swing of things

The first day of school was very much anticipated by the girls.... and me. Don't get me wrong we had a very fun, busy summer and I really tried hard to enjoy every part of it even in the middle of noise, and messes and late nights. I enjoy and good schedule so I was ready for bedtimes and nap schedules that were consistent.  Anna started the 4th grade and Brooklyn 2nd.  They love their school and got a new principal this year and that was exciting and sad. They loved Mr. Boyce.  They get to ride the bus for about 10 minutes and get picked up and dropped off at the end of our cul-de-sac which is so convenient.   They are getting so big and so smart. I can't believe that this is the last year for Anna at the elementary school. Yikes... but I am trying not to borrow trouble and enjoy the now!

birthday girl

 

Happy Birthday to my Anna.  You made me a mother 9 years ago, and each moment from then I have learned and loved you more than I ever thought possible.  You are spunky and full of life and keep me constantly on my toes.  We are so blessed to have you in our family! We love you Anna Banana!

freckles

{soccer}

 

Anna's last soccer game was Saturday.  She played on the "plums" with 8 other girls and had a great coach, Scott Smith.  She improved so much and it was a blast to watch her.  Grandpa and Grandma Tonks, and Nana were regular cheer leaders too! How blessed we are to have so much family here! Way to go Anna 

 

(PS: Do you love the mis-matched socks.  It was a weekly battle to keep shin guards, socks, and her jersey accounted for.  You would have thought the first 4 times we couldn't find something I would have come up with a better system. Nope.)

 

 

{Thanksgiving entertainment}

Anna has been taking piano from my mom for a little while. We've had to take a couple breaks because I haven't been on the ball... or very sick with her baby sister.  I also have to say that it hasn't always been easy. A lot of times it is a real struggle to get practice in before school but I am proud of her. I hope one day she'll thank me!

My mom made up these litle programs, including a place for her autograph at the bottom.

Anna's big day

 

 

 

On Saturday, September 1,  Anna was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and received the Holy Ghost. 

 

She looked radiant in white. I feel like it was just yesterday that we were surprised with a beautiful red head.  What a big day for her and she was ready and excited for the promises she was about to make.

 

We love you Anna!

 

 

We missed all of our family that wasn't able to make it due to distance, but boy is this little girl blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful examples.

 

 

young love

I didn't think I would be seeing this quite so young

I literally laughed out loud when I found it

 (Me... love....Brigham)

at least I think they're at the temple

sometimes

You just want to ride your bike

freckles

1st day

Anna started 2nd grade and her 4th school since kindergarten. Poor girl. Luckily we don't worry about moving any more so that is nice. She was very excited to start at her new school and ride the bus, both ways!!!  The bus picks her up at the end of our street which is so convenient.  Things have gone great the past couple of days and I know it will be a great year.

 Brooklyn also started kindergarten this year. She is in afternoon and I drop her off about 11:30.  She rides the bus home with Anna which is nice. Anna has been great about making sure that she is taken care of on the bus. Brooklyn is a bit of a home-body so I was/am a little nervous about how she'll do, but the last couple days have been great and she is having a lot of fun! 

Chipper felt the need to get in on the photo op: You can also see the evidence of Chipper's bad behavior in the welcome mat. Dumb dog :)

The house has been delightfully quiet. Is that bad to say? I love watching them get off the bus and hurry home to tell me about their days. We go from peace and quiet to chaos is seconds flat!  I wouldn't have it any other way though. I love being my children's mother!

our anna

Our little fire cracker turns 7 today!

Boy does she keep us on our toes. 

Anna, We love your energy and spunk.  You love to ride your bike and play with Brooklyn and Carter.  You've recently become very picky. You informed me the other day that you don't like cake and so you wanted pie on your birthday. Like your dad, you don't like chocolate. You almost always have an egg and toast in the morning for breakfast. Not a dippy egg though (You remind me of this every morning) You started 2nd grade yesterday and it seemed to go very well. You make friends easy and like to write stories.  I was a little emotional watching  you get on the bus but I knew that you would do great.  Sometimes it is hard to watch you grow up. We live in a scary world and I pray each day you'll make good choices so that you can be truly happy!

You love to color and create things.  Just last week I found you in the garage tracing dads tools on pieces of paper. You came in moments later with a paper tool belt full of your "tools"  You also took a large piece of cardboard and created a little city with roads and buildings and parks.  We love to watch you create!

We can't wait to watch you grow another year. We love you!

morning harvest

 

Insight from a child

"Mom, gardens are like grocery stores except everything is free!"

Anna: 7 years old

guns, and being the "fun mom"

In a feeble attempt one day to be a "fun mom" I told the kids (My two nephews were over) that they could play in the mud while enjoying the hot day.  I came out to a huge mess .... reinforcing to me why I say no more than yes in these types of situations, and had to take a few pictures of these crazy kids.

I told the kids to make a funny face and laughed out loud when I uploaded the pictures. 

Behold, Ryan kissing his guns!

I can't wait to show him this picture when he is 16.

"I" questions

Anna: age 6 1/2

I have:  a toy
I wish: papa was here
I hate:  hot dogs
I miss: papa
I hear:  birds
I wonder:  why the snow doesn't stop
I regret:  I don't even know what that is (laughing)
I am not: a boy
I dance:  with my bear
I sing:  bird song
I cry: because my sister pulls my hair
I am not always: sad
I make with my hands: shadows
I write:  stories
I confuse: my sister
I need: chipper to stop barking
I should: repent
I start: the car
I finish:  my dinner
I love:  my papa

rosy cheeks