Raphael

We have a new addition to the family. We were given a red eared slider turtle by our neighbor and the kids are in love. Raphael currently resides in the kids room and loves them, too. He gets very excited whenever anyone walks in!

We are not a pet family but we figured we could handle a turtle. So far it's been great! Pretty low maintenance, other than cleaning the tank.

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

The leaves are changing on my mountain. The air is crisp in the mornings. I'm craving soups and pumpkiny treats.

Hello, Autumn.

Back to School

Well, it has begun. The homework, the carpools, the early mornings, the after school activities. Here we go!

On the first day of school I was showered and ready for the day at 7:30 am, had all my errands done by 9:30 am, and had washed and vacuumed the car by 10:30. I'm much more productive with only one rugrat around!

5th Annual Back To School Celebration

I have a love hate relationship with August. I hate the thought of the kids going back to school and all that entails,  but I LOVE getting ready for our Back To School Celebration. It gets more and more fun each year!

 Our family theme this year is Choose To Shine. I have loved the Mutual theme so much this year (and am so sad that I am no longer with my young women!) that I used D&C 115:5 as the inspiration. 

the kids all got a box of sunshine, filled with lots of yummy treats

it wouldn't be a celebration without Thai food (Nam Tok)!

Here's to a great school year and lots of opportunities to SHINE!

Previous Celebrations:

2008

2009

2010

2011

*some of my cute printables came from www.simonemadeit.com

August sundries via Instagram

pedi's with Grandma Young

ultimate fort-building

we LOVE Desert Star!

Tour Of Utah. We love living so close to the action!

Closing ceremonies of the Olympics. MUCH better than the opening ceremonies. Those Brits make some good music!

I went on a big girl trip to Michigan for a 3 day KitchenAid training. It was simply fabulous in every way. A relaxing plane ride, beautiful scenery, fun new friends, my own room, swag, amazing food, and the automatic toilet seat covers at the O'Hare airport! Oh, and in case you didn't know, KitchenAid products are THE BOMB!

passing through Chicago

Enjoying Shark Week in a big bed all to myself!

We spent a few days in Park City with my family. Swimming, trolley rides, treats on Main Street, Deer Valley lift rides, and playing with cousins.....who could ask for more?!

annual offerings to the Shoe Tree

Arizona: part two

 After 4 days at the cabin we headed back to Gilbert for 4 days of fun at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We swam, and swam, and swam some more! Jackson learned to swim without floaties (which took about 30 seconds) and  was diving in the deep end to retrieve dive toys. Landon had no fear and loved jumping in like his siblings.

We loved just hanging out and spending time with Aunt Alayna. We hit the outlets and of course ate at Crackers. Matt and I even got to go out for sushi one night! Our Thanksgiving Point membership got us into the Arizona Science Center for free, and the kids loved it (especially the monster stomach)!

Landon loved being Grandpa's shadow (unless he was hungry- then he was all about Grandma!). We watched the Olympic opening ceremonies (meh. not too impressed) and some of the events before it was time to hit the road on Sunday. The drive home was relaxing and uneventful compared to the last few years!

Grandma got some fun toys!

Jackson the fish

Mr. Tumnus and Megamind

Sloth.

Kensie's watching you....

cookies and milk with Grandpa

puzzle time during the olympics

on the road again