Awesome August

 The end of August has proved to be a busy one... with lots of ups and downs. 

Trevor and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary. My sweet Mom and hubby offered to take the kids overnight. So we went to dinner (found out Wingers has a gluten free menu!), and spent the night at a hotel less than a block from my mom's house. It felt like we were in a whole other country with the quiet. We sat in the hottub and ate a lot of food (I packed 2 boxes!) We got rental movies and both took a sleeping pill. We slept in, ate breakfast, watched another movie and requested a late checkout. It was amazing! Trevor teased that I've been pregnant half of our anniversaries... just 3 of the 7 :) But when it's been 7 years some sleep and some quiet is exactly what we both needed! 

(Thanks again Mom and Rob!)

 Last month Trevor made a deal with the kids.... we read our scriptures for 30 days in a row and he'll take them to Lagoon.It has been amazing. If we're out late and almost in bed, they'll remind us, "SCRIPTURES!" It has really helped bring a great family time and spirit to our home. If we miss a day, we read two chapters the next. Doing it for 30 day really helped create a habit. Well... 30 days hit... so Lagoon we went! Trevor's brother Kellan came and helped with the kids since I couldn't go on any rides. I didn't know how I was going to do.... but with loads of food and drinks and rest times we lasted 10 hours! (gotta get your money's worth!) It was such a blast! All of the kids were soooo brave and even went on some adult rides. I couldn't believe my 2 year old was smiling on some of those crazy rides! (Now we just have to read for a year to go to Disney Land!)

 It has been so fun to watch my sweet boys grow up. They are such individuals, but they sure watch out for each other. I love to hear their conversations and the way they are each other's best buddies. (I am tearing up). It's been so fun watching them help each other get ready for kindergarten and be so supportive of what the other needs. (And isn't this the BEST picture in the world? I love when I actually capture the sweet moments).

 Cameron has been so excited for Kindergarten. He has been telling everybody since the last day of preschool that he, 'Starts Kindergarten in the Fall.' They are going to Park Elementary here in Richmond. There are 64 kids going into Kindergarten this year, so luckily they hired a new teacher! The kids really wanted to be in different classes and luckily we got our wish. Cameron is in Ms. Sharp's class. This is her first year teaching and is a PERFECT fit for Cam. She's young and energetic and bubbly and encouraging! By his second day he informed me, "Mom, can you not walk in with me? I know where to go and I don't need your help!" 

Owen has been less enthusiastic, but more quietly excited about Kindergarten. I think he hasn't known what to expect. His teacher, Mrs. Burningham is perfect for him. She's been teaching for a long time and knows how to handle all sorts of children and situations. When she did the home visit we talked a lot about bullies and that we all all help Owen. He had a really hard time in preschool with a couple bullies and it has affected his self esteem. I was thrilled to hear of her support in setting up a great year for him to get him thinking positively again. I always think of Owen as so independent (which he is), but on the second day he asked me to still walk with him. I have never heard him so excited at the end of a school day as he has been. He wants to tell me everything that they did and all the things he learned. It is perfect!

 

And every day Zach asks me if he gets to go to school too. He wants to be just like his big brothers!

 

And then there's the other 2! (Oh, and I got my hair cut.... I am SO hot ALL the time!) This is me at 22 weeks ( 5 months). I swear pictures don't do justice of my size. I have people all the time tell me I am so little. I don't think they realize that I still have 4 months to go. I am doing good. I have had a few bumps (contractions = a day in labor and delivery. outcome = bladder infection. reaction = thank goodness it's not preterm labor already). Trev's been gone a lot with work and play, so I spend most days parenting from my bed. We are all excited for Kindergarten to get into full swing and settle back into a normal routine to finish out this third trimester I'm just starting! Send us prayers and love and thoughts that these babies cook for a long long time and I can keep my spirits up through it all!

Last but not least.... these sweet monkeys. They never fail to make me smile.... and bust up laughing.... every day. I am so proud to have such a beautiful, happy family!

(Don't forget to comment!!! It makes my day!)