, pillows and even too the truck so we could spread out in the bed.  It was way fun snuggling and watching two movies together.  Girls especially loved staying up super late under the stars…I especially loved the hugs and snuggles.

THIS makes me happy.