Eliza is Two

I can't how much joy Eliza has brought to our little family. We love her so much. Justin was able to be home for her party and we had so much fun that day. I spent the morning decorating the house and making a cake. We checked the kids out early and went as a family to Build A Bear. Eliza picked out a monkey that she and the kids assisted in making. We ate Wendy's at the park then came home and had cake. Eliza was full of smiles all day. She loves that monkey!

Abigail has turned 8

Abigail has been counting down for this day for a long time. She loves her July birthday. We were lucky enough to be in Vernal and were able to celebrate with family. We had a small celebration with my siblings while they were in town. Then on her birthday we had a cowgirl tea party with Grandma and Grandpa Brinkerhoff. We ate yummy food, opened presents then played cowgirl games. We panned for gold, played ring toss and barrel raced. Grandpa totally rocked! He had the best time. What stud!!
I threw our little cowgirl a friend party later (a month later, it was a busy summer). We shot bow and arrows made our very own pony, and broke a piñata. It sure was fun!

Red Barn

Mom was out here for education week. She came to visit for the weekend. We thought we would go to the lavender farms. But come to find out they only are open in the spring. ;)
So we checked out the Red Barn. It was fun. Then Brett brought Jacob home and had dinner with us. Brett and Jess were nice enough to invited Jacob to hang out with them for three days. The went to the movies, swimming and the copper mine with Josh. He loved it.

Eureka

We had such a fun weekend in Eureka. My Tellie Sue, Cody, Brett, and Garrett came down to go rock hunting. Eureka is a spunky old town. It's full of old buildings and funky old men. These old guys were happy to show us their old museum and cars. It was fun. One guy even had a old water well in his old shop (once a saloon). We went hunting for rocks. The guys were very serious with their picks and hammers. Chelsey brought us an awesome air hockey table. I stink at it. But it's so fun. Tellie also brought an awesome skip-it toy for Abby. It's from her childhood in perfect condition. But Abby has used it right up. I've had to duct tape it back together twice. :)
Garrett, Cody and Jacob hiked up my mountain and found a black bear.

First Day of School

Before anybody was up I could hear Jacob showering and getting ready. So when I got up he was dressed and eager. He was sure to say, "It doesn't mean I'm excited for school." :)
I made this pancakes, sausages and orange juice. Allie's tummy was too nervous for food. I can't believe she is in first grade! She gets to eat lunch and stay all day. I'll miss her, so will Eliza.
I took the kids and paid their lunch money. Then while and Eliza and I drove home I cried. Mostly because I'm so grateful for Jacob's teacher. He shook Jacob's hand as soon as he entered and told Jacob how excited he was to have him in his classroom. He was even wearing the amplifier that teachers often forget to wear. He took time to show Jacob everything and made him feel important.
Allie's teacher is the mom of Abigail's BFF. So I know her pretty well. She is super kind and really organized. I get to go help in the classroom every other Tuesday. I'm excited.
Abigail's teacher seems nice. Jacob says he yells at the kids. So she is nervous. So am I. There are a lot of her friends in the class so hopefully that helps. I hope she has a good year.
It's exciting to start a new school year.. I am going to miss them.