Hair cuts

We love to see Sierra, and we love to have her cut our hair. This trip she cut both the girls hair, Ashtons hair and dyed and cut mine. She does such a great job. Thanks Sierra!

Mazzi loved her getting her hair cut. She was all smiles the whole time.

Cousins!

After 7 1/2 years of my kids being the only grandkids on my side.... they now have TWO cousins! Can you tell I am a little excited? I couldn't wait for my brother and sister to start their families. My brother and his wife had this cute little peanut, Brody. Who looks just like my brother did as a baby. He was five weeks early and a mere five pounds. He is now eight weeks old and eight pounds. (I think) He is the sweetest, snuggliest, sleepiest little guy. I got to cuddle him a little, but he was passed around between the whole family, so I didn't really get enough of him.

And I was excited to get to see Macie again, my sister and her hubbys baby. I hadn't seen her since she was a newborn, in May. She is now a cute, chunky baby. She feels so familiar to me and looks like she could be one of ours. Tera and Ashton had her skin tone and the blue eyes and chubby cheeks and thighs. I love this cute little intense baby. Her smiles are contagious.

I LOVE being an Aunt to these babies and love my kids having some young cousins!

First Day of School

First Day of School-

Ashton- 2nd Grade, Mrs. Dudka

Tera- 1st Grade, Mrs. Kelley

The kids are back in school, both at the same school, and both full day. Which simplifies my life immensely. They are attending Rice Canyon, the school up the road from our house. Ashton was very nervous to begin at a new school, and even cried several days before because he didn't know any kids there and didn't have any friends. It was heart breaking for me to see him so nervous.

The day school started we prayed so hard that he would make a friend. In his fathers blessing before school started he was blessed to make a friend on the first day of school. So I was so grateful when I went to visit Asthon at lunch to find him sitting by his new friend, Braiden, who seemed like a really nice kid. Yet another example of prayers being answered in my life. So grateful to know Heaveanly Father is watching over us and cares about us.

We were also blessed that both of the kids have amazing teachers. I heard from everyone I talked to that they are some of the absolute best. As a parent all you wish for is that your children will have a teacher who can appreciate them and love them and I feel both these teachers truly do care about my children.

The kids were very excited to pick out sketchers for school. It was their one back to school wish.

Mazzi was feeling left out of the picture taking, so I had to snap a shot of her.

Backyard summer

This summer we decided the best way to handle the heat was to get a pool. The kids have spent so many hours in the pool and Matt and I have enjoyed a dip here and there. I love that whenever I am hot I can go outside and jump in the pool. It was a great purchase.

The queen of pouting

Mazzi has the poutiest lips I've ever seen. She is not one to hide her emotions. If she is grumpy... you will know it. She can often be found with this face....

Fortunately she also has one of the sweetest smiles, which we also get to see often.

Dress Up

I love seeing these two girls dressing up together. This day the girls even did each others makeup.

Drive in Movie

For a Primary Activity we did a drive in movie in the cultural hall. The children brought their own decorated cardboard box cars. It was adorable seeing them in their cardboard box cars and getting their candy, drinks and popcorn with their tickets. However, the excitement quickly wore off and left us with many wandering children whom we had to try to contain. There's rarely a dull moment in Primary!

Lake Gregory

We went to Lake Gregory with our friends the McDowell's and Nelsons a few weeks ago. I had never heard of it and was surprised to learn that it was only an hour away form Lake Elsinore. It was nice to drive for such a short while and arrive at this cute little lake surrounded by pine trees. The kids had so much fun playing in the sand and water with their buddies, going down the water slide and riding in the kayak. We had a perfect day and I am excited to go back on a day when Matt can join us.

Kidisms...

Just wanted to jot down a few silly things the kids have said recently before I forget them.

While driving to Redding Ashton said, "Come on Mom! You're being passed by a mini van!"

Tera asked if anyone could blow a bubble with bubble gum so big that it lifted them up into the air. I told her no one could because the bubble would need to be be blown out of helium. Then she said "I know someone who could." I asked her who, and she said "I will give you a hint. His name starts with a J, he lives in Heaven, and he is very, very old."

When the cars were merging from two lanes to one lane Ashton said, "Oh no! Tell me were not gathering together!"

Beach Camping

We have enjoyed this tradition of beach camping with friends during the summer. I think it is the activity my kids look forward to most during the summer. We made some wonderful memories this year...

The girls before we went out to play in the water

Mazzi loved this game! It was so cute seeing the big smile on her face.

And her other favorite activity was riding on the bike. So glad the Grays bring their bikes each year so we can use them.

Future American Idol

Mazzi is constantly singing and preforming for us. She has loved singing since she was a newborn singing herself to sleep. Now she loves to sing all the time, especially when we are in the car. She can sing any tune of any song we play, her favorite being, Rolling in the Deep. She sings "ba ba bire." (There's a fire) It cracks us up.

Anytime she goes and grabs her guitar we know we are in for a performance. I love how she belts it out!