First Day of School

Well, since tomorrow is the last day of August, I thought I had better get these pics on our family blog today!  I have really let this blog lapse over the summer and I am having to play "catch-up."  But I couldn't let August come and go without talking about the kids going back to school.

 Here are my TWO High School Kids!  How did THAT happen?

 As I hugged them, I began to get emotional - thinking of these two little "souvenirs" from Dental School.  They were only 4 and 6 years old when we moved here.  Then, I blinked and they are 14 and 16!  Kohler is a Junior this year and Kelsey is a Freshman.

 I couldn't take my eyes off of them as I dropped them off at school.  I was so happy for Kelsey, having an older brother to protect her, show her around, and BE there for her.  That is something I always wanted as a kid.

 I really hope they will grow even closer together this school year.  One of the coolest things is that ALL four of our kids are going to school on the same street.  Campo Verde High School is just down the street from Quartz Hill Elementary School.  For some reason, I really feel comfort knowing they are all there on the same street!

 Then, here are the little ones (who aren't so little anymore!)  Spencer is in 5th grade and Hailey is in 1st grade.  Hailey is wearing the shirt we bought her in Paris (even though it's the British flag!).  

 Hailey lost her first tooth when Tom and I were in Europe and boy, was she SUPER excited!  She has waited forever to have one of her teeth fall out.  (I guess she is a bit of a late bloomer---but I love it since she is my baby--and I want every bit of "baby" to last as long as it can!)

 Of course Rider wanted to go on a walk to the bus stop.  He doesn't get walked very much since the weather has been killer hot!

He was so excited---I thought he was going to break the leash!!  I am so glad that Spencer and Hailey have each other . . . at least for the next two years until Spencer goes to Jr. High.  When that day comes, I will need therapy because thinking of my little blondie in Jr. High just freaks me out.  I'm glad I have two years to let that one sink in!

More Fun Pics from Tahoe

 Grandpa's Boat . . . . the best place to be!

 Oh yeah - grilling up some burgers after a day on the lake!

 Here's Kohler, looking great out on the wakeboard!

Check this out - Kohler was trying to catch flying marshmallows in his mouth and we caught one, mid-air, on it's way to his mouth!  ha ha!

 McKenna, Kelsey, and Keaton soaking up the Tahoe sun!

 Everyone loved holding little Noel, especially Hailey!

 I don't know why, but the boys seems to want to wrestle more when they are on vacation--especially the younger boys---they egg Kohler on and he loves it!  

 This is the official best candy ever in Lake Tahoe - WHITE (not pink) grapefruit slices from Snooks :)

Well, the kids like the bubble gum but I like the grapefruit candy!

Best cousin buddies, Olivia and Hailey!

Ahh . . . Days in Lake Tahoe . . .

Exactly 24 hours after we got home from the trek, our family was at Sky Harbor Airport ready to board our flight to Reno!!

Of course, Hailey had to bring her little lamb that Colleen gave her!

 Then, our flight was delayed a few hours.  It was ok - we just walked around the shops and ate way too much at Paradise Bakery!  We brought Keaton this year!  He is Kohler's "other brother" - they have been friends for almost 8 years now.  We are super glad he could come hang out in Lake Tahoe with us!

 When we got there, the best sight to see was baby Noel!

 Is she a little doll or what?  I LOVED LOVED LOVED holding her!

 My nephew, Tate, really took to Keaton.  In fact, he was glued to his side most of the time . . . well, him and Grandpa's boat!  ha ha~!

Grandpa took them on a WILD tubing ride at Boca Reservoir!

 Keat was a really good boat driver!  He said he had a lot of practice driving his grandpa's boat in Idaho.  Nice----------

Yes, those are Kelsey's glasses . . .

 Kohler pretty much ROCKS on the knee board!

Here's me on the wakeboard - tearing it up a bit!  ha ha!  Hey - I'm a 42 year old mom getting out there on the waves!  It was awesome fun--right up until we accidentally drove over the ski rope and spent over an hour in the really cold water trying to untie the knots from the propeller!  Finally, another boat came by and offered us a really tiny pocket knife, but it was better than nothing and that helped A LOT!  Kohler, Keaton, and I were in that 65 degree water shivering ---but it finally was cut loose.  The metal handle bar was completely bent and wrapped around the prop!  Crazy!!!

(more Tahoe fun to come!!)

Happy Birthday to my 1st Baby

I truly mean it when I say that I cannot believe my 1st baby is turning 17 years old today.  High School and talk of a mission and college were "those faraway/someday" days . . . and those days are NOW for me.  

Kohler has been such a joy to raise.  Has it been easy?  Uh, no . . . but I think raising any child with their specific needs and concerns isn't easy.  It's always more work to help them reach their potential and teach them correct principles that will last a lifetime.   

Has it been fulfilling?  Oh yes! 

I wouldn't trade ONE day with my precious son.  He has taught me how to be a better mother - more patient, more understanding, more trusting---and I have LOVED every step along the way with him.

Kohler is a GOOD KID through and through.  He truly is. Has he been perfect?  No - none of us are. But he has always had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and honors his priesthood duties completely.  He loves and respects his father immensely (for which I am totally grateful!) and is so eager to learn from him.  He has such a kind heart and is one of the most sincere teenage boys I have ever met.  He loves his family, his grandparents and cousins----family comes FIRST for Kohler and I love him for that.  He is a friend to many and has so much love to give to others.

 There's that smile that melts my heart (and a few girls' hearts too!)

 I will forever be grateful that Kohler was sent to our home.  I mean, what would the world do without those muscles???  ha ha!

Happy 17th Birthday to you, Kohler.  "How wonderful life is, while YOU'RE in the world!"  (thanks Elton John for that great lyric!)