First day of school 2011/2012

Our annual first day of school picture in front of the tree.  David pruned the tree's last week so you can't tell how much each of the kids have grown.  This is the last year that all five of them will be starting school in our area.  It is so painful to think that but I know that is all part of life.  David is a senior, Krystal a junior, Alan and Laura 8th grade and Haley 5th grade.

 This year I followed David and Krystal to school to get the picture of them in front of the school.   Last year I didn't do that but I just couldn't miss my last chance of taking a picture of my boy in front of the school.  He tried to avoid me and made the goofiest face it didn't make it to the blog.  But I do have it!  Can't tell you how much this boy is looking forward to his final of year of HS.

 Krystal is just behind her brother.  She is my tiny junior and growing up so fast.  She barely stopped for the picture.  Couldn't figure out if it was they were embaressed of the way I my hair was or the moo moo dress I had on.  j/k (even had make up on)

 Alan started a new school this year.  He is attending with two of his cousins.  He is wearing a uniform but is still much happier. This school is for middle school and high school so he is in the middle of pack.

 Laura is also in 8th grade and in a school all by herself again.  When I was walking with her to school on the first day she said, 8th graders are suppose to be mean but I don't feel different.  Enjoy your the year...just one more year til you're the low man on the todem pole.

Haley is in her last year of elementary school.  She is 5th grade and finally the big girl at school.  She seems to be enjoying the year and not always being the youngest like she is at home. 

We are so excited to have everyone back in school.  This year I think they are all happy too!  Here's to a great start of another school year!

Return from the trek

Apparently I can't take very good pictures.  So you'll have to imagine the great smile through the blurriness.

David and Krystal were able to join our Church Stake on an activity called the Trek to Eternity.  It is when they dress up like pioneers and pull hand carts through Wyoming.  They left on Sunday and just got home tonight.  It was a total of 40 miles.  They were amazing and it both came home hungry and ready to shower.

 This isn't something that they are forced to do and both went voluntarily (with some complaining).  Krystal helped Aunt OJ make most of the clothes in preparation for the trek.  They were allowed 17 lbs of personal belongings in a 5 gallon bucket (which doubled as their seat).  We are so proud of them and all the challenges they conquered while they were on this trek. 

http://lds.org/gospellibrary/pioneer/29_Rocky_Ridge.html

Payback

 Last night Mikey and I went to see the other love of my life Kenny Chesney. 

 We had been to Lyle Lovett and this was his payback.  Mike likes to say that I want to marry Kenny.  NO WAY....just want him to sing to me!  It was so amazing even with the rain.  We were about 42 rows up but it didn't matter.  It was W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!!!!  Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker were there too.  Just a fun night all the way around.  Here is my lone picture of me with Kenny.  Well a girl can dream can't she? 

 It started to rain as we walked in and it lasted until Billy was done.  It didn't matter the crowd was wild.  Mikey went and bought me a shirt and a ball cap which will replace my old Kenny shirt that I wear so much it is getting holes.  Thank you Mikey.....thank you for a memorable night, putting up with music you don't like and your wife drooling.  Love you!

Girls trip

 My Aunt lives in Minnesota.  Krystal and my Aunt have a special relationship, they have been asking if Krystal could go out to visit for a couple of summers.  This summer the trip was in the works.  Krystal and I flew out to meet O.J. (original Jill-since both of us have an Aunt Jill). 

 What else could we do flying into Minneapolis but go to the Mall of America?  We hit leggo land and all levels of the mall.  It was so much fun and even better the next day.

 One thing that Krystal wanted to do before we got there was the mirror maze.  You had to wear plastic gloves so fingerprints weren't left all over the mirrors.  It was so much fun and Krystal took off faster then you would believe, she would walk so fast that she would hit a mirror and fall.  OJ and I were behind and would try to help but find we were reaching for the wrong Krystal.  Below is a picture that I thought I was hiding behind her.  duh.....we're in a room full of mirrors!

 Krystal was definitely missing her siblings by this point.  Mom isn't as much fun in a pool as the siblings are.  She entertained herself doing flips and showing me the different swim styles she learned in life guarding this year.

 Who could leave the mirrors without getting a kiss?

 I had to buy the sign above....it so fits our house.  Below only Krystal could fill Bubba's shoes!

Thank you OJ for a great time and keeping Krys for memories I'm sure she'll never forget!