July/August

During the crazy swimming lesson we also had company come to visit. Aunt Becky, Ava, and Kavae came to see us for a few weeks. Life was crazy and we did not get to spend as much time as we would have liked but it was good to see them and play. The kids loved filling up our little pool and playing outside even though we did not have great grass yet. Mel and his boys came to visit also. We cleaned out the basement at the apartments. I can't believe what some girls store!!! Some had just left things for two years so we found some funny things and even a passport. I would be mad as a mom if my kid just left stuff every where. We also took the cousins to a Minor League Chuckers baseball game. The kids loved it and loved running the bases with the cousins!!;-) Dillon and Williams worked hard and helped Papa get lots of odd projects done and caught a few fish in the middle of it.

We finally got to mow grass about this time. I got to mow it the very first time. Strange how you never think that you will be exceited to do that yet it was great. We missed having grass for most of the summer. Sticky clay like mud is just not the same. James felt left out because I got to mow before he did. We are still using our non self propeled push mower we bought when we were in Driggs. Good exercise and only takes a little over an hour. Some day we may have to upgrade to self propeled.

We also started getting ready for back to school. I promised the kids new backpacks this year. I had yet to buy them new ones because we had handme down and DI ones. They were so excieted. Tyler drove me crazy until I finally had to go get them sale or no sale. I forgot I can't tell him things before hand. We chose Jansport because James and I have had good luck and so has James older nieces and nephews. Tyler and Emma were told these have to last so take care and choose wisely. Tyler choose plain black and Emma choose blue with flowers. They better be careful or they will have to buy their own. Thank heavens they have life time warranties. I never knew backpacks could cost so much. We also slowly got their supplies so that we didn't have to fight the crowds. Oh by the way Walmart here decided to remodel....Holy cow what a mess. Not to mention that Hitt road to Walmart was all torn up too..... Can't wait till it is all done.

Just before school was to start we took the kids on one more vacation to Utah. We relaxed and went to Hogo Zoo. It was fun but way to hot. There was a new baby giraffe, and a few other new animals that were fun to see. We stayed at the condo's and swam. Tyler and Emma both tried the water slide and loved it. Emma just swam wherever, and Tyler was almost as free as long as an adult was close just in case. Mason thought he was free too until he went under and then decided that mom was right and stayed where he could reach. We also played a little tennis and shopped for a few more school clothes.

Just before school started we decided (ok James decided) to get some kittens. We have had to catch a few mice. So the kids have enjoyed them. Tyler is allergic and touch his eyes a few time and had puffy eyes for a few days. He has learned not to touch his eyes and to wash right after he holds them. We have patches and strips number 2. Strips one decided to catch a ride to work with James. He jumped off and got hit before James could get to him. James is still sick about it. The kids cried and were sad. Emma said well I guess Nana can pet him for us. So thankful for the knowledge that we can be together again. So we had to find Patches a new friend and thus Stripes number 2 or stripy as Mason says got to come live with us. They better catch the mice. I thought traps were working good!!!

School started the 24th of August. Emma is in Second grade with Mrs. Clayson as a teacher. There is only like 15 kids in her class. Tyler is in First grade with Mrs. Lopuch as a teacher. He also has only like 15 kids in his class. They are lucky to have little classes. They both ride the bus to and from school. Yeah I did not have to drive this year. Mason was a little lost without them but has had fun with mom and watching the bus.

School is going well. They are making new friends and enjoying the routine. Tyler was even excited about having homework. Emma was not as much but is still pretty good at just getting it done. They are both making progress with their reading and really starting to enjoy it.