Messy Faced Kelsey!

Kitchen Remodel-Part 1-Old Kitchen

Kitchen Remodel-Part II-Story

OK, here is a paragraph before you get the pictures of the new kitchen. This remodel lasted exactly three months... they literally finished today. As much as I tried to prepare myself for the madness that the remodel was, it was worse than I had anticipated. To make a long story short, there were several big mess-ups that could've been prevented... done by the people our guys contracted out to. Thank goodness for our awesome contractor, Bob. He was fabulous and kept me from going completely over the edge. We love the finished product, (especially all the storage, my huge window, my appliance garage, my big fridge, my DOUBLE oven, my gigantic counter with the bar) and we are grateful that we did the remodel. Enjoy the pictures!

Kitchen Remodel-Part III-Before/After Pictures

Kitchen Remodel-Part IV-Other Random Kitchen Pictures

Another view of bar

Tile Floor

Left at home

Jayda has really blossomed since Cole and Sadie started school. It has been good for her to be the oldest during the day. She and Kelsey are having lots of fun together. They make me laugh several times a day... and they make my heart tender as I watch them play, snuggle, dance and read on the couch. Too cute!
Playing on the stairs

Jayda dressed to start her gymnastics class

Chillin

The Girls

I got these shirts over a year ago on a great sale and totally forgot about them. Digging in the closet for something else, I just found them. Sadie wanted to get matching pants, so here they are! I couldn't help taking a few pictures. Just by looking at them, you can tell who didn't want pictures taken! :) I just love these sweetie pies!

Ward Campout

Our ward campout was last night. It promised to be a fun outing! While packing for it, I discovered that what we thought was a 6 man tent was only a 4 man tent. So, Bart took the three oldest kids for the night o' fun. Since Kelsey has been crying so much the last week or so with a fever... trying to cut 3 teeth, I was kind of grateful to keep her here. Turns out, Bart was up most of the night trying to keep the kids warm. But, they got to sing around the campfire, roast marshmallows, hike, go on a wagon ride and play with their friends, so they were happy that they went.

V.I.P. Week!!

During the month of August, we finally got around to doing V.I.P. (Very Important Person) Weeks. This is a tradition that my family did when I was growing up. The kids draw straws to get their assigned week to be the V.I.P. The V.I.P. gets to answer the questions on the poster that is hung up for the whole week. The V.I.P also gets to pick things to do during the week, ie. have a friend over, pick what we eat for a couple of meals, choose a family activity, do a "night up" (staying up late with Mom and Dad after the other kids have gone to bed), pick a treat to make with Mom, etc. The whole week is all about that child. It is so great! I remember feeling super special when it was my V.I.P. week. It was fun to watch my kids experience the same thing. Usually we do a recent picture of the children, but this year we did baby pictures.... and, next year, we need to upgrade our poster.

First Day of School!

Well, the day came at last. After counting down for the past two months, all of us were anxious for today to arrive! Both Cole and Sadie were super excited. Sadie kept saying "Mom, I know you are going to cry because your baby daughter is starting school today!" Gosh, I didn't need the reminders! As much as I was excited for school to start, sending your child to Kindergarten is difficult. I've been thinking about those two all day, wondering how their day is going. I was super strong this morning dropping them off in their individual classrooms. I almost lost it when it was time to leave Sadie... Cole grabbed her in a huge hug from the front and Jayda grabbed Sadie in a hug from behind. The three of them held each other for a few moments and it was so precious. My heart took a picture.
Cole, ready for 2nd grade!

Sadie ready for Kindergarten!

Sadie hanging her backpack in class

Cole has a locker this year

The three oldest showing off their new shoes.

Cole and Sadie off to school-darling picture!

The kiddos

Sadie

Cole