The end of Summer, School Starts, and a Birthday Bash!

I am so happy to have a husband who loves to spend time outside with the family.  Over the 24th of July Wade took Janie backpacking in the Uintas.  3 of my brothers and 2 of my brother in laws decided to go too.  They all took their 10 yr olds.  They had a wonderful time. 

The group

My cute girl and my smokin' hot husband.

The kids

Duck Lake

Island Lake

And what would an outing with the Hardy family be if cards weren't involved?

Ready to come home.

 On July 18th Wade took Janie and Addi and hiked "the nipple".  It does actually have an official name, but everyone in our town just refers to it as "the nipple".  

Here is the group of climbers

Janie and Addi on the summit.

 Unfortunately I missed out due to being extremely large with child.  I was most likely barefoot in the kitchen.  

 And now August has rolled around.  Where does the time go?  I can't believe school started on August 14th...a Thursday.  Something to do with getting a longer Christmas break.  Quite frankly, I would rather have another week of summer.  I don't think I am ever quite ready for the kids to be back in school.  I love our laid back summer days at home together.

The morning of August 14th was a busy day at our house.  The girls woke up and we did our traditional opening of presents - only we get to celebrate two birthdays on the 14th.  Thank goodness I didn't go into labor - or it would have been 3! Then between making a requested birthday breakfast, doing hair, and making lunches all before 8:00 it was pretty crazy.

Kate is just a little obsessed with Peppa Pig.

All ready for the first day of school.  I think Ellia was a little excited!  :)  Honestly, they all were.  Addi couldn't fall asleep the night before she was so excited.

Ellia's buddy from preschool is in her class.  She was so happy.

We are so happy that Janie's teacher also happens to be the father of Wade's friend James who passed away.  He is so upbeat and positive.  He will be good for her!

 I think it's going to be a great year for all of our girls.  I am so happy for them.  It is so fun to see them learn and grow.  I just wish it wasn't happening so fast.  This is Janie's last year at the elementary school.  AHHHHH!

While the girls were at school Kate and I went to the store and bought stuff to make the birthday cakes. They are a little special...but I did the best I could.  Janie's wanted a Harry Potter cake and Kate wanted Peppa Pig.  

Our neighbors (who we have claimed as our family while ours are away) came over to celebrate with us.  Look at my ginormous belly.  Dilated to a 5.  Can't wait for her to make her debut...

Though I am glad she waited for the madness to be over!

Hopefully my next post will be announcing the birth of our little girl.

South Dakota

Another great trip to South Dakota!

Here are some of the highlights:

Devil's Tower

Here's a picture of it from a distance.  It's pretty amazing to see this massive rock jutting out of the hillside.  You can even rock-climb up the one side.  Maybe someday.

Dinosaur park

Addi's birthday celebration with Grandma and Grandpa

Prairie Dog Park

(I think these animals are over-fed.  They were not even interested in the peanuts we had to purchase to feed them)

The Bad Lands

This picture speaks for itself.

So does this one.

Another trip to Bear Country

Another visit to Storybook Island (best park ever)

Cousins!

(Nice Photobomb Uncle Greg)

The Dads and Grandpa and the older girls hiked Harney Peak - which is the highest point in South Dakota.

At the top

Unfortunately this happened on the way down.  It's 6 weeks later and Wade still has some swelling in his leg and ankle. 

Another trip to Mount Rushmore

(or as Ellia would say:  Mountain Rushmore)

The HOTTEST 4th of July parade I've ever attended.

Lesson learned:  Never go to a parade at 1:00 in the afternoon.

Waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon

Addilyn's special day.

We were lucky enough to have Addi baptized in South Dakota with Grandma and Grandpa and Greg and Megan's family (not to mention a dozen or so missionaries).

Addi planned out her program.  She chose which songs to sing and who would speak and give prayers.

It was a great day and the program was perfect.  I am so proud of my cute girl.  I hope she will always remember what a great day it was.

Wade with his hero:  Abe Lincoln

(There are statues of the Presidents on every corner in down-town Rapid City)

There is a street in Rapid City covered in Graffiti.  The girls thought it was great!

Last but not least - paddle boating in the park next to the mission home.

They live in such a beautiful place!  I love it there.

Good times!  We are so glad Grandma and Grandpa were able to go on a mission and we were able to visit them.  We are also glad that this time next year they will be back home with us!  We miss them!