Jane is 6

Or, turned six in September. It's been a while, but I didn't want it to go undocumented...

Here's Jane with her poster from her Kindergarten class. She LOVED this. They obviously asked her great questions because everything they wrote down was absolutely accurate!

The morning of her birthday, I don't know what she liked more: her treasure hunt with presents in obscure places, or the actual presents!

She'd been begging for a Rapunzel cake. This was the best I could do. It was fun, but stressful to decide how to do it. I ended up copying it almost exactly off of a blog I found. Someday she'll realize I am not creative... what will I do then?

Jeff took a half day and we went to the city pool, one of Jane's favorite activities. We swam for hours. It was a fun and tiring afternoon. Jane was in heaven!

The week after her birthday, our big 6 year old performed in her first violin recital with her new teacher. Jack had a small accident with some scissors while making a birthday present for Jane that didn't allow him to participate, so she was the big star of the night. She did GREAT!

We only got these two pictures, because we videoed the actual performance. Wish we could do both at once!

School days

School and I have a love/hate relationship.

I LOVE back to school shopping, the excitement of that first day. I just HATE knowing I won't have my kids with me as much as I want.

Jack, however, was all LOVE. He couldn't WAIT for 3rd grade!

This has become his typical "I'm so excited I can hardly contain it!" photo.

I LOVE the structure of the school year, yet HATE to give up my freedom of taking off somewhere whenever we want!

But, this IS a big year. Jane FINALLY gets to start school! She's been counting down the days. (I love how Alice is looking at her)

Jane is a big Kindergartener, and finally gets to play on that playground she's talked about for 2 years!

I had no idea what to expect with this unpredictable child. She gave us quick kisses and the aides let her in the door, and she was off! NOT ONE SECOND of HESITATION. I almost cried. But instead, I was overcome with gratitude and pride for my independent girl.

I still feel like taking pictures of her every day. She is such a darling little school girl. And, in the last week she's gone from preferring dresses and skirts, to refusing to wear almost anything else. Hopefully those knee-high socks will keep her warm enough in the winter!

Alice and I now have 2 hours in the afternoons. After a summer hiatus, I've started sweeping my floors again! The possibilities are endless!

Everything is better with Cousins...

... and aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents, and siblings.

(JUST found this post, and didn't realize I never published. I'm so on top of it!)

We've enjoyed family, family, and more family time this summer. This is why we love Utah. Family!

Jack and Ellie in a partici-play at the Ogden Treehouse museum...

Jason, Ellie, and Jeff (in that order) on our almost-hike to Donut falls...

Almost the whole crew...

Partially-dressed 2 year olds blowing bubbles...

Movie night...

I can't believe Jane and Mia actually slept here... (our under the stairs dress-up room)

A trip to the Copper Mine with Hawkin cousins and bonus friends...

Alice loving the carousel with Mimi, but NOT the actual horses.

Pioneer cousins trying to look authentic with a non-smiling picture. It was harder for some than others.

Of course, the true personalities come out...

They asked us to play a few numbers in preparation for the shoot-out show. It felt just like old times.

More silly pioneers.

Alice and Drew waiting for the big kids at the dentist...

Jane and Ellie enjoying Memory Grover together...

Alice and LuLu were hilarious in the tub. I love how Alice is looking at her.

Donut falls attempt #2. End of July = no snow (thank goodness). We made it this time!

1st annual Rich Family Fun Run starting line...

It was INTENSE. Ok, the Rich's aren't super competitive, so it was a nice, happy run for all.

Oh, the blessings of family and cousins!