Back To School

Laurel and Lindsay went back to school on Monday. Laurel is in the second grade and Lindsay is in the first grade. They are such great daughters. I can't believe how much I miss having them around. I am looking forward to doing lots of learning with them this year.

California Dreamin'

Jonathan in line for Toy Story Mania ride. He loved looking at everything.

It was pretty hot that day at California Adventure. We took the kids over to Bug's Land where they had a place to get wet. They were totally soaked, but happy and much cooler. They even enjoyed soaking their mom with help from Uncle Brandon. It was sooo much fun!

We lucked out and got the kids in line fast enough to get a picture with Minnie Mouse. Some adults are shameless in their attempts to take a picture with a character and cut, push, and shove their way in front of small children!

We had to get a picture of the kids with WALL-E. They love this movie. This wasn't too long after getting soaked and they are already getting pretty dry. It was fun to watch the kids enjoy California Adventure. They are getting older and can ride more rides and do more things. Michael said he didn't go to Disneyland for the first time until he was 13. My kids are definitely spoiled! This was a great memory for them. I hope the pictures will always remind them of the people who love them and spent so much time making such a wonderful trip possible for them.

Fun at Grams and Grampa's House

Well we just got back from an amazing trip to California last night. We traveled down for one more week of fun, sun, and swimming before the kids start school tomorrow. The kids swam like crazy while we were there. They loved every minute of being in the water.

Laurel loved diving for the sinking torpedos at the bottom of the pool. Lindsay improved her swimming skills and was even getting her arm strokes up out of the water with her head down. Evan had a blast jumping into the pool, sliding down the slide, and laughing when people couldn't stay on the rafts. Jonathan was terrified at the beginning of the week, but by the end of the week he could swim around the pool with his life jacket on all by himself. The kids are so blessed to have so many wonderful people to love them. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Auntie Lindsay, Aunt Chelsea, Uncle Brandon, and Uncle Ryan for everything they do for us. You are the best!

Clogging Performance

The girls had a clogging performance on Saturday August 9th. They did a really great job.

This is a video of the kids doing the Cha Cha slide, it is a dance they do at the end of their classes for fun!

Happy Birthday Lil' Lindsay

My lil' Lindsay turned 6 yesterday. It is hard to believe how fast she has grown from a tiny baby to such a sweet, kind little girl who loves to help, share, and care for others. She had a really fun day with donuts for breakfast, opening presents, and then a Barbie Island Princess party with about 8 girls. She was even nice enough to invite her little brothers. Aunt Catherine and Grams were so helpful getting the party set up as well as the details during the party. Lindsay played hard and had a great day. Lots of family called her to wish her a Happy Birthday and she received many beautiful and fun gifts. Thanks to all of you for helping to make her birthday so wonderful.

New Job

As most of you already know, I am a medical transcriptionist. Recently, I switched to a different transcription company. This of course meant lots of new procedures, programs, etc. It has been a challenge. I have only actually been transcribing for them for a little over a week. I love medical transcription. The chance to learn so many new things each day is wonderful, but...the amount of detail sometimes is frustrating and difficult to keep up with. I know I need to be patient with myself but I want to be able to do it perfectly right now. Sometimes I just don't seem to be patient enough. Most likely some of my impatience comes from my limited time. I am attempting to do a lot right now and just don't have time to struggle, right? Well it is definitely another learning opportunity, especially learning how to take deep breaths and just relax because it will all work out!

Photo journal of Jamestown and Yorktown

I didn't get a chance to upload all of our pictures until tonight and I wanted to share a few of my favorites from our trips to Jamestown and Yorktown. This was a great trip for all of us. It was hot but the kids seemed to really enjoy the history, especially the hands on parts and demonstrations.

On the ship Discovery that came to Jamestown with the first settlers.
Evan and Jonathan pose in a tobacco field just outside the Jamestown fort.

Lindsay in the General's tent at Yorktown. This was luxury compared to the soldiers' tents.

The kids pose with a minuteman who shot his musket for the kids.

Laurel got to help out with the firing of the cannon. She said she was afraid of the sound and didn't want to watch, but then she volunteered!

I put this picture in because while in the fort of Jamestown we happened upon another member of the church visiting the site. Maybe we just stick out as an LDS family, but I think that's a good thing! It is also a good shot of the inner fort area.