Lookie what I found!

I found this pic on our camera and laughed so hard.  I don't know who it is (though I'm pretty sure it's one of the boys).

Okay...Emma just informed me it's Tanner since she was the photographer on this one.

Watch out Kristi Yamaguchi...

 Both of our girls tried ice skating this fall.  They had tons of fun and I was pleasantly surprised how well they caught on for only being on ice once before. 

Emma and her friend Avery

Kaylee

Goodbye Roxie...Hello Ron & Harry (for a little while anyway...)

Well, we had to find a new home for our sweet Roxie.  Back in October, I had been getting really busy in the middle of the semester when one day I realized that she spent more time in her kennel than out of it.  She was getting really cranky (I'll admit we all were) and so we found a wonderful retired couple in Lake Crystal with a large fenced in backyard and another dog about Roxie's age.  We just got pictures and an update from them and she looks very happy and healthy.

So...to help the kids deal with saying goodbye to Roxie, we got two adorable Roborovski hamster - which the kids promptly named Harry & Ron.  They are about the size of two furry golf balls and are really friendly with the kids - well, they were really friendly with the kids.  Unfortunately, after 2 months of no incidents, Ron killed Harry (I don't think he read the books...)

My baby in preschool? Really?

Well, I didn't cry.  I didn't even get teary.  But I think it's hitting me now as I reflect.  Great.

Here are some pics that I got, though I must have been really distracted because none of them came out really great.  It was a madhouse dropping him off - kids crying, parents crying, a million cameras going.  Poor kids.  They'll all be traumatized.  Tanner had fun though.  Didn't even give us a second thought as he jumped right in.

Handsome man all ready for school!!

He insisted on a picture of his backpack.  Poor boy doesn't realize the stigma that comes with secondhand stuff.

Hanging up the backpack in his cubby.  Yes, I realize it says Steven.  It really is his cubby though.  I promise.

I had to get one more pic in - taken through the window.  I'm so proud of Tanner getting right to work on his puzzle.  No crying fits or jumping on chairs, like some other kids...

Our little running back...

Dallin has been so excited to play flag football and he finally had his first game on Saturday.  We weren't sure what to expect, maybe some first graders running after the ball and tackling each other even though it's FLAG football.  We were pleasantly surprised.  About half the team was in lala land, but some of the boys were really good and looked like they knew what they were doing.  Dallin really surprised us, as we are not a football watching family and the most we've done is toss the pigskin around the yard with him a little.  He did great and had 3 really great runs.  (He thinks he got a touchdown, but he went out of bounds at like 2 feet from the end zone - we'll just let him keep thinking he scored...)  He's just about the littlest guy on the team, but he's one of the fastest kids they have (ok, now I'm bragging.)  We'll have to see how the rest of the season pans out.  We also made some great friends with another family who has a boy on the team (and is also in Dallin's first grade class) and a girl who is in Emma's third grade class.  Should be fun!

Ready for the play!

Back to School

As most of you know, I have been waiting for this day for (it seems) forever!  I do love my children, and I love to spend time with them, but this summer was about 3 weeks too long.  Now we can move forward with our new routine and we will all be happy!  Well, I'll be happy anyway...

Everyone got the teacher they wanted and I think they're all wonderful.  We have several pictures that Tanner snuck into on the first day of school, but I will spare you those because he was in his skivvies.  

Dallin and Mrs. Corcoran

Dallin lookin' handsome on the first day of school

Emma & Mrs. Studier

Emma ready for the first day

Kaylee & Mrs. Dikau

Kaylee so cute for the first day

 My gorgeous kids - ready to conquer the world!

Double Digits!!

So, the Kaylee-girl turned 10!  Though I am feeling very old because of this, Kaylee is feeling tweeny and fabulous!  She is growing up into a responsible, passionate, beautiful young lady.  I'm so grateful she's ours!

Kaylee at about 1 month

One of my favorites!

Kaylee & Katelyn

Kaylee getting ready to blow those babies out