New Back Yard!

Well, we finally did it, we got our new backyard. It is finally landscaped. No more muddy mess when it rains. We are so excited! The sod was put down yesterday, concrete work on Thursday.

Roller Skating

Last month, we celebrated my nephew Kolby's birthday at a skating rink. Prior to going, I assumed that my kids probably would not want to try, but I brought some cash just in case. Well, once again they proved me wrong. As soon as they saw their cousins skating, both Isaac and Lucy wanted a try. So we got the smallest size possible for Lucy, got some for Isaac, and yes, I rented some for myself as well. I know what you are thinking, "Jill, do you skate?". The answer to that is sadly NO. Ever since a bicycle mishap in college I prefer to stay away from anything that requires self propulsion on wheels. However, for my children, I did it. (Of course I had them tighten the wheels as much as possible). But we did it! Of course we never made it out on the rink, but we wore them and we skated (more accurately, skate-walked) quite a lot on the fancy star-carpet. But eventually, the kids got preoccupied with the video games that I did not have the money to pay for (since I just used all of my money to rent 3 pairs of skates). So they just sat there and pretended. I think they had just as much fun (even if the screen kept saying "Insert Coin to Play"). We had a great time, and thank goodness, no major injuries). Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of the Birthday Boy (he was way to busy cutting it up on the rink, that boy has skills!). Anyway, here are some of the pictures that I did manage to get.

Isaac celebrating the fact that he is still on his feet.
Lucy was so proud when she got her pair and a bracelet too!

Jolie in front, then Lucy and then Hunter (all 2 years old and all very interested in the race-car video game). Very cute!

Hyrum and Laurelle, very stylish in their skates. They both did very well.

We all had a great time!

Pancakes

I got this fabulous idea from someone elses blog (you know who you are ... Kristin). So I decided to try it out this Labor Day morning.

Isaac asked for pancakes, so I surprised him with his name!

Isaac's name didn't quite fit on the plate, but he loved it all the same.
Lucy got her name next and was equally proud.

Then, I had some extra batter and got creative.

It was so much fun. If any of you have similar ideas, let me know.

I am excited to try new things. Any lunch ideas??

I hope everyone enjoys their Labor Day!

School Shirt

Ever since the Kindergarten Orientation, Isaac has been begging for a school shirt. You see, every Friday, all the kids in school are supposed to wear their school shirt to show their school spirit. Unfortunately, whenever we happened to pass by the PTA members who were selling them, I never had the necessary cash on me to buy one. Well, on Friday, Isaac reminded me before we left the house on the way to school, to get the money. I assured him that I had the necessary funds. So on we went. As we drew near the PTA leaders and the coveted shirts, Isaac (in the most endearing and sweetest voices I've ever heard) asked if we could get him a shirt. We purchased one and we changed his shirt right there in front of the school. He was so thrilled! You would have thought it was Christmas! Needless to say, he wore it to bed that night.

Isaac has had a great first week in Kindergarten. He has a great teacher, and is so excited about going to school each day. On Saturday, he woke up and was eager to get ready for school. I reminded him that he doesn't go to school on Saturdays and Sundays. And he replied, "well, I don't want to go to church!". (I'm not sure what to make of that). I hope that he isn't too sad when we don't go to school tomorrow (Labor Day).

After I took the picture of Isaac (top), Lucy was eager to share in the excitement, and grabbed her backpack and posed as well. She loves walking Isaac to his class (and she insists that she wear her backpack en route as well). She misses her brother so much while he is in school, and is always asking, "where's Isaac?". But they seem to be getting along much better when he gets back. There has been less fighting and more laughing. So no complaints here!

I have also discovered that I may in fact be a morning person! I know! Who would have thought? Yes, ever since Isaac started school, I have been getting so much accomplished! It is amazing. It seems I have tapped into this amazing source of energy! I have time to do so much! After I drop off Isaac, from 8am to 11am, I am able to complete projects that before seemed much too difficult! It's a miracle! (We'll see how long it lasts!).

The Mystery of the Wet Hair

I will give you 3 guesses as to how Lucy's hair got wet. Please be creative. Winner will get, well ... my respect (sorry, that's the best reward that comes to mind). Answer to this mystery will come later.

Isaac turns 5 and starts Kindergarten!!

We had 2 birthday parties for Isaac, this one (above) was with the Mosher family, where he celebrated with all of his cousins on that side, and he also got some much anticipated

"light sabers", he played with his cousins all night, we had a great time!

Later, in August, we celebrated Isaac's birthday with the Land family. And much to his pleasure, he got 2 more light sabers, and these ones light up and are spring loaded! Isaac was in "light-saber-heaven"! We had a great time with the Land family that night

(although, Isaac really missed his cousin Eva :( ).

We had cheesecake and all of the glorious toppings for dessert that night.

This last Monday, Isaac also started Kindergarten. He did a great job going in to class and following directions. I was even proud of myself, I thought that I would for-sure spill a few tears. But I held them back! Isaac has been doing great at school and he really likes his new teacher. I am very pleased with his school, teacher and the adminstrators.

We have been very blessed. While Isaac is at school, Lucy and I have been having a great time at home, getting things done around the house. Right now she is taking a nap! Hallelujah! Since Isaac's school starts at 7:5oam, we have early mornings around here, and this morning Lucy woke up at 5:30! So she was due for a little catch-up nap. Hence, I am able to blog uniterrupted! Oh, the little joys in life!

A Day at the Beach

Lucy rested and re-energized with an Oreo cookie.

Duane and Lucy rested after playing in the water.

Duane was trying to get Lucy to sit on the Boogie Board when the waves came in, she didn't really feel comfortable with that, so she grabbed Duane's arm hair for security.

Isaac however did enjoy going for rides on the boogie board with Duane, they didn't go very far out though. Isaac loved it!

Isaac's cousins Hyrum and Peter buried Isaac in the sand. They all loved it! I stood by and watched carefully.

We went to the beach a day before Isaac's 5th birthday. It has become a little tradition. Although in previous years, we went on his birthday. This year, his birthday was on a Sunday, so we went a little early. He loved it. He and Lucy had a great time. We went with my parents and my sister Christine and her family.