Do As You Are Told Bowling

We started a "Do As You Are Told" Jar at our house. When the kids actually did something that they were told to do without having it repeated several times (ie: cleaning, put your shoes on, brush your teeth, practice the piano, do your homework, time to turn off "Lego Star Wars", - I could go on and on), they get to put marbles in the Jar - when we were out of marbles we all get to go bowling or miniature golfing. So we were off to "Strikes"! The kids had a great time. I can't believe how good Jackson was at listening and doing what he was told - the last time we were bowling he was all over the place, sticking his hands in were the balls come out, standing right behind the person rolling the ball, - this time was a lot better with him (he still had to see the balls come out, but his hands were in a safer place).

The boys! Jackson looked so cute in his shoes - he walked like a duck.

Madison got a strike and she didn't even hit the bumpers!

Dawson is still rolling the ball - I think it hurts him when he sticks his fingers in the 3 holes. He was hilarious when he played - he would roll down the first play and then the second play he would place the ball on the sides were most of the pins were and then he would point to were he wanted the ball to go - it was absolutely adorable!

80's Roller Skating Party!

Our good friends the "Wilsons" gathered a huge group of friends together for an 80's Roller Skating Party. We rented out the rink, dressed up, and skated to the sounds of the 80's! It was a blast! Jackson didn't recognize me when I left the house - but he seemed o.k. with it.
Before the roller skating we went to TGIF for dinner - we got some great looks from people. There were so many stories from that night, I do not know where to begin!

Labor Day Weekend

This is my parents new boat! It is very fancy. They have a man made lake in their back yard and you are only allowed peddle boats or slow boats (no motorized) out on the water and my dad found this boat that you can peddle and it is electric, so it also can just chug you along - so fun! The kids loved it! They wanted it to go faster, but I also think they enjoyed the peace of gliding along the water.
My niece Alysa, Jeremy, Me and nephew Evan (the twins as we call them).
My Sister Bronwyn, Brad, Dawson, nephew Caden, and Madison.
We had a great weekend with the family!

First day of Pre-K

Today was Dawson's first day of Preschool. He wasn't overly thrilled, he did know that he was keeping his mom happy by being a good boy and going to school like every big boy should. He is in the afternoon class so at lunch he was trying to convince me of why he thinks he should stay home and it sounded something like this: "I love you very much mommy and that is why I think I need to just stay home with you today." Doesn't that just melt your heart? But just for a second and then it's back to the real world - oh yeah, he is just saying that to get of going to school! Didn't work, he went to school and he was such a good boy. He went in happily - no melting down on the spot or crying - and the teacher said he was a good boy - no crying. (I can't say I hate it when he is a momma's boy, because I really do enjoy knowing that he needs me.)
He got a new backpack, Star Wars or as he calls it "Lego Star Wars". He is in love with the game on our xbox. I took him and Madison to the movie last Saturday, "Clone Wars", and he said about a dozen times during the movie "Mom, I love this movie!" (out loud for all those around to hear!) Then when the movie was over he said "Mom, we have to buy this movie!" He was a crack up!

Madison's First Day of 2nd Grade

Madison is in 2nd grade - she may look like she is older, don't let the long legs fool you! She is of course the tallest person in her class, and that does not seem to bother her - I know that there will come a day where she will come home crying because she is taller than all the boys, if anyone has any advice for when that day comes please speak up. She had a great first day. She came out of her classroom when the bell rang and said "I love school", music to a mothers ears! She has two very nice teachers this year, Mrs. Furlong and Mrs. Harding, they are part-time team teaching. I think it will go very good - I am only worried about communication between the two teachers, hopefully if I tell one thing to a teacher the other will let the other know! - whatever. She also has two good friends with her in her class and Jimmy - what a cute boy! This is only 2nd grade - she tells me nothing of boys, she only blushes when I say Jimmy's name. I think it is going to be a great year, - oh, and I was a sucker again and signed up to be room mom (3rd year) - luckily Jimmy's mom signed up to be my assistant!
The night before school starts we started a tradition of having a back to school family party. I made this bus cake last year too - they really only care for the chocolate mini donuts! As you can see Dawson is eyeing one in this bottom photo. Dawson will be going to Pre-K this year.

Pool Birthday Party/Wedding cake practice/Peaches

Our good friend Brandon turned the BIG 30, and this was the cake I made for him.

I have been very busy lately practicing a wedding cake for one of Jeremy's co-workers. I am trying all kinds of new cake decorating things and having a good time. The wedding is in October, so check out an awesome post in the middle of October!!!!

Also, I wish I had a picture of all the peaches we got this year on our peach tree. They were all picked so quickly and I we have had to eat them and I actually froze a bunch. Yum!

Nauvoo Camp/Azure's Birthday Party

Last Monday we were able to have a great play date at a place called Nauvoo Camp. Our good friends the Wilsons rented out the camp site for their son's 6th birthday. We wanted to camp out that night with other families, but Jeremy was working late and he didn't think it would be a good idea for me to camp alone with the kids (he thinks I need sleep or something!). So, I just took the kids up to the site for the day, and they had a great time! There was a little pond to swim or ride the wood rafts, a big grass field to run around, and a camp fire area to perform!
Jackson and his good friend Sterling - playing a manly game of lacrosse.
Jackson shooting a bubble gun at his friend Joshua.
Dawson wading, so badly wanting to ride the wood raft.
Madison and her friend - performing American Idol style!

I didn't see much of Madison and Dawson they were every where in the camp site playing with their friends. It was a really great time!