Meili's Jr Year Homecoming

Here's Meili with her good friend Creedence. They are both originals. She designed a Venus Fly-Trap corsage for him. Turned out great!

Adorable Ana

Ana got to hold this little bunny during our church Harvest Fair. Such a cute picture had to be blogged.

A Ghost for Steve

 
 

I made a ghost much like the one pictured above years ago in my Laurel class, when I was about 16 years old. Mom put it out every Halloween and filled it with roasted pumpkin seeds. So yummy! Anyway, after a few years, I left home and went to college and subsequently missed a few Halloweens. After I married, mom made sure I had it for my home.

I didn't realize 'til both Katie and Stephen moved out here how much a part of their childhood holiday memories my little ghost had become. Both expressed a real sense of nostalgia when they saw me bring it out in October. Last year I figured out how to make them again and made one for Katie. This year I improved upon the design a little bit and made another for Stephen. (Katie, I promise some day I'll make you the improved version!) So cute, if I do say so myself.

Ana Scores a Soccer Goal!

We promised Ana a treat when she scored her first soccer goal this season. Tonight was the night! What a thrill!

Queen for a Day

Every child in Ana's first-grade class got a chance to be King or Queen for a Day. Ana's turn came early in the year. She got to decorate her crown, choosing from all the materials in the box. After school, as you can see, she stayed in character. Fun!

Sack Race

The cousins all ready to go. What a great night of old-fashioned fun!

In Her Element

Ana in a watermelon-eating contest! She was extremely competitive and loved every second of it. This was our end-of-summer church activity.

Lion King in SLC

To celebrate the first day of school, we shrugged off homework and left for the evening. Back in 2004, Meili, Eliah, and I saw The Lion King with my family in Sacramento (thanks again, dad!), and we've been wanting to share it with Daryl ever since. This summer the production finally came to Salt Lake and didn't disappoint. (It's my favorite.) An especially wonderful night with my great kids and husband. Ana was enchanted with the spectacle of this musical. (Actually, we all were!)

1st Grader

Ana started attending school all day this year. What an exciting time! Her teacher is Mrs. Abbott and, already, Ana adores her. Here's Ana (and Lincoln) on Meet-Your-Teacher Day.

Summer Winds Down

These pictures represent the random nature of the last few lazy days of a very busy summer.

Meili withdraws from society as she begins her summer reading requirements for AP English.

Eliah bonds with Lincoln over video games in the basement and Ana begins to complain that whenever Lincoln comes over, "all he wants to do is play with Ya."

In an effort to save money, Daryl buys this hilarious "brand." The cats flat-out refuse to eat it.

Ana loses a top tooth and gets the nickname "Snaggletooth." Nothing can take away from that grin, though.