A (late) Summer Recap

School started about a month ago, but we are still reminiscing about our great summer. Can't quite let go of those warm, care-free days. (sigh) But being on a schedule again has been good. Our kids are LOVING school and it's always great to see your kids learn and grow. Ben and I are adjusting to being alone every afternoon. It's actually been a good thing. He's becoming my little buddy.

Anyways....here's the first day of school photos:

Gracie

Sophie











Ben wanted in on the action too.


After seeing how sad Ben was not to start school, I gathered up a few of his best friends and their moms and created his once-a-week 'ABC school'. He talks about it non stop. It's pretty cute.






Kian, Luke, Jack, and Ben on their first day of ABC school. Aren't they the cutest?


Back to summer...here's a quick recap of some of our highlights (cue the really fast banjo music):




County fair fun with our buddies









Bubbles and giant slip and slides all summer long thanks to our next door neighbors. They put on a 'mud run' this summer and, lucky for us, they practiced out their obstacles on us all summer long.

Once again, we tried out our luck as a fishing family. And once again, it didn't work out so well in the fish department. But we did have fun hanging out. I guess that's what fishing is all about.

Sophie spent most of the time taking good care of the worms. I don't understand how my kids can be so fearless when it comes to holding creepy crawly things. It totally grosses me out!

This pioneer day Jake was inspired to write all our pioneer ancestors down on a banner for our ward pioneer day parade. It actually turned about out be pretty awesome. All the names listed are direct ancestors who crossed the plains. We learned some neat stories about our heritage and hope to get it out again every pioneer day. We feel lucky to have such an amazing heritage!

We also had our traditional family pioneer day hike. This year we went up green canyon and saw the quarry they used to build the temple.

Crossing the river on our pioneer day hike

This summer was also Jake's summer of scout trips (which he loved). He spent a good portion of May, June, and July in a tent. Here here he is with some of his priests on a big huge bike trip.

As just when he thought his tent days were over, Jake got to pack us all up for the ward camp out. It was great, and everyone slept well. (so I hear-I cheated and went home late that night....not a camper) Here's Ben showing his enthusiasm for camping!

Gracie and Sophie showing off their strength at the ward camp out.

For the 2nd year we attended the USU volleyball clinic. These players were so cute with my girls. They loved it!

(is the banjo music still going?)

Finally, here's a view of where we've spent HOURS this past summer. We were lucky enough to be invited to help take care of a community garden with a several other families in our ward this year. We initially said yes because we wanted our kids to learn how to work and see the fruits of their labors. It was great. Even though we spend hours down here, we loved spending time together and with friends and even learned a few gardening skills along the way. I even had my attempt at canning this year! I tried out green beans, spaghetti sauce, salsa, and corn. Lots of work. Not sure if I've decided if it's worth it or not, but at least I learned how, right?

We'll miss you summer of 2011! (sniff)