First Day of School

Yesterday was the first day of school. Seminary doesn't start until next week so it was a busy morning with everyone trying to get ready at the same time. Kelsie seems to like her classes and teachers. Trevor had a schedule change due to basketball and wasn't able to take his computer class. Instead he was giving a woodshop class. I am very excited about all of the projects I want him to make for me. He is a little wary of woodshop since he is one of two people in the whole class that doesn't have a moustache.

Branden did not want me to accompany him to school since he is in 6th grade now. I told him it was the last time I could ever walk one of my children to school on the first day, and so he let me come. I only took a few pictures before I left, so I don't think he was too embarrassed.

Last Day of Summer

Today was the last day of summer vacation. School starts tomorrow. I hate school. I hate all of the driving and schedules and homework and projects and tired and stressed children. School really gets in the way of my life.

Since it was the last day of summer we went to the beach. We have been having SO much fun this summer going to the beach every week with friends. It has been so relaxing this year with the kids being older. When we go to the beach Trevor and Branden (Kelsie's usually at work) take off to the water with boogie boards, skim boards, or just themselves, and I only see them when they are hungry or thirsty. Thank goodness there are lifeguards, because I just sit there and talk to my friends while eating and basking in the sun. What a great life! But it's over. I have to get back to real life and set my alarm to get kids to school tomorrow. I can't wait until next summer.

A Day of Firsts

Yesterday was one of those days when each of the kids have something "big" happening.  Kelsie started her first job.  Her first real job where she actually gets a paycheck.  She has a part-time job working as a camp counselor for the summer for a Lutheran church in town.  She liked that the kids call her "Miss Kelsie," but does not like the fact that she needs to wear a polo shirt.  She, apparently, does not "do" polo shirts. The good news was the polo shirts have not come in yet so she didn't have to wear one.  As soon as they're in, I'll post a picture of her in her shirt.

Trevor had his first high school basketball game.  He had a lot of fun and played a great game, scoring 10 points.  He had a four hour basketball camp in the morning and then went to his game in the un-air-conditioned gym when it was 108 outside.  Needless to say, he was hot, tired and hungry when he came home.  I have never seen him eat so much in a three hour period.  It was actually rather scary.

And Branden got braces.

Last Days of School

Trevor successfully was "promoted" from 8th grade on Thursday and is now a high school freshman.   On  Saturday he had basketball tryouts, and on Thursday he has volleyball tryouts.  Nothing like giving  these poor kids (or moms) a summer vacation. 

Branden finished 5th grade on Friday, but he gets to stay at his elementary school next year and be the "big man on campus" (literally) as a 6th grader.  He had the option of going to middle school for 6th grade, but wanted to stay with friends, be in junior olympics, and run for president.

 

On Friday and Saturday we had an amazing stake youth conference that Kelsie and Trevor participated in.  It was so much fun for me to be there and see all the great youth in our stake, but I am still recovering from it.

 Today was the first day of summer vacation.  My favorite part so far was staying in bed while Chris got up to go to work.  That may sound really mean, but he rarely gets up before me during the school year, and it was so nice to stay in bed...until I had to drive Trevor to basketball, go grocery shopping and start some laundry. 

Pancakes

Branden LOVES pancakes.  He loves to eat pancakes and he loves to make pancakes.  I often find him making a batch of pancakes and eating the whole batch himself.  On Sunday he made pancakes, and I was very impressed with the presentation of this batch of pancakes.  Look out Wolfgang Puck!   

Garage Band

Over the weekend we went to San Diego.   Trevor and Branden's favorite things to do when we visit San Diego is play with their cousins.  Last time we visited, Trevor and Branden and Nate spent hours in Scott's garage.  Trevor and Nate played guitar and they gave Branden some buckets which he turned upside down to use as drums with lead pipes as drumsticks.   This time, Nate borrowed some real drums for Branden to use.  They had a lot of fun and created their own song.  Nate, we think you should buy the drums.