Temple Square for UEA

We didn't go on any fantastic vacations for UEA weekend, but Jess, mom, and I decided to take the kids to Temple Square. It was a beautiful day and we had fun. We ate lunch at the Nauvoo cafe and went to the Church History museum. Isaak thought the organ music coming from the tabernacle was "vampire" music (it was pretty hard core organ).

New countertops

We had new countertops installed a couple of weeks ago, so our kitchen sink was not an option. Is there anything sexier than my husband doing the dishes in the bathroom?!
Still working on the potty training... this a typical look for Noelle these days. Cruisin' in the undies.
My new counter tops! I love them. So much better than the old "leather look" formica. They are smooth and CLEAN.

Libby's birthday and a whole lot more!

It has been so busy since school started so I'm behind in my blogging.

Libby's birthday was on Sept. 5th. She was spoiled and had three different celebrations. We went to McDonalds on her birthday (lucky us!), we had kabobs, cake, and ice cream with the extended fam on Sunday, and the next Saturday she had a "Fancy Nancy" birthday party with her friends. I'm not doing as much next year. All the preparations were exhausting.

Camp Steiner

Another Labor Day has passed and so to has a trip to camp Steiner. This year it was just me and Libs. Daren and Noelle stayed home. It was a good compromise. Daren didn't have to camp and I didn't have to be up all night with Noelle (not that I wasn't up all night anyway!). We had a good time. It was a little crowded this time around, but still a beautiful place to be and a good time to catch up with the extended fam.

First Day of Kindergarten

All summer I have been so excited for Libby to start school. She is bored at home and I am tired of trying to entertain her. However, the first day of kindergarten finally came today and it wasn't as great as I thought it was going to be. In fact, it was heart-breaking. Watching her get on that bus (and not look back!) was tough. Noelle and I cried all the way home. Libby did great though and I think she will have fun at school. If only I could keep her from getting hurt, lonely, sad, etc. It is a tough job to be a parent-- in more ways than one.

Libby insisted that we crimp her pony tail today! That combined with her outfit, made her a total 80's chic! Who would have guessed? It really isn't an era worth reliving, but she sure is a fan of the side pony, crimping hair, and leggings.

Playing at the Park

After spending about 90% of last Friday feeling sorry for myself, I finally packed up a picnic and hauled the girls to the park. They had a good time and I got over my grumpiness- somewhat.

Thunderstorm Solution

The other night there was a thunderstorm right about bedtime. Libby said, "I can hear the lightning". I explained that what she could hear was the thunder. Of course, that didn't make her feel any better, so she asked for her ear muffs. I obliged and she fell right to sleep!

Bath Time

My absolute favorite part of the day. Two kids trapped in the tub. They are generally happy during this time, plus they are getting clean. Sometimes if I'm lucky I can even read a book while they are bathing! Check out those dirty faces!!! Ah, summer.

Ellie's Bedtime

My children are notorious for poor sleeping habits. Hence, "the cage" placed over Noelle's crib. If it is not there then she will jump out of her crib and stay up ALL night. Noelle and Libby NEVER just fall asleep. They don't crash out on the couch in front of a movie, the car does not lull them to sleep, they never fall asleep at the dinner table, and they don't fall asleep at church- NOT EVER!!!! I took these photos to showcase Noelle's entourage she takes to bed with her. They are affectionately known as "Daddy duck", "pink ducky", "Mommy duck", and "Donkey". You can thank Grandma Chris for the Donkey addition.

The 24th of July

Sometimes summer holidays aren't the greatest at our house. That's what happens when you are in the Shaved Ice business! I don't fault Daren. He works so hard and makes it possible for me to be at home with the girls. I do, however, enjoy his company. So, when we were able to fit the North Logan Breakfast and parade into our schedule, I was pleased to say the least. Libby was a cowgirl in the parade-- forget that bonnet and dress stuff!! Noelle was shy as usual. She only enjoys parades from a distance. You can see in one photo that she spent a lot of time cuddling with Daren.