Melissa and Mindi visit Arizona!

August 2009

A few weeks ago, a couple of my best friends, Melissa and Mindi came to town for a conference. It was so fun to see them. We used to all live in Louisville together. Melissa still lives there, but Mindi now lives in Reno. I hadn't seen Mindi in about 3 years and it was just like old times. We went to lunch one day, went to a movie and I just hung out their hotel one night. We had a blast. I just love those kind of friends that even if you've been apart for a long time, it's like you never left. They're coming back next year for the same conference. I can't wait!

Mindi and Melissa

All of us at lunch

Some pics at my house. Why do I look pregnant?

First Day of School

First Day of School 2009

July 27th is WAY TOO EARLY to start school!!! There's something wrong with going to school when it's 110 degrees outside! We should be in the pool instead. That's the way it is here. My kids have gotten used to it. Mia started 1st grade, Chase started 4th grade and Brayden is in 7th. Yep, Bray's in middle school! Mia and Chase still have to wear uniforms at their school, but Brayden is finally able to wear normal clothes again. He was pretty excited on that first day.

Mia - ready for 1st grade! She was fortunate to get in a class with most of her friends from last year. She had a great first day of school, but started getting a little sad by the end of the first week. We had to bribe her to be happy and not to cry at school I'm not sure why she was so sad and didn't want to go to school. She didn't have any problems with Kindergarten and she's old for her grade, being almost 7. She finally got over it after a couple weeks.

Chase-ready for 4th grade. Chase has had a great year so far. He has several friends from last year in his class and his teacher is in our ward. He pretty much lives for playing soccer at recess with all of his friends. He's bummed when it's over 110 degrees and they can't play outside!

Chase and Mia in front of their school.

Brayden right after the first day of 7th grade. I totally forgot to take a picture of him before school. He looks a little hot. Could it be because he just walked from the bus stop in the Arizona heat? He had a great day too. He ended up with a lot of friends in his classes and his lunch period. I know that middle school can be a yucky time, but he's been doing really well.

Shining Stars Preschool 2009

Once again the twins are going to Shining Stars Preschool with Miss Nicole and they LOVE IT! They were bummed that a few of their good friends are no longer there, but Riley is thrilled to still be with Madison and Tanner is stoked that his buddy, Damon, is in his class too. It's hard to believe the twins could start Kindergarten next year. Since they have August birthdays, I'm holding them back. I want to hang on to my little buddies a little bit longer. I'm not ready for them to grow up. Preschool is perfect! A little break, but not all day. Here are some pictures from the first day of preschool:

Tanner

Riley

Tanner and Riley with Madison at school.