August 24, 2009 Kelseanja's first day of Kindergarten

Horray! Kelseanja did wonderful today at Kindergarten. She didn't cry (and neither did I). When they opened the doors she was the first one in, and then I left . I didn't want her to change her mind about being brave. After school, however, she didn't get off the bus becasue the teacher didn't realize she needed to ride the bus. Which I found a little annoying becasue last Friday, at the Kindergarten Open House, they asked if she was going ride the bus and I told them that she would be riding it home because her sister rides the bus home. Then I asked if she would be able to ride on 'Monday' (today) and they said that she would be able to ride the bus home. So, when she didn't get off the bus I was worried. I rushed home and called the school who had tried calling me while I was at the bus stop. They said she was there in the office. I went and got her and she was just fine munching on some graham crackers. Not worried one bit that she didn't get to ride the bus home. I asked her how her day went at school and she told me that her teacher is really nice and that they colored, cut, and glued, then read stories. I also asked her if she made any new friends and she said: "The whole class are my new friends." She also told me: "And guess what, I didn't cry one bit I was really good for my teacher." So, tomorrow will go smoother. No first day gitters and she will be riding the bus home. Yay! Oh, and in case anyone one was wondering, yes Kelsea got a haircut. Don't you think she is sooo cute with her hair shorter? I do even though we didn't plan on it being so short it makes it easier to brush. Even the secretary in the office at school told me that "Kelsea had the cutest hair in Kindergarten today."

Playing with Bath Bubbles

For a kid who doesn't like playing outside in the water, Jaxton has no problem with taking warm baths inside. Like most kids he loves bubbles! This particular morning last week, he was playing around putting bubbles all over his head and face (I didn't even help him). He He was really showing off, so I had to get pictures. Now every time he takes a bath he says: "Bubble." It is so cute. Other words he has learned are: "Tau-wol", "Bip-per", "Mine!", "ish"(fish), "Shoos", "Go!", "Beep", "Nose", "Baby", and "puppy". A couple weeks ago, we were setting-up a set of bunk-beds in the boys' room and screamed: "My Bed!" twice clear as if he has been talking for years. Adam and I looked at him amazed that he said it so clearly. I don't know what the average vocabulary is for a seventeen month old, but I think he talks better than my friend's two year old. One of Jaxton's new favorite things to do is throw things away. I caught him throwing clean diapers away just after we had sent him to throw a dirty one away. My little helper.

Our Creatures

This week, we met some new creatures. The toad is our new pet. We named him Leonardo and currently have a nice little tank for him. In a week or so though we are going to let him go. There are lots of toads around our house because they like the crickets and also because we don't like that far from the Colorado River. Leonardo is the third toad we have caught this summer. He also is very good at croaking. We put his tank next to the fish tank and he sits in his water bowl and watches the fish. Yes, he has even tried catching the fish, but ends up hitting the side of the tank. The other creature was on the front door the other night. For those of you who don't know, it is a katydid. They like to live in trees and make noises sort of like crickets do. Anyway, this is the first time I have ever seen one although I have heard them before. Well, that is just a couple more interesting creatures we can add to our list of animals and bugs we have seen since we lived here along with the sun spiders, orb spiders, walking sticks, and preying mantisis. Usually, when we find new creatures we try to find out about them. Austin has had lots of fun catching crickets in the back yard which we have an abundence of. He thinks it is fun to watch Leonardo eat them in one flash of his tongue. Even the girls will catch crickets to feed him.

August 19, 2009 Back-to-School

Makayla headed back to school on the 19th. She is now in second grade. Makayla was so excited to be back to school. The day before school, the school had an ice cream social where she was supposed to meet her new teacher,but because both of us were sick with a tummy bug she went to school not knowing who's class she was in. When she returned home she told me that she likes her new teacher. I still have yet to meet the teacher, but I have heard that she is a good teacher. Makayla has informed me that tomorrow will be the first day of 'homework'. Which I know is nesseccary, but it when you are a parent you are responsible to make sure your child is doing all of their homework. So, therefore you also have homework. Anyway, Makayla is now making new friends and can't wait until Kelseanja can join her on the bus ride home.

We stayed Saturday night at Jenny & Riyo's place. It was a quick visit and we didn't get to see them much, but we had fun anyway playing video games and catching-up. We all love Jenny & Riyo and wish we could see them more often. (BTW thanks for letting us stay there.) We stayed as long as we could, had lunch, then packed-up and drove all the way home.

August 1, 2009 Huntsville Park at Hislop Family Reunion

When we were done at the temple we drove to Huntsville, UT to go to the Hislop Family Reunion. There we got to see even more members from a different branch of our family tree. The highlight for me was to see my Grandma Ann and Grandpa Rich as well as my Aunt Nettie. The three older kids had a blast on the blow-up waterslide. Jaxton loved the lollipop that Great-Aunt Linda gave him. My sister Kaloni rode from youth conference to the reunion with my grandparents. Then we got to bring her back to Grand Junction with us when we came home. Kaloni also had fun getting wet and sliding with the kids. Kelseanja chickened out at the top of the slide so Aunt Kaloni had to rescue her. One of the events from the reunion was a fashon show where models showed of the latest fashions such as plunging necklines, bear backs, bib overalls, top hats, cotton skirts, and double breasted suits. And can't forget the famous Jim-bag. Anyway, the reunion was great and it was nice to see extended members of the family.

After the reunion, Kaloni the kids and I went to see even more family by stopping to see our Grandma Lloy's cousin whom everyone calls Aunt Lawona. Her and her husband Keith live in Huntsville too, so we couldn't resist a visit. Aunt Lawona is probably one of the funnest people to visit with. Her stories keep anyone interested for hours and the best part is that they are all true. We had an awesome visit and hope to visit again soon.

August 1, 2009 Oquirrh Utah Temple Open House

The next day, we got up early and met with family to go though the Oquirrh Utah Temple Open House. It was the last day of the open house so we felt grateful for the opprotunity. The kids were so excited that they were getting a chance to see inside a temple. Kelsea said: "I can't wait to tell Daddy!" All the kids got a pamphlet which had picture of some of the rooms in the temple and Austin loved matching the pictures to the rooms. He often would say: "Hey, that is in my paper!" We tried to explain a few things to the kids about the importance of the temple. Afterwards, we went into a tent where we all had cookies and took pictures of the kids next to the paintings of Christ. I thought temple was beautiful and it was such a neat experience to take my children through a House of the Lord. I hope they will alway remember this experience.

July 31, 2009 Cory & Dani's Open House

After playing at the park we went to my cousin Cory and his new wife Dani's open house. There we got to see more family. Congrats Cory and Dani!

July 31, 2009 More Westmore Park

Grandma Jane, Grandpa Doug, Aunt Caylee, Uncle David, Cousin Zeke, and Aunt Erin all came to the picnic! We had so much fun playing. Uncle David showed us how he can be a monkey in a tree and Grandpa watched us on the slide. We didn't want to leave because we were having such a great time!

July 31, 2009-Orem UT Westmore Park

We went to Westmore Park in Orem, UT to meet Grandma & Grandpa MacPherson for a picnic. This is us waiting until they got there.

Updates coming soon!

Working on updating the blog. It may take a little while. Please be patient as I have lots of pictures I need to put together from last weekend.