1st Day of School

 Take #1

 Take #2

Sarah was pretty excited for school to start.  Only nervous because she had heard her teacher was mean.  But after meeting her yesterday, Sarah thinks she'll be fun. She also wanted to pick out her first outfit and have curlers in her hair last night before going to bed. Yep, she's pretty darn cute!

I was incredibly nervous for Breanna, entering Kindergarten and her first year of all day school.  She's our more shy and reserved child, and most definitely a Momma's girl.  Two nights ago she cried in bed realizing that she will miss me during the day.  After a bit of reassurance, she went to sleep.  

Yesterday Breanna was complaining of a stomachache all day.  She was very nervous to meet her teacher, see her classroom, and begin Kindergarten.  I wanted to kiss her, hug her, and reassure her that Mommy will be right there for her.  You don't really have to do this for Sarah because she loves everything about people and new experiences.  Because Breanna is more reserved, I tend to want to shield her, protect her and reassure her that everything will be okay.   This is usually all of the emotions that are going on inside me, but what really happens is that I tell Breanna she will have so much fun and that I'm sure they will do a craft or coloring of some sort.  She loves that stuff.  Last night Bruce gave the girls the beginning of the school year blessing and blessed Breanna with comfort, therefore I was comforted!

Today I explained that we would be doing things just like Pre-K -- give kisses and hugs then she'd go off to class and have a marvelous day.  My little trooper walked right into class and didn't look back.  Her mother on the other hand, shed a tear or two unnoticed by anyone else because sunglasses are a wonderful invention.  

My heart grew bigger today with the love I have for my kids!  I'm so proud of all that they do and how brave they can be.  I miss the older girls because things are MUCH quieter around her, but I know that they will have exciting adventures and that school is providing them with an incredible opportunity to learn things that will bless their lives for years to come.  

Side note:  We will be putting a child in Kindergarten every year now for the next two years.  I'm bound to feel all of these emotions all over again for the next two years! 

Let's Play Catchup!

Since it's been a while since I've written, we'll play a little catchup.  Just don't want to forget those little details in life.  The events are not in order, just to warn you in advance.  I've decided not to try and get blogger to put my pictures in correctly -- too much of a hassle.

 Breanna graduated from preschool.  With her friend, Kelsi by her side, the two had a great time this year!  Can't believe Breanna will be moving on to kindergarten next year.  She's very excited!  Hope she's able to handle going to school all day.  I'm sure she'll be tired by the end of the day.


Cute little Sarah had a great time in 2nd grade this year.  She loved her teacher and student-teacher this year.  She loves school and learning.  She's so helpful to the little ones.  She'll be a great big sister to Breanna next year -- showing her all the ropes!

Our little construction worker -- Bruce finally found a construction worker hat.  Hunter had to sleep with it the night he got it.  Here's what I found the next morning when I went into his room.  He was quite unhappy with me for trying to take a picture of him that early in the day.

Here we have the first Fathers & Sons Outing for Hunter & Bruce together.  Hunter didn't want Bruce out of his sight all morning.  He was afraid Bruce would leave without him.  He clung to Bruce all day.  It was so cute!  They had a great time!  

 

While the boys were off on Fathers and Sons -- us girls enjoyed a night of fun!  We started off with a "T-party," which stands for Turley party.  We enjoyed cucumber sandwiches, scones, punch, juice, veggie tray and fruit.  Later we watched "Alice in Wonderland" and had pedicures.  Way fun to spend time with the girls!

 This year was the big 4-0 birthday for me.  Bruce made a scrumptious dinner, then had cake and ice cream. 

 Sarah dedicated a poem to me for my birthday -- which is absolutely priceless.  I'll be keeping this forever!

 Rebecca, of course, wanted to share her birthday wishes with me as well.  She told me what this says, but now I can't remember.  This too, will be cherished!

 Rebecca turned four this year!  She was spoiled with breakfast in her room -- and with presents!

 Her favorite present was from her aunt & uncle -- a tent with sleeping bag.  She was so excited about it that she slept in the sleeping bag that night!

