Vacation

Sam and I have been wanting to take a vacation around our region, so we were excited to go when our friends invited us to Arkansas. We stayed 3 nights on Beaver Lake in Eureka Springs. The lake was the nicest one I've been to since we moved here. It is spring fed, so the water is pretty clean and fresh, and it was cool -which was nice in the heat. The girls had tons of fun swimming every day and playing. Shaye did such a great job jumping out in the middle of the lake and swimming all on her own.

We went to Branson, Missouri for the last 2 days. This was dinner at Dick Clark's American Band Stand. We went to see two shows - Chinese Acrobats, which was amazing, and Jim Stafford, who was also very good. The last day we hit the outlet malls and drug the kids around buying too much stuff! :)
We went with our friends, Jared and Aimee. We met them in Logan going to Utah State. Fortunately, they currently live in Dallas so we have been able to see them every year at least once. They have three girls, and this one little boy. So Shaye obviously loves it when we get to spend time with them.

The view from our cabin. It was a really nice cabin - 3 bedrooms and 2 extra pullout beds, with a porch around it and everything. If you are ever going to Eureka Springs, let me pass along the name of these.

Poor little Sydnee. I was working on getting her to sleep, and Jaxson was laying by us. Next thing I know he is asleep also, with his arm over her head. She didn't seem to mind, and went right on sleeping! The bottom left corner is the world's largest wind chime. It was in Eurka Springs.

Three Months Already!

This week Sydnee hit her three month mark. On one hand it has gone so fast, and on the other hand it feels like she has been with us forever! She is so sweat and the most beautiful baby (and I'm definately not bias!) She is sleeping in her own room now. We moved her to her crib a few weeks ago and she does great. She sleeps from 9pm till 6 or 7 in the morning. She is talking and cooing and is a happy baby, as you can tell from her big smile. She is so fun, and we are blessed to have her! Her older siblings are still crazy about her, and she gets lots of hugs and kisses! It has been exciting and fun to have a baby around again. She has already brought us so much joy!

Preschool for Him.... Peace for Me!!

Jaxson started preschool this week on Monday. He goes for 2.5 hours on Mon/Wed/Fri mornings. So far he has loved it! He has his own supply box and they paint, color, and have already started sequencing. I am looking forward to what all they will learn this year. Jaxson has been having a little bit of a hard time with Sydnee around. He always wants to hang on her and squeeze her and I have to watch him all the time. So its nice that he gets to do something he enjoys, and I get to go worry free for a few hours.

First Grade

Shaye started school on Wednesday. I can't believe she's already in first grade. You can immediately tell a difference in first grade and kindergarten. She has her own desk where she keeps her supply, and there weren't any toys in the classroom! I know she is going to learn a lot this year, we are very excited for her. (and a little sad too!)

Family Reunion

Some Favorites

I had never seen surfing behind the boat before. It was tons of fun! Of course the idea is to throw the rope in and just surf the wave.... maybe after more practice! :)

We had such a good time at the family reunion. Other than my grandma, we haven't seen my family members for about 6 years. The weather was so perfect, the lake was great, and there were so many fun activities. When it was all over, Sam and I didn't want to leave. It took us a whole week to adjust to being back in the 100 degree humid weather, and away from family.

This was Jaxson on the first day. I didn't get the very beginning on video, but it's too funny not to share. When we got him out he said, "I don't want to swim in the big pool! I want the little one at home." After a few hours, he was much more comfortable and by the end of the week he was playing in the tubes off the dock.

The Lake

The lake was called Dworshak Lake. It was so nice. The water was the perfect temperature - cool, but not too cold. The lake was huge! We did a lot of playing right off the dock, and of course lots of activities on the boat and jet ski.

The Obstacle Course

One morning we had an obstacle course race. It was a lot of fun! The kids got to go first, and then some things were added for the adults to go. Yes, I dove for the finish line, but hey - I got the best time! ;-)

Come One, Come All...

TURBO KICK ™- Created by fitness celebrity Chalene Johnson, this class will maximize your workout with absculpting moves and fat burning cardio! Filled with boxing, karate, hip hop and funk! Come join the party and possibly burn up to 1000 calories a workout!

An addictive workout that combines shadow boxing, kickboxing, sports drills, and simple dance moves in a party atmosphere. You'll kick,punch and groove the calories away in this action-packed, super fun,super safe and effective cardiovascular workout.

Now that you know what it is... come join me this Thursday - AUGUST 7th- at 5:15PM. I have been out with the baby for 4 months, and its time to go back to teaching! You do not have to be a member of the Y to come to this Launch Party! Just tell them you are there for Turbo Kick! If you live in town, I hope to see you there!