Getting out of town!

We finally had the opportunity to "get out of town" and join our friends at their cabin.  So complicated to get ours and their schedules aligned just right.  But it was well worth the wait to spend great quality time with them.  I enjoyed having dinner, playing games, and of course making a fire with smores.  Our friend just also happens to be a photographer and we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to take some "fall pics".  And I am sure that everyone knows that getting your pictures taken is a big production for a family of 6.  So much effort goes into getting everyone all dolled up.  So you can imagine the frustration when we are in prestine surroundings with cranky uncooperative children.  Aaron did manage to get some anyways....thanks for being such a trooper. As one photographer to another I realize we weren't easy to shoot!  So glad that you love us anyway!  

Playing Princess

For the past two years David has avoided the Air Force Ball by not letting me know about it till it was too late.  But this year I was on top of things and after much begging and using our kids inappropriately by saying "daddy doesn't want to take me to the ball", he finally agreed to go!  I made it easy for him too....I borrowed a fabulous dress, only spent $8.67 on my shoes, did my own toes and hair and make-up, and scheduled the babysitter who doubled as our photographer beforehand.  Of course, he had a last minute patient and had to cruise home 15 minutes before we were supposed to leave and put on all his crazy "gear".  Then I dragged him into a wheat field thinking it would be cool to have some pics in our glam wear in the Montana surroundings. First of all, like most guys he doesn't exactly enjoy pictures, then add 90 degree heat.....and lots and lots of dust and you can imagine the impatience.  However, David stuck with it....and we managed to get cleaned up and on time for ball.  Once we got their I was shocked at how well David worked the room.  So weird to not be the one knowing everyone.  I think it has a lot to do with the amount or respect his co-workers and bosses have for him.  Several people I talked to told me how much they appreciate David as their doctor.  After the toasts, and dinner, and pomp and circumstance was over....the dance began.  I can't say the DJ was the best I had ever heard.  But they did play several songs that we managed to get on the dance floor for.  The funniest thing of all is that I think David actually enjoyed dancing even more than I did.  He has definitely got some sweet dance moves.....that came out on the floor.  We had such a great night.....and afterward David had to admit that I was right in saying that we would enjoy it.

P.S. When I was rereading my post I noticed David had changed my wording when he was helping upload the pictures from "pent up dance frustration......too sweet dance moves.  When I told him I had discovered his little move he started laughing hysterically.  Just had to add that in for the record.

Lots of Biggies!

We've had lots of "biggie's" lately. And although I am a little behind in posting I couldn't resist sharing about Micah's big first day at Pre-school. He was so excited before he went to school he could hardly wait. You could tell that he was just so happy that it was finally his turn to go to school. I already can tell that he is doing really well and thriving.  He loves coming home and telling me all about what he learned about and did that day. And I have to say I am absolutely enjoying running my errands with only one child in tow. It has been so long since I have only had one to tend to while trying to accomplish the days tasks. I do miss my kids for sure. However, I know that being at school is growing them in such a significant way as well as really makes me appreciate who they are!

Finally made it tent camping in Montana!

We've been here over 2 years now and yet have not been able to find the time to go tent Camping. Might have a little to do with the fact that David was gone the first Summer...Spring....and last Summer. But this past weekend we finally got to Christen our tent. We went with 4 other couples only 45 minutes away. Our friends suggested a great little spot in one of the National Forests. So yes, this meant it wasn't a real campsite. So we hauled our own water....and toilet paper! The kids loved the playing in the creek....then rolling in the dirt and playing in the creek again. And we had lots of kids....13 altogether! In the morning our kids as well as myself had our first experience shooting a gun....just a little 22! But impressive that even Nathan got a turn (with close and safe adult supervision). Then in the afternoon we went on a little hike with our friends to see some waterfalls. The kids loved climbing all over the rocks....and just being outside. It was a great weekend and lots of work for sure....but well worth it!

Big First Day!

The time has come for another one of my kiddos to venture off to Kindergarten.  I thought I would never feel like those moms who were counting down the days until school started.  However, I have to admit that this past week I have been secretly waiting for this day.  I just believe my kids, Elijah especially, do so much better with routine and structure....something severely lacking in the Summer.  So, today was the day.  It started off great for me....I got up at 6:15 no problem. Which is really a miracle if you know me.  Got to shower and pray for my kids and see daddy a little bit.  Grace got up by herself and came upstairs dressed and armed herself with her backpack.  She was so excited she was ready a half and hour early.  And then Elijah woke up.  I thought he would be cheery and excited, but it was quite the contrary.  I am not sure if it was just that he was tired, anxious, hungry or a combination of those things but he was sooooooo grumpy.  Not exactly, how I imagined the morning before his first day of school. But what can you say he is Elijah!  He finally got into a better mood once I dropped Grace off and he was in line with his class.  I think he just wanted to get on with it.....and didn't want to mess with the before hand stuff.  After hugging and kissing him and telling him all the words of encouragement I could he happily walked in the school.....I got a little teary eyed.  Not quite the full blown tears I had when Gracie went.  And now I wait......wait to see how it went.  Did he behave?  Did he show them how brilliant he is?  Did he make friends?  Only 2:45 will tell.

The Best Investment Ever!

For awhile we were debating whether or not to get a swingset for our kids.  Not knowing if it was really worth it!  The debate is finally over and we broke down and had one shipped from Walmart online.  It took David and our neighbor (who is amazing and always volunteers to help out on our projects) 3 evenings to get it together.  This is one of the best purchases we have made.  The kids love it and are outside everyday playing on it. And we got it in a timely fashion as I was helping watch Gracie's BFF and little brother this past week. Gotta love that it has 2 swings and a glider for 2....so great to have a spot for all to swing at the same time!

My new photohosting site

I have been a busy girl this week! I shot Gracie's first grade teacher's family pictures. I absolutely love her.....she is such a great teacher...it was my little end of year gift to her. And I know have a sweet way of getting her pics to her. I really can't take credit for finding the hosting site. David "my techy" found this great photo sharing site to make it easier for me to give people their pictures.....and it uses MPIX which is an online printing service that is super cheap......and super professional. Then David proceeded to show me that I can put these cool slideshow on my blog or facebook! Lots more slideshows to come for sure!