A Date With A Handsome Lad

Joseph has been asking me daily to go to the park -- I have, like a bad mom, been saying no because it has been way too hot.

Yesterday morning Chris gently reminded me how lucky I am to be able to stay home all day with Joseph and to do whatever we want to do. Even though I already knew that was true, I realized I should be taking advantage of it more fully.

So after Chris and the older kids left for school, Joseph and I walked to the park. That's right, I was at the park by 8:30 in the morning, which is unbelievable for me. It was so nice and cool, and the park was deserted -- at least for a little while. Joseph absolutely loved having my undivided attention.

One super-cute little monkey on the monkey bars. Man, I love this kid.

He took my picture -- to prove I was actually there. Such a good photographer.

Afterwards, we went to the Provo Bakery (where else) for donuts and chocolate milk. He was pretty darn happy.

This boy is a wonderful date. I am indeed the luckiest girl in the world.

Pinewood Derby

This week Pack 043 had its (first in a long time) annual Pinewood Derby, and it was a great event. I think everyone -- including a few over-enthusiastic fathers -- had a really fun time and got pretty into the competition.

Bradley is the only Cub in our family, but Nathaniel and Lindsey decided they wanted to make cars too, just for fun.

Here's Chris "helping" Lindsey with her car.

Bradley's car was a sweet skateboard.

Nathaniel made an awesome Perry the Platypus car.

Lindsey had a cute pink beetle bug.

Talk about cute -- they are both adorable!

Three proud kids with three great cars. They all worked really hard and did a fantastic job.

At Pack Meeting, Bradley received several awards -- Archery, Shooting, and Astronomy. Awesome kid. And amazingly handsome.

Bradley at the end of the track, waiting for the race to begin.

Unfortunately Bradley didn't win a first or second place trophy, but he did win his first heat, and he competed like a champion. He was awarded a ribbon for the "Most Original" car, and both Nathaniel and Lindsey got honorable mention for participating. It was a whole lot of fun.

Didn't They Just Get Out of School????

Yeah, I don't even know what to say about this -- it honestly feels like the school year just ended. Is it just me, or is summer getting shorter and shorter????

Anyway, here are my little cutie pies on their first day.



Lindsey started first grade -- now she goes all day, and I don't know what to do without her home at least part of the day. She's all grown up. And as someone said, she looks a mile tall in those pants! She's growing so fast!



Bradley is the world's most handsome 3rd grader. He's sailing through school, and I think he still really enjoys it.



This one on the other hand . . . well, the look says it all. He is too cool for school. And it really is unbelievable that he's in 8th grade already. Where does the time go???

Here's my last view of them as they crossed the schoolyard. Such a bittersweet thing for me -- I really love having them home. I've never been one of those moms who rejoices when the school year begins, although maybe a little more this year since they got a bit stir crazy toward the end of the summer. But I like having them here, and I miss them when they're gone, so it's sad. But they do better when they have a schedule, and i think they miss the structure of school. They sure look cute from behind, huh?

Oh, and if it looks like Bradley is carrying half of Wal-mart, it's because he is. The amount of school supplies they have to bring is staggering. As was the amount of money we had to spend on said supplies. Ugh.

Summer Winding Down

Just a few random shots of summer happenings I haven't blogged about yet . . . and let's be honest, 2 blog posts this summer -- nothing to crow about.

One morning I found Joseph perched on the window ledge, watching Shaun the Sheep on the iPad. He's too cute to resist.



Lindsey and Joseph came downstairs to show me what they'd been up to upstairs -- dressing up in each other's clothes. Crazy kids! On a side note, those are Joseph's size 24 month pants she's wearing, and they could actually be the perfect pair of capris for her.



My good friend Jana came to Utah, and I was lucky enough to score a little of her valuable time. She had her kids with her, and we couldn't resist taking this photo of Nathaniel with Samantha -- Jana and I decided back when they were babies that one day they would marry. I think they look so cute together (even though Nathaniel acts like he's too cool for it).



Nathaniel and Collin -- rockin' the UGA shirts.

A good friend is a real treasure . . . Jana is awesome! (not to mention tall -- don't I look like a midget standing next to her???)

Going to the Provo Bakery for donuts has become one of our favorite bad habits. The kids adore these giant chocolate donuts. mmmmmmmmmm

A picnic in the grass -- what could be better?

With the hundred degree temps lately, it's hard to even grasp that summer is quickly ending, but before long colder temps will prevail......grrrrr...