First day of school...oh, my heart!

Ruth went to first grade this year. Need I say anymore?

That little face steels my heart!

Hanging up her backpack

Standing at her classroom door.

Ruth goes to the same school that I went to when I was young. When we got there I realized that she is in the exact same classroom I was for second grade. That seemed to ease her nerves a bit. She had been saying all summer that she wasn't too excited for first grade. If you know her at all that doesn't sound like her. I thought it was coming from my protesting of her going. I kept telling her I wasn't so sure about this whole growing up business. When we got to school and she looked into the classroom to see familiar faces, she was cured! I realized in that moment she was nervous that she wouldn't know anyone. Well, problem solved. At least, for her, anyway. I still look at my clock every 20 minutes after 1:00 wondering if it is time to go get her. I am glad she is liking it. I will adjust.

Go get'em Ruth!

The most fun we have all year!

BEAR LAKE!

We just got back from a week in Bear Lake with The Reese's. We have been going every year since I was young and now that we have kids it is even more fun! We do a lot of eating, beaching, gaming, sewing, and of coarse laughing! I love to be with my family and my parents are so great to do this for us each year. What a great memory for my kids to have with their Nana and Bumps, and aunts, uncles and cousins! Every year Spencer goes to ALOT of work to bring up the boat for us "non-boaters." It is a lot of work for him. This year I think it payed off! We used it a ton and the kids surfed and skied! What a fun year! Thanks everyone for the great week! I came home with over 600 pictures! Here are just a few:

The first day at the beach

George

Zach and Ruth

This week we were given the great news that this Lady is expecting in March! I can't wait! I hope its a girl! Love ya, Shawnie!

We played Reese's against in-laws in volleyball. As you can expect it got pretty competitive, but the Reese's took the '09 title! Sorry Col, and Spencer! (This is a picture of me gloating while Colin serves!)

There isn't much to say about this picture! Where did he come from? He is soooo much fun!

Sorry Ash, since you couldn't ski this is the ONLY picture I got of you!

Lou-Lou, and Jack-o

Mean face

Surfing with uncle Spencer

Ruby and Nana

Zach and Shawn

Jack did not like this!

Bumps and Jack-o

Ruth was amazing

This is the only picture you will see of me in a suit and it is really bad!

Dane wore a speedo! Seriously!?!?!

Birthday Party

We had a great birthday party! The weather was a little scary, but after some heartfelt praying (by Ruth). The clouds parted and the wild rumpus began! We had a blow up slide and about a million kids! What a fun thing to celebrate the birthday of two great kids together! It is a great way to end the summer and start a new school year. Thanks to all our great friends that make this so much fun each year!

Birthday kids

Lots of friends

even my friends were there! So great!

Cousins

Babysitters

Barbie Birthday Cake

Boba Fett Birthday Cake

Slide

Fun

Bubble gum eating contest! Tate is just like his daddy!:)

Ellie's gum after the contest

Food, and friends

Girls

...and presents!

too many presents!

I love you Ruth and Hank! I am so grateful to be your mommy. Thanks for lighting up my life!

Birth "DAY"

We are celebrating their birthdays on Saturday with the party. So, on their actual birthday I made them the breakfast of their choice, and put some sparklers in it. Where does the time go?

7 years old!

5 years old!

Grandma gave Hank preying Mantis goggles.

Bumps and Nana gave Hank a Bug digging kit.

He took it so seriously with his glasses and magnifying glass.

So cute!