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!

Pioneer children

We continued volunteering at This Is The Place this summer.

We rarely get pictures while we are in the village because we try to keep any technology tucked away. It was nice to have family visit and shoot some photos for us.

Grandma and Grandpa Ottley with us at the Charles C. Rich home. Love you, Grandma and Grandpa.

During our Rich reunion, we made the entire family dress up and come with us.

Alice eating snack outside the house.

This day, I took the children to the school house. While the others were practicing the Deseret Alphabet with chalk and tablets, Alice found this doll and played "mommy" for a while.

The amount of pictures of each of my children tells a story. Alice is always in my arms or by my side, so almost all the pictures are of her. Jane wanders around the yard and house helping with chores, watering the plants, and playing with cousins. She keeps busy! Jack is hardly ever around. He is either coming or going, always planning the next adventure to the Indian village, train park, or the General Store. There's been something for everyone this summer, and we've loved our time there once again.