There they go...

First day of School

Paige, my big beautiful girl.  Going into first grade this year with Mrs.Guenther as her teacher.  She seems incredibly nice.  Paige was EXCITED this morning.  Twice she got in the car thinking it was time to leave.  Funny.  I think she was most excited about her new clothes, shoes and haircut :)  Not that those things aren't something to get excited about...obviously they are!

And Caiden....sheesh he looks old!  3rd Grade this year with Mrs. Rosenow.  I have very good vibes about this teacher.  Last night at the school back-to-school social, she was literally the only teacher that got cheers from the crowd when introduced by the principal.  Awesome!  I think I saw a little bit more nerves in Caiden this year than usual.  Either that, or he really is just not ready for summer to end.  This kid loves his playtime :)

And so it's just me and Preston, home together all day.  I know he's gonna miss them tons.  I'm gonna have to become a better playmate I guess :)  And when he naps, I have almost 3 hours to myself! (Yeah, he's a great napper).  Just think...I might actually be able to get some stuff done - like blog posts, ha.

I can't wait to hear how their day went!

Summer 2012: Paige Conquers All

I just have to give a shout out to my Paige!  This summer she conquered so many of her fears - one after another.  They might not be fears for most kids, but for Paige (who takes after her mama) they are.

First, she completely taught herself how to ride her bike.  Casey and I tried and tried to help her, but she refused (and by refused I mean lept off her bike screaming and running from our very touch, of course).  She insisted on doing it herself, and one day...she did just that!

Second,...KNEEBOARDING!  What the?!?!  Out of the clear blue sky I tell ya, she just decided she wanted to kneeboard!  We were out on the boat while my parents and niece were visiting and Casey says "Who wants to kneeboard?"  Paige volunteered (first, might I add!).  We all kinda looked at each other...and she got out in the water and off we went.  For a LONG time too. Unbelieveable.

Next,...SWIMMING!  More specifically, head-under-the-water-no-floaty swimming!  I've been trying and trying to convince her to put her head under water for years it feels like.  Then one day at the pool...she just started doing it!  So excited was she!  Plus, while on our Seattle trip, she jumped - JUMPED - in the pool. She's even swimming (again, taught herself - Casey and I were not allowed to touch her) and has agreed, no make that she's EXCITED to take swim lessons this fall.

Love that once she decides to do something, not only does she do it, but insists on figuring it out all by herself :)

We also went to Silverwood this summer and she shocked me by going on big waterslides and even a big ferris wheel.

AND my favorite...guess who's not afraid of the ice maker and automatic flushing toilets anymore???  You guessed it - PAIGE!  I just knew this day would come :)

Such a proud mama :)

Pagosa Springs {4th of July}

We celebrated the 4th of July at my parents place in Pagosa Springs, CO once again.  And as usual lots of fun times and memories...

4th of July Day Parade

I also can't go without mentioning how amazingly talented my dad is.  Their outside deck is unbelievable!  Every stone, rock, brick, slab of wood, grain of sand - basically everything you see here - he and my mom built themselves.  (Except for that adorable baby there - that was my skills - hahaha).   And they've got physical proof of their hard work, consisting of the most serious ankle-tan you've ever seen and a suprisingly large bicep for a Grandma :)  Most impressive :)

It's always fun to watch the boys (and girl - go Maddie!) cruise on their dirt bikes. Not to mention the rides on the Ranger...  

I love the bottom 2 pictures of Paige and Jayton.  They were just chattin' it up :)

And a little river tubing action too...

Fun trips. Fun times.  More to come :)

Remember when....

Paige turned SIX...two months ago.  Her kindergarten graduation happened to fall right on her birthday as well.  So for me, it was a doubly special day.

Kindergarten Graduation consisted of both classes putting on a program - 2 songs, walking down the aisle as graduates, and receiving a graduation certificate.  Not a huge production, but for Paige who absolutely loathes being center of attention, (regardless if it's a group or solo), she's not really a fan.  Obvious?

She did not want to go at all, was actually a little stressed about it.  I finally told her that if she didn't go she wouldn't graduate.  Lies, I know, but I didn't know how else to get her there "willingly".

Anywho, back to the topic at hand.  SIX years old!  We celebrated with a party at AIM gymnastics with a bunch of her friends.  So much fun they had :)

Happy Birthday girlie!