Jilly P first grader!!

First grade has begun!! Today was the first day of first grade for Jillian. She got to make her own lunch last night which she thought was pretty neat. Turkey sandwich, green apple, water bottle & cheese & crackers. Good choices Jill!!! Recognize the lunch box Aunt Kelsey?? She was very excited but got more nervous as the night went on.

This morning she had waffles for breakfast & we were off to start the day. She was pretty nervous but we got her there & found her line (which wasn't easy to do with hundreds of kids & parents on the playground). It was a mad house which made me feel a little unsure too:). She has one friend from church in her class which is nice & her teacher Mrs. Rodda is very friendly. I think she will have a great day but it will definitely be long since kindergarten was less than 3 hours. Can't wait to pick her up this afternoon!!!!

Summertime

I signed the kids up for a hula class at the library. Jillian had a great time & was a good dancer. Carter told me he tried it once cause he spun around and that was hula and he didn't like it and wasn't going to do it. And he didn't!!! He is a big turkey but very funny too. We were asking the kids about stories they learned in primary a few Sunday's ago & I said "Remember the story of Mary & Martha & who was their brother?" Carter shouted out "Harry!!!!" We all thought it was pretty funny and routinely talk about the story of Mary, Martha & Harry now. He must be Lazarus' little known brother.

While we were in California we had dinner at the beach for family home evening with Grandma & Grandpa Parke, Kelsey & Mina & her girls. It was overcast & pretty chilly but we all still had a good time. The kids did a little body boarding with Grandpa then we had dinner. Benny stayed nice & snugly. We saw a seal while we were there. It came right up on shore and was pretty cool until we realized it was unwell. It kept flopping around and lying in the sand. It actually came a good way up the shore & managed to chase away an entire group of people who fled for their lives from the crazy seal. We got to see the animal rescue man come in his pick up and catch the seal in his giant butterfly net (no joke). He then managed get it into a cage on wheels & wheel it up a ramp into the back of his truck. Catastrophe averted!

A week ago little Madelyn Jane was born. I kept Abi & Natie over night & the next day we all went over to see her. I still thought Bennett was little till we saw her. I can't believe how big he has gotten. She is adorable & little and has such a tiny, quiet cry compared to Benny's shrill scream! The girls all loved holding her.

Paige's wedding

Paige & Joe were sealed in the Newport Beach temple on July 30th. They were sealed by my Dad which was pretty special. It was wonderful to have all the aunts & uncles with them in the temple. It was a beautiful day, not too hot, which is why we were all very surprised later to see how sunburned we were. Even poor Benny!!! I know, terrible Mother, but as I said we were not outside long & it was not very hot so we didn't realize. He was a trooper & never complained about it. We all just felt terrible for him.

We had a nice morning at the temple & a fun evening at Mark & Lisa's for the reception. It was really pretty!! The kids loved the bouncy house in the back yard & the cupcakes. It is ok to have slushies & cupcakes for dinner once in a while right!!! Jilly took a little break to play a studious In & Out worker and then it was back to the bouncy house. I don't know how none of the kids threw up with the sugar/bouncing combo.

I got to go out to see Paige & Joe's little house later in the week. It is very cute & tiny. Oh, how I remember those days 10 years ago! We are so happy for them & all the kids love having Joe as an official part of the family especially when he takes them for rides on the fire truck. He has been part of the family for about the last 6+ years but now it is offically forever!!!! I hope he thought that through:). We love having you Joe!

3 months

So it was a few weeks ago but this is Benny on his 3 month birthday. He has gotten so adorable. He smiles & laughs all the time. He only fusses when he is hungry or tired and it is an easy quick fix. He loves all the kids playing with him and snuggling/eating his blankets. He is by far my easiest kid right now. He sleeps well though we are not on a set schedule yet. I am hoping that will come now that we are home from vacation and getting back to a routine.