Paige's First Day of Kindergarten

Paige had her first official day of Kindergarten on the 11th of September. That day she got to ride the bus to and from school. She was so excited to go and see her friends and to get "homework." When it came time to get on the bus she pretty much ran and jumped on the bus as she casually waved goodbye to me. She didn't even hesitate or even look back. I felt a little emotion as my little girl is now old enough to go to school, but no tears were shed by either of us. I for sure thought that little Paxten would start crying when he realized that Paige was leaving and he couldn't go with her, but he did amazingly well too. He waved goodbye and then followed me home. Know he has freedom when is comes to the TV station, and all the toys in the house, he couldn't be happier!

At the bus stop....waiting

As the bus pulled up, Paige threw her arm out as a wave as she was running to get on.

After school, she had a great first day!

Paige Meets Her Teacher

Paige got to go to her new school on September 10th to take in her school supplies and meet her teacher. She will be in Mrs. Green's class and she is super excited about it. I have been talking to her all summer long about going to kindergarten to prepare her for it and she has seemed a bit nervous about leaving home for a few hours every day and about leaving me. After Pieper was born, I was talking to her about it one night and she started crying. I felt so bad that she was having a hard time with the fact that she will be leaving me. Then I found out a few days after this incident that she really is excited about kindergarten, she just was making me think she was sad and nervous, because she didn't wan ME to feel bad. Silly girl! I am glad she is so excited, I know she will have a great year in Kindergarten. She is so smart and so much fun, she will be a rockstar in her class

Swimming Lessons

Both Parker and Paige took 2 sessions of swimming lessons again this summer. Parker was in level 3 the first session and Paige was in level 2. They both did really well, but needed some things to improve before they were passed onto the next level. So the next 2 weeks they both worked hard in their classes and Parker was able to pass level 3 and move onto level 4. Poor little Paige worked hard, but she is still so small that she had a hard time in the depth of the water. She is able to swim short distances, but has a hard time putting her face in the water and keeping afloat in the deeper water, so she will be repeating level 2 again next summer. I tried not to look at the cost of the lessons and the kids having to repeat the same class over and over. I just want the kids to be good swimmers and to be safe and have fun while they are in the water. They love to go swimming so at least it has given them the confidence to be in the water. They are growing up and turning into such big kids, I can hardly believe where the time has gone!

Kids Weekend part 2

On Sunday, the last day of our kids weekend, we took the kids to Hogle Zoo. It was in the 90's that day and it sure felt like it, but the kids were pretty good about not complaing and we had a fun time see all the different animals. Our favorites were the Elephants, Giraffes, and Monkeys. Parker love the snake area and Paxten seemed to be fascinated by everything. There were a lot of areas in the park that were under construction/renovation which was disappointing, but will give us an excuse to come back next year when it is all done. We packed a picnic again this day into the zoo and the kids rode the merry go round inside the zoo.  After we had seen all there was to see, each of the kids picked a souvenier from the gift shop and we got in the van to head home. All of the kids were asleep in no time, we wore them out! We had such a fun time together. It is great to have a sister to do these fun things with and I think we may have to make this a tradition! The kids loved being together and doing something out of the ordinary, we only wish that Matt would have been able to go with us as well.

Kids Weekend of Fun

Charyn and I thought it would be fun to take the kids on a fun weekend to Utah after school got out. The kids were most excited about sleeping in a Hotel and swimming in the hotel pool! We left on the Friday school got out, after Parker got home. We drove to Layton and stopped for dinner at McDonalds (this is after all a kids weekend, right!) Then we went to Hobby Lobby, our choice, to look around and find a few home furnishings and scrapbook supplies. The kids started to become restless in the store and we knew we had pushed our luck, so we made our way to our hotel. The kids immediately wanted to get into the pool. So we did! They swam for over an hour and had a blast! after swimming we had popcorn and watched TV until they finally fell asleep close to 11! The next day we had plans to visit Scheel's, go to the park for a picnic, and then to Boondocks for miniature golf. The kids rode the ferris wheel in Scheels and looked at the huge aquarium. They ran around at a nearby park and we had a fun picnic. Then in the afternoon we went to Boondocks to play mini golf. I am not sure what Charyn and I were thinking taking 4 kids and 2 strollers to go play miniature golf. The kids were everywhere, except by us! I think Charyn and I managed to actually play a total of 4 holes, which was a waste of money, because we were trying to keep caught up with the kids. It was extremely hot outside so the kids were fussy and whining! We did manage to make it through all 18 holes and then went inside to play some video games. Zander and Paxten had fun playing whack a mole and Parker and Paige liked the ski ball machine. We ended up getting only about 100 tickets, which didn't get very much in return, but the kids had fun. After a long morning and afternoon, we decided to go back to the hotel and let the kids swim some more and order in Pizza. It sure is fun to eat pizza in a hotel room! The kids were exhausted and fell asleep before 10 that night!

