7 Weeks Old & 2nd Week of School

Well, Ty is seven weeks old now, so I thought I'd take some pictures of him. He's growing up way too fast. I just wish that he'd smile at me. He smiled today after I fed him, but then cried one second later, so I don't think it counts as a smile.

Kate finished up her second week of kindergarten today. This week they started going all day (from 8:15 to 3:15). It's been an adjustment, but I think she likes it. The highlight of this week is that she got to take her lunch (they don't have hot lunch here) and she got to buy chocolate milk with a milk ticket.

On Monday Kate wanted me to take her picture before she went to school.

And, of course Jack has to have a picture taken too (go cougars!)

I'm still adjusting to having three kids and Kate in kindergarten. There is so much to remember. Maybe next week I'll remember to have Kate wear her running shoes on Thursdays when she has PE.

The Cutest Blog on the Block

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I Love to See the Temple

We made a trip to the temple the other day. The kids hadn't seen the temple before, since they usually go to my aunt Karen's house while we go. They were so excited to finally see it.

The sun was shining in the kids eyes which is why they aren't looking at the camera.

The kids really wanted to touch the temple. In July the kids in our ward got to go on a little temple tour and touch the outside of the temple, but we didn't go since Ty was a week old). But the kids remembered hearing their friends talk about touching the temple.

Kate's First Day of Kindergarten

Today was Kate's 1st day of kindergarten. She goes until noon all week and then next week starts going all day. Kate was super excited. I was excited too, but a little nervous about Kate going out into the big world all by herself. She did great though -- no tears from either of us (just lots from Jack after school -- I think he felt a little left out).

Waiting outside her classroom

Waiting inside her classroom

Jack really wanted to play with the trucks.

The kids learned a song and then sang it before the parents left.

Kate and her teacher, Mrs. Hopkins after school

Hiking & Random Pictures

Yesterday we went on a hike in the mountains near our house. Our friends, the Nye's came with us too. It was a fun hike -- great for kids -- you get to cross a little stream six times on bridges. We went on the hike when Kate was 2 and I carried Jack in the Baby Bjorn. Here are lots of pics of the hike and some random pictures from yesterday and today.

Jack & Craig leading the way, w/Annika & Kate close behind

Jack & Craig waiting for everyone else to catch up.

Ty came too (nice of Dave to take only one picture, so I can't pick a better one)

Amy & Jack (aren't they cute?)

All the kids started playing in the creek. They all (except Jack & Craig) ended up wet and in their underwear after a while. They loved it.

"Jack stop running on the bridge!"

The kids were laying on the floor under the swing, so I snapped a picture.

Ty -- he's five weeks old now!

We got two free flowers at Smith's yesterday. Kate disappeared when we got home and then she came running to show me what she did with the flowers. Cute and creative! She was a little disappointed today when her flower was wilting a bit.

It was my b-day yesterday (I'm 12 now according to the candles). The kids helped make my cake. I thought they did a pretty good job with the whipped cream and candy bar sprinkles.

And another picture of Kate holding Ty today in their Sunday clothes. Kate is great at holding him. She held him for 15-20 minutes while I cleaned up the kitchen.

Grandma Helper

My mom came and stayed with us the week after Ty was born. Thanks for coming, Mom and thanks for all your help! My dad, Steven and Emmalee drove down on the 24th and stayed for a few days. Somehow I didn't take any pictures, oops! We went to Bandelier and went hiking, then went to the pool later. Thanks everyone for coming to visit!

Ty 2 Weeks Old

Kate and Ty

Kate loves to hold Ty and always wants me to take their picture. She's a great helper.

July 17 -- Ty 8 days old

July 22 - 13 days old

Bandelier w/Geoff & Annelisa

Geoff & Annelisa came and stayed with us for a few days. It was fun to have them visit -- it's been a long time since they've been to our house. One day Dave took Kate and Jack and went with Geoff & Annelisa to Bandelier. Dave & Geoff took the kids on a side hike that goes up really steep ladders up a rock face. They each went behind a kid and helped them on the ladders.

Jack is pouting in this picture because Dave told him to wait. He had no fear on the ladders and Dave kept having to tell him to slow down.

Craft Time

Okay, so I have some catching up to do posting pictures. Not really sure how to organize it, so I guess I'll work backwards from when Ty was born.

The kids, Marianne and I did a craft from the Family Fun magazine one afternoon in the backyard. It involved shaving cream, food coloring and paper.

First we spread shaving cream on a cookie sheet. The kids loved "smoothing" it.

Then we sprinkled food coloring on it and swirled it around with toothpicks and popsicle sticks.

Then Jack started swirling it with his hands.

Kate was a much cleaner swirler.

After the kids finished swirling then they laid paper on top of their design and it transferred onto their paper. I was going to take pictures of the finished product, but didn't. They kids had fun, but we had to throw the papers away because the food coloring got everywhere.