Ava's 1st Birthday

Pink pancakes for the birthday girl.

A cute new dress.

Dinner with the family.

And shoes!

Labor Day

The day before Ava's first birthday we went boating with my parents. It's hard to believe that on this day one year ago, she was still in my tummy.

The boys on grandpa's water couch, which to my surprise, Bennett loved and Carter hated.

The girls

The End

Milk and Cookies

Beckam and Carter were so excited to pick Bennett up from his first day of school. Most of all they really wanted to play on the playground. Look at this big boy walking his friends across the street.

When Bennett got home we had milk and cookies to celebrate the big day. He told me all about his day and that he made 2 friends, Elliot and Cooper. Elliot and Bennett have turned into best friends and can't wait to see each other at school everyday. Elliot is usually waiting for Bennett and recognizes my car when I pull up. I am so glad he has made such a good friend.

Bennett's 1st Day

Highland Park Elementary

Kindergartener

It's official. Bennett is now a kindergartener. I can't believe he is this big and that he is so independant. I was so proud of him on his first day. He didn't know any other kids in his class, but yet he was so excited to meet them and make friends.

He happily said goodbye to Carter, Ava, and me and then walked right into class without looking back. I cried as I left him there. Tears of sadness that my baby is entering into the big phase of school, but also tears of pride at how well adjusted and brave he was. There were many worrisome days over the summer where he was terrified of the idea of going to school. It was good to see a complete turn around.

After he walked in the door, I peaked through the window just as he was hanging up his backpack he looked up and I caught this picture of him. Oh, he is so cute. This is when the tears started and even writing about it brings the tears back. I am just so proud of him. I love you, my little kindergartener!

Carter's 1st Day

My little boy on his 1st day of school.

He was so excited I had a hard time getting him to stop for a pictures.

AFter he ran into the classroom, he got a little overwhelmed and backed himself into a cubby and sat down. It only lasted a few minutes. One of the cute teachers showed him some trains that he could play with, and that was that. He didn't even notice when I walked out.

3 & 1

We had an early mock birthday for Carter and Ava, since Scott was supposed to be gone. The next day we found out Scott was not going on the deployment. Yay! We got to keep dad around and celebrate early. Win, win for all.

Carter was so cute with his cake. He kept saying to me, "I love it, thank you mommy." He melts my heart.

Ava was in heaven!

My Cute...

My cute boys, love The Pie.

My cute Ava, has 2 cute teeth.

My cute kids have taken over all the bar stools.

My cute Carter, loves stickers.

Barkyard Adventures

I am so glad we focused on the backyard in the spring. It made for some great summer memories. We harvested some of the largest zucchinis and squash I have ever seen. I the tomatoes were to die for. I can't wait to expand our garden next year.

Tin foil dinners were a hit in our little fire pit.

A happy little boy drives around in circles whenever he gets the chance.

Computer Nerds

My boys could sit for hours on the computer and on the ipad. I took a picture of my little nerds and when Grandma Christy saw it, she wanted a copy to hang in her office. This is what she wanted it to say. So if you are naughty and have to go to the principles office, you can look at my cute little computer nerds. Doesn't sound so bad to me.

Payson Lakes Camp Out

We went camping with 3 of our favorite families to hang out with. Except for getting POURED on, we had a great time.

Loren and Bennett

Ava

(she loved the lake)

Billy, Cham, Loren and Ava

Friends hangin out in the tent, waiting for the rain to stop.

This is what I saw of Bennett and Carter the whole time.

They were always on the go.

A fun group of kids

Payson Lakes Rocks!

Days of 47 Parade

I LOVE a good parade and you can't go wrong with this one. I have such good memories of going to the parade with my grandma when I was a little girl. I can still remember her kind of bouncing up and down and clapping her hands as the marching bands went by, wearing her big black sunglasses and always in a patriotic shirt. I love that my grandma taught me to be patriotic and to love and respect the American flag for all that it symbolizes. Now when I go to the parade and the flag goes by with a marching band closely following, I fill so proud that I am an American and the grand daughter of Eva Joy Johnson. Thank you grandma, for starting such a great tradition. I hope I can continue to pass it on.