Allens

My sister came down from Pocatello the week school started.  She and Eric were headed to education week at BYU.  I watched her easy kids one day.  We had a great time.  Ella had been given some high heels so she shared a pair with Grace.  Oh those high heels.  She wears them about every day!

We went to Hollywood Connection one night.  It was a blast.  The kids loved skating around.  I don't know how much Eric and Jenny's backs liked it but they helped the kids learn non the less.  We did get some cheater things to help the kids have something to lean on.  Abby loved the noise and excitement for sure.

Miles is such a sweet heart.  He loves little Abby J.  He went and got her a crib one time so she could go to sleep.  It just so happened the crib was  a little small. 

2nd Grade and Kindergarten

School Year 2013-2014

Silver Mesa Elementary

I was so excited for school to start.  Less crazy running around.  More routine.  

We walked to school.  Ella rode her bike.  Kindergarten didn't start until a week later.  

Darren came home from work the first day of Kindergarten.  He said he wanted to take his baby girl to school.  Ella reminded him that Abby is his new baby girl and she is a big girl.  She was so excited.  

After school we had an eye appointment.  Between Darren and I being totally blind before our lasik surgery we knew our kids would need glasses soon, but I wasn't ready for how soon.  Tyler is ok... he will probably need them by 4th grade.  But Ella wont make it so long.  She will need to be checked again in 6 months. Then checked again in a year.   The eye doctor said to plan on glasses by 1st grade.  For now, the kids loved trying on glasses.  (Ella picked ones with diamonds on the sides) They thought it was so fun.  It wont be so fun when they have to wear them every day.  And they cant get Lasik until they are 19.  It will be their graduation gift from us to them.  (since we gave them poor eye sight genes!!!)

Grand Camping Trip- Koosharem

When Family comes to town we always have lots of fun. And thanks to some family memberes... Rachel... we get lots of pictures too.  

We had fun times at my moms house, Renees house, Candaces house and at This is the Place Park. We had a wonderful Birthday Dinner for my Aunt Linda.  The kids were in heaven-- pick your own food at Sweet Tomatoes, which includes all you can eat dessert! 

Then we left for Koosharem.  My little family stayed in my Great Aunts little cabin.  Most everyone else slept outside in a tent.  We did sparklers, had wonderful meals, smores, and 4 wheelers. 

We drove to Escalante one day.  We did an incredible hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls.  It was awfully warm so the falls were very inviting.  Just under 6 miles round trip.  I had all five of my sisters there. Each of us was carrying a baby/toddler.  Our kids were amazing.   Loved the hike.  Especially the 3 miles out.. much cooler temperature than the way in. Tyler and I jumped in.  brrr... brrr... brr....  Abby loved the water.  She didn't get in but enjoyed the sound of the water and the excitement around her.

The last day we went to Fish lake.  Abby got to suck on some fruit leather which she loved.  She wouldn't let me move my hand away.  I went to Fish Lake with my Grandpa Hatch when I was a little girl.  Fishing... boating... My dad pulled out his fishing lines this trip, but with five daughters and only one son in law on the trip ... well... fishing didn't happen too much.  If I caught a fish, I might just start screaming I would be so scared for the little guy.  

I also wanted to remember this tender mercy we had.  Grace, Ella and I went out on the 4 wheeler.  We ran out of gas.  We were only a mile from home. but I was nervous to leave the girls there to go get help.  We prayed.  and with in seconds we saw the lights of another 4 wheeler coming towards us.  It was Renee's husband Ben with Jordan.  They had just been cruising around and Ben had the thought... we should go find the girls. Amy usually goes down that long road, lets go try to find them.  That was an answer to prayers.  Ben went to get gas and the girls and I said a thank you prayer to Heavenly Father.  

Wrapping up the summer

A few last highlights of our summer.  Lagoon day.  Thanks to Savage Companies.  

Tyler got to go on all the big kid rides this year.  Ella, Abby and I had a lot of fun doing littler kids rides.  Ella held Daddy's hat while he went. 

My yard makes me very happy.  Ella picks me fresh produce almost daily.  The sun was shinning on her the other day and it looked heavenly.  I love flowers and trees.  Darren always reminds me we dont live in Washington- referring to my desire to have green everywhere around me.  

Abby keeps growing.  She loves to swing.  She loves to think she is so big.  She loves Tyler and Ella so much.  She is happy to play with them all day.  When they are at school, and its just boring old mom... well.... she loves to have Tyler and Ella home. She loves food (like her mom) and devoured a green smoothie.  Saying mmmm...mmmm..mmmm... the whole time.  She loves to give kisses now too.  Nice big wet ones.

Tyler still loves piano lessons and Ella wants to be like him and plays too... 

I made Darren a wonderful breakfast the other day.  Too bad his love language isn't yummy delicious food.  I love that my kids love to cook with me.  We watched the Tour of Utah Bike race.  Very exciting.  One day we will make it to France in July... and sit on a mountain for hours waiting for bikes to zoom by... It was quite exciting really!

I also got to get out and ride with Darren.  I was pushing and breathing hard the whole time.  He enjoyed the nice slow paced recovery ride.  Cache Valley is wonderful!