Rain, Rain, Don't Go Away

We live in the desert and don't get to see much rain. We have lots and lots of sunshine . . . until monsoon season. I love monsoon season -- it's such a great change! I don't know if my memory is faulty, but it seems like the monsoon seasons in the last couple of years have been a bit disappointing. BUT, today we got to experience an Arizona monsoon (we really should call these "storms" when compared to the monsoons taking place in other parts of the world). While B was at a pool party (oops) -- we got hit with a down pour, thunder, lightning, even hail. After the lightning passed, the kids ran outside to enjoy the puddle in our backyard.

PrEsChooL

Little S started preschool last week. We're in a co-op with 3 other moms, and it couldn't be better. I've participated in co-ops with the other children as well, but I have to say I'm really enjoying the smaller size of this one. I taught the first week and had a lot of fun learning the different personalities -- they're all so eager to learn! It's fun to hear little S trying to sound out words and learn her letter. Her most requested bedtime songs have now become her "preschool songs" (days of the week, months of the year, welcome . . . ) Yep, I guess our baby is growing up!

Spy Training

This weekend our house was transformed into a spy training center in honor of B's birthday (yes the invitation is backwards -- don't try to read it :). B planned the whole thing -- 4 training tasks and then a mission to test their skills.

Decoding their spy names (shadow, danger, ignite, x-plode, stinger, etc . . . )

manuevering through the laser maze

Retrieving spy supplies in the obstacle course.

Destroying the "weapon of mass destruction."

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

A totally cool party for a totally cool guy! (We used a reigniting candle for the bomb cake -- it was hilarious:) B was a great sport!

Happy Anniversary!

CONGRATS ON 45 YEARS NANA & D!

(Did you imagine this crew 45 years ago?)
We LOVE you!!

Back to School

It's hard to believe that the first day of school has arrived -- but that's the way it is in sunny Arizona! The boys were very excited to get to school. Don't let Br's face lead you to believe otherwise (it's his new favorite smile - sideways and COOL). Br learned to ride his bike without training wheels this summer, and has take a couple of practice rides up to the school -- he can make it in 20 minutes! We've been anxiously awaiting the time when we can all bike together (little S rides on the back of my bike). But wouldn't you know it, now E cares whether or not she's sweaty when she gets to school. Well, I don't blame her. So, Daddy rode with the boys up to school, and E, S and I drove. The kids all have great teachers and friends in their classes.

S was sad to see everyone leave. She insisted that she start school today, too. When she realized she was going to have to wait she decided to boycott. She refused to get dressed, so we did our grocery shopping and errand running in her pjs. We got home and baked up a storm - fun! Then our kind neighbors brought over a toy box with her name on it! She was in heaven. So all in all it turned out to be a good day for little S. But she and I are anxiously awaiting the return of the "big kids"!

Off they go!

Family Fun

On our way home from Mesa on Friday we stopped at a new Sea Life Aquarium in Tempe. The kids had so much fun! It was no Sea World, but it made for a fun couple of hours. They really enjoyed all the "bubbles" that let them pop up in the middle of several displays!

The Important Things . . .

Friday we were able to take the kids with us to the temple. When E was just a baby I remember thinking how it would now be impossible to attend the temple. As first time parents it was inconceivable to think of leaving our little one with a sitter at all -- let alone the 6 hours it would take us to make it up and back from the temple. Then a friend gave us the idea of going up and taking turns inside the temple. I don't know why it hadn't occurred to us earlier, but suddenly the possibilities of temple attendance were opened to us once again. Through the last 10 years we have had many wonderful monthly trips to the temple with our kids in tow. As the kids have gotten older we've also been able to leave them home with a sitter or trade off with other families, but there is something very sweet and wonderful about bringing the whole family up to the temple even though we can't go inside together. We have photos of toddler E and baby B playing in front of the temple, and it seems like YESTERDAY! Now here we are with four fantastic kiddos doing the same thing! Time really does fly! I know my time doesn't always get spent on the most important things in life, BUT when we're at the temple and teaching our children to love the temple - THEN I know it is time well spent.