My big scout!

Ethan entered New Scouts in June, but then everything stopped. So, last night he finally received all his pins, awards, webelos badge, and his Arrow of Light!!! Way to go, Ethan!

Big shoes to fill!

Some pretty big shoes to fill, Talin!

Today

O.k., I have all four kids attending one school now - whew! Of course, Laura cried going today, and was screaming when I picked them up because a Monsoon storm blew in over their school and the lights went out (one of her biggest fears right now) and they were soaking wet in the rain. It was a really cool storm - I could see the big black cloud from our house, but their school was a direct hit - I got pounded trying to go pick them up. It was wonderful to have rain - and it's still raining out there - Yipee!!! I also picked up some purple paint to patch a spot in the big girls' room that has been on our "to-do" list since we moved in. While I was there, I got a couple plants to replace one that was dying, and some others for ground cover by the front door. I taped off the back door to paint, but didn't get it painted yet. Dinner, planted the plants, FHE, clean up, get kids to bed, tired, time for bed.

Groundbreaking

We broke ground today! O.k., well, we did it - but we're only as far as picking up the permit for real - but that's still great! So, here's the before..... I love that the neighbors behind us planted those beautiful big trees!!! I will love looking at them from out backyard. I'll have to thank them someday.

Here we go!!!

O.k., we have a loan, we have houseplans approved, we have a contractor - Let's build a house!!! Here's our lot taken from my sister-in-law's house (Thanks, Melinda). We're really excited to get this going - it's been almost 1 1/2 years already in the making. We're really nervous, too, but ready to go. I'll try to keep you posted - I may need your help making decisions!

Olympic favorites

Yeah!!! Michael Phelps did it! We love watching him! He's so good, and yet such a good guy - he immediately thanked his team for helping him get that last medal. He's amazing! Congrats, Michael!

And, we were so upset that NBC wasn't showing the Men's Gymnastics team because they weren't expected to do anything, and then we found out the next day they won Bronze - Way to go!!! I think they did awesome and am still frustrated the NBC didn't show our own team more. Great job, guys! We loved watching the women's gymnastics, too, but it was so sad for them. It was a tough race, and the Chinese just did so well, especially on the floor exercise. But, I still think they are great, too! (can't find a picture :( )

First Day of School - one more time!

O.k. - yesterday was Laura's first day of school (because she still doesn't have a spot at the other school), and Kelcie's first day of preschool! Laura was so excited - lunchbox, fun room, not home bored, etc., but today she decided she doesn't want 1st grade anymore because she'd rather be home with mom. We talked for 20 minutes, and she still went into the classroom crying! I hope she had a good day. "It's just so long, mom, - I want to eat lunch with you". I think part of the problem is that she's been highly clingy to mom since her surgery a few weeks ago, and so now she's really struggling being apart. I really didn't see this one coming - she's so ready and waited so long to go to 1st grade (fall b-day). Kelcie loved preschool - she loves Aunt Cathy's preschool. We love Aunt Cathy's preschool! Luckily, she goes with cousins she loves and has been doing it for 1 day a week last year, so there was no adjustment - whew!
It was also Erin's kind-of first day of school - it was her first day switched to Ethan and Jamie's school (K-8). She was really excited and came home happy. I hope this all settles soon - it's about to do me in!

Olympics!

The OLYMPICS started!!! I LOVE the Olympics! We always watch the opening ceremonies - although, most of us fell asleep (busy week) - and have a little party to start them off. Last night was busy, so the party part wasn't much, but we did pick up Chinese Food to honor the olympics being in China this year. The opening ceremonies were AMAZING! I honestly don't know how they think of those amazing ideas, and then how they pull it off! Truly AMAZING!!! Enjoy!

First Day of School - again

Yesterday, Ethan and Jamie started school. Excitement and a lot of anxiety because they were at a new school far away where we are trying to build a house. They were both happy at the end of the day, though. It was hillarious to get Ethan to stand close enough to his sister to take this picture!

Joys of Summer

Corn on the Cob is one of the real joys of summertime! I LOVE good corn on the cob! I posted a picture like this of Talin several months ago where we only gave him the cob, but tonight he's a big boy and got a whole one - boy did he love that! and figured it out right away! YUMMM!

TP

Oh the joys of having kids with friends! Any idea who did this to us? That's o.k., it was really fun to wake up to, and we feel loved :)