 To conclude our month of May -- Sarah had her first piano recital.  She did great!  She's learning to read notes!  She loves it!

We've been settling into the summer routine of things!  It takes me about a month to figure out what to do with all four at home, but we're adjusting well.  We've had fun taking swimming lessons and working on goals!

Campout

 This past weekend we had some visitors! 

To celebrate the occasion we had a camping theme filled with foiled dinners,

s'mores, and campout in the backyard.

Yes, we go all out for our guests -- make them sleep outside with the kids.

We don't like to disappoint or have any lack of fun at this house.

The fearless camp leader setting up the tents.

A little playing while waiting for s'mores.

Jennifer roasting marshmallows with Hunter and Rebecca.

A few fell into the grill.

She was such a good sport and slept in the tent with the girls.

Some others -- we won't mention any names -- chickened out and slept inside.

Sarah -- the fearless camper, went to sleep around 11pm and woke up at 5am.

The poor girl can never sleep in -- life is just too exciting!

Daddy & Buddy Boy's tent

It was his first campout. 

It was a trial run before Father & Sons outing.

He fell asleep about 10:30pm and woke up at 8:30am.

That's how it's done, Sarah -- make a note of that.

Rebecca loves to sleep in the tent.

She hits the pillow and crashes.

What a good camper!

It was a VERY fun weekend!

Picture taking, graduation announcement making,

campout, so full of fun, but most importantly family bonding.

That's what it's all about, really.



A little treat for you!

Recent conversation I overheard in the sweetest most possible voices (except the last comment, of course):

B:  Becca, what do you want to be when you grow up?

R:  I want to be a dentist.  What do you want to be Breanna?

B:  I want to be a princess.

S:  Yeah, right Breanna! 

Help! Should I be worried?

As you saw in the previous post, Hunter wanted to wear a little dress up.

Here you see the cute little boy wanted to put on high heels.

Lately he's been asking for makeup.

Should I be worried or is it a case of living with so many females?

I Not a Boy

Hunter wanted to put on dress up the other day. 

I told him no because he's a boy.

He said, "I not a boy."

So, I put it on.

When I told him I wanted to take his picture,

he ran away from me and hid.

 OH, the disgrace!



 Couldn't resist taking a picture of a sleeping worker boy with his glove on.

The other one must have come off in his sleep.



Spring Break

We started our Spring Break with a water day at Nannie's.

It was a little cold -- well, more like a lot cold.

On another day, we headed over the AZ Museum of Natural History.

Way fun!

Might have to get a membership there.

They had so many new activities.

My least favorite part is the gold digging -- the kids favorite of course.

However, everytime we go, Rebecca gets absolutely soaked.

Obviously it's the last thing we do and I never get pictures of it for fear SOMEONE is going to fall in.

We also celebrated Bruce's birthday during the week.

He finally got his pumpkin cheesecake that he's wanted since Thanksgiving.

It was YUMMY!

Once Auntie Sauna got here, we went to the AZ Museum for Youth with cousin Andie.

Love that place! 

We had a tea party with Alice & friends. 

The Mad Hatter showed up just for fun! 

We made frogs and fairies.

Hunter decided he definitely likes to cut paper -- scissors were his obsession.

No worries, he was supervised! 

Friday I was able to go to the temple with my mom & sister. 

It was great!

When you go to the temple with family, it really puts Heavenly Father's plan into perspective!

After the temple, Dad took all of girls (my mom, my two sisters & me) out to lunch at Crackers!

When I got back, we went to the church to play some basketball.

Sarah had to go back again on Saturday because "I'm just starting to get really good at it, Mom!"

Hunter was talking me through things. 

Just love this face!  

Bruce was trying to knock down a balloon from our R.S. night the night before.

It was a princess balloon and had to be rescued! 

He'll get it some time! 

We just need a lower basket! 

It was a great week. 

Not pictured was "Cousin Night Out" and the celebration of family birthdays.

I think the kids had loads of fun!