End of Summer, Back to School...

The day has finally come when ALL three of my "little angels" are

in school. Yes, it's true, Ella went off to Kindergarten this year! She was so excited about going...until day 3. She woke up mad and said, "I have to go AGAIN?!" She literally will shut her door and go back to bed until we come drag her to breakfast...Needless to say, she is just like her mom...NOT a morning person! It has been an adjustment for her, but slowly and surely, she will come around. Out of all the kids I thought she would be the easiest to go to school. She is Miss Independent. But she says she misses me SO much. It's nice to know someone misses me because I'm actually missing them! Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying my days at home and getting lots of things done...but sometimes it is just TOO quiet. Then, at 2:45 my "little angels" are home once again and quiet is out the door.....until tomorrow :) Kylie, 5th Grade

Ryan, 2nd Grade

Ella, Kindergarten

Our family pets...

sure put up with a lot! Especially when Ella is around...

But let's be honest, that's one cute hamster and dog!

Catching up...some random things we did this year.

Dave swam his second 2000 meter open water swim at Lake Pleasant, AZ in June. Improved by over 15 minutes.

Kids played soccer with Strikers League. Three soccer games every Saturday. Gotta love it.

Dave helped coach Ryan's team this year.

Dave, at the top of Piestewa Peak on his birthday. We were preparing for our Rim to Rim hike in the Grand Canyon.

Our yearly trip to Rocky Point in June. (This was only our second year going but hope to go every year). Love this place!

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

We sure had a blast this summer at our family reunion in Zion National Park. I was in charge of the planning this year and we decided to try out this ranch resort. We camped there but enjoyed the use of there showers, swimming pool, entertainment, and nearby entrance into the park. We all loved the place and plan to go back for future reunions. Here are a few highlights:

All the cousins together

Ella "cliff jumping" at the pool

Fun waterslides

"Amazing Races"

A 4th of July Rodeo

Enjoying the little ones

And.....doing some great hiking!!

Just Like Glass

Dave's been out enjoying the early morning glass at Lake Pleasant this summer with a couple buddies of his. Brings back the memories of summers skiing at Lake Powell with his family. Not too shabby, I say!

Grandpa and Grandma

We love having my parents close enough by (Prescott, AZ) that they can come for visits here and there. Plus it's always a good excuse to go to Barro's Pizza with them! Love you guys!

Swim Team

I've always known other moms who bear the summer heat while their kids do swim team every morning....but I never could get my self to commit to it. This summer I decided it was worth a try. Surprisingly, it was a good time and the kids did an amazing job learning all four strokes. Each Thursday they competed in a swim meet which was the best part. Funny how excited they can get over a ribbon! We are impressed with our little athletes and will for sure add swim team to the list next summer when Ella gets to race too. Great job Kylie and Ryan!

Kylie getting ready for the buzzer to go off for her freestyle swim.

Ryan is off for backstroke. He's pretty fast on this one and his arms look like windmills.So happy with his ribbon!

Way to go girl!

Ryan ended up competing in the finals in three strokes (breast, back, and butterfly) and also on a relay team. They got first place and were happy to have upgraded to a medal. Kylie also competed in the finals for breaststroke.