I think September and October are so wonderful. All the warm days and cool nights. School is back in session. Routine returns. It's a wonderful, wonderful feeling. After a few days of the back to school routine, we got a day off for Labor Day. We decided to get out of town and explore the Palisades Reservoir area in Swan Valley. We loved it!
The total hike round-trip is 8 miles. We knew the kids couldn't handle that, so we just went as far as we could, stopped for a snack, and then turned around and went back to the car. We probably pushed it a little too far, Joey cried most of the hike back down. But the rest of us had smooth sailing and we can't wait to go back.
There were so many places to duck off the trail and play near the creek.
I loved seeing all my ducks in a row on the trail. Notice Joey is in front. That boy loves to hike, that is, until he doesn't anymore.
The trail was busy that day. There were signs warning us about bears. Those made Lily a little nervous. She tried to stay right next to Mommy or Daddy for most of the hike.
We loved the bridges, the shady trail, the secret places to explore. It was a perfect hike for a family with little ones. Plenty to see and do, and the trail was well maintained and fun to walk on. As the kids get older and can go further, it will be fun to make it all the way to the lake to play. I hope we'll make lots of wonderful memories at Palisades.
No trip through Swan Valley is complete without a trip to Rainey Creek store for a square ice cream cone. The kids all started licking before I could get a photo of the square ice cream.
I didn't even notice how dirty Joey's hands were until after I took this picture. Yuck. Where was his mother?
What a great way to spend Labor Day 2017. We love family days with our little troopers.
Finally...after weeks of waiting...it was Tommy's turn to start preschool. We went in the day before to meet his teacher, do a welcome scavenger hunt, and get familiar with his classroom. Tommy couldn't hold still due to his excitement.
He picked out his clothes - a new Captain America shirt and he asked if we could have lunch at McDonald's. Sure thing buddy. Tommy was so excited, he could hardly eat. Joey never has that problem.
We stopped in Mrs. Stirlings's driveway for a picture before hanging up his backpack. Tommy was happy to find his name and know that this cubby is just for him.
We've been working all summer on learning to hold pencils and crayons - and how to write letters. Tommy was proud to bring home this little paper and tell me all about his first day.
His teacher sent me this adorable photo. Oh the cuteness! Tommy is so happy to be a school like the girls. We weren't sure he would be ready, but he is doing just fine. However, he is still bummed that he doesn't get to ride a real school bus yet.
I was released from my Primary calling and will be put in as Relief Society president very soon. When I announced to the Primary kids that our presidency would be released, the kids were very sad. One family brought me this bouquet the next day with a note that said "Thank you for helping our testimonies bloom!". I love Primary and I loved being in there with my kids. It will be hard to serve somewhere else, but I hope I will learn to love Relief Society too.
Annie lost a front tooth. I am so glad we snapped a picture the night before - it's our last one with her top two teeth in. While at school, she had one fall out. She ran in to door form the bus, tooth in hand, to show me. The next one is very loose tooth. Soon she'll be missing both front teeth.
We had Uncle Brady over to celebrate his 24th birthday. I was out of regular candles so we used 2 matches and a number 4 candle. Brady didn't care about the candles, he just wanted a slice of his favorite pie. Happy birthday Brady. We hope this year will be a good one in every way.
Annie had a big week. She lost her first top tooth and learned to ride a two wheel bike! Now she needs a bigger bike. Our whole family needs bicycle upgrades - Santa? Will he got one for Mommy and Daddy too?
Having Tommy at preschool leaves just Joey and Mommy at home twice a week. Joey loves getting one on one time with Mom. We captured some of the last summer sun at the park and had a wonderful time together.
After a long summer filled with constant mess, children, and chaos. The order of September is soothing to Mommy's soul. We are thriving in our new routine and all the kids are loving school so far. Life is good.
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