Paige's Preschool Graduation

Paige had her Smartie Pants Preschool Graduation on the 23rd of May. She was in the morning session this time so her program was at 5:00. She has learned the song Zippity Do Da in school sings it so cute that she was asked to sing a solo at the graduation. I wasn't quite sure that would happen. She did it during their practice the Tuesday before and she was confident that she could do it during the graduation. As the program started and Paige realized how many people were in the audience she began to get worried and scared and started to have "stage freight" as she called it. She barely made it through the opening song before she burst out in tears! I felt so bad for her up there on the stage in front of all those people crying and there wasn't much I could do to help her out. She managed to get her emotions under control enought to say her part, "When I grow up I want to be a dentist and a mom" Then when the next song came on she started crying really hard. I think she realized that her solo was coming up and she was extremely nervous about it. I went up to the stage and offered to sing it with her in hopes that would help her out. It turned out that I sang a solo of Zippity Do-Da by myself and it was extremely off key as I sang, trying to keep my emotions in check as well. I just wanted to cry with my sweet little girl. There were well over 100 people there that night, so I could see how she was so overwhelemed and nervous. After the "solo" she seemed to recover and feel better. She sang the last song really well and received her diploma with a half smile. As soon as the whole program was over she was laughing and running around and acting like her usual self. She had to get a picture with her bestest friends from preschool Sloan Gibbs, and Tessa Beck. And she had to get a picture with Miss Mandy, of her her favorite people. For the teacher gift this year, we gave each of the teachers a pot of flowers with a note attached that said. "thanks for helping me grow this year!" I can't believe my little girl with be in Kindergarten in the Fall! Where does the time go?

Paige Turns 5!

Paige turned 5 on the 12th of April, but we celebrated her birthday on the 6th because I was going to be out of town on her actual birthday (scrapbooking with my mom and Charyn). Paige didn't seem to mind at all that we were celebrating early, especially since that meant that she got to open presents earlier. We had a few family and friends over to help us celebrate with dinner and cake and ice cream. We made hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixings, potato salad, veggie tray, fruit tray, chips, and soda. This year Paige wanted a Lalaloopsey cake and I was able to talk her into just the face of a Lalaloopsey. I think it turned out very well and Paige loved it so much!! I makes me so happy to see how excited they are when they see the finished cake and love it! Paige was spoiled for her birthday and got a variety of great things. Doc McStuffins dress up, Doc McStuffins doctors kit with Lambie and the big book of boo-boos. She got several new Lalaloopsey dolls, a cowgirl hat (that she had to have when we were in Cal-Ranch), an itunes gift card, a new outfit, dress up clothes, ballet slippers, a new barbie, and a few other things. She loved them all and we were very appreciative of those that came and showed their love and support for our sweet and sassy little girl!!

Easter Morning

The kids were once again spoiled by the Easter Bunny. They each got an assortment of candy and prizes in their baskets and were eager to play with them and eat the treats.

Easter Party at Aunt Marilyn's

It has become a tradition that our family looks forward to every year, Easter party at Aunt Marilyn's. The kids were all excited to go and play with cousins and go on an Easter egg hunt. It was beautiful weather that day and we all enjoyed being outside in the sunshine. The kids were egg hunting pros and all filled their baskets with goodies and they each got a prize out of Marilyn's prize basket. I'd say the day with a success and so much fun. I have the greatest family and I an so lucky to have so much fun when we get together!

Paige's First Dentist Trip

On January 14th Paige had her first visit to the Dentist. She was really nervous at first and didn't quite know what to expect. She had seen Parker go, but was nervous because she was going to be the one in the chair. She did really well and learned all about the "Sugar Bugs" on her teeth and how she needed to brush them away. She got a new Cinderella toothbrush, mouthwash, toothpaste, dental gum, chapstick, and a water bottle. She loved getting "prizes" for going to the dentist, and better yet, she became a member of the No Cavities Club! She was pretty excited and I was too! No cavities to fix or pay for! Yay Paige!!

Best Buddies

These two kids can be the best of buddies. Some days I wonder what they are up to and I find them like this. Close by each other playing together or watching a show together. Paxten really looks up to his big sister and has to do everything that she does. He is always concerned about "Pai" and wants to be where she is. When he asks for a snack, he asks for one for her as well. When he is in another room and realizes she is gone, he asks where she went. He gets so excited to see her when she gets home from preschool and pretty much follows her around the rest of the day. Paige is a pretty good big sister as well and lets him follow her around. She plays with him really well and tried to include him in the things she is doing. She lets his cuddle right next to her on the couch and sometimes I catch her rubbing his back, or with her arm around him. They really do love each other and moments like that just melt my heart! I hope they always feel that way about each other!

Big Sister

Paige is a pretty good big sister! I often find her and Paxten on the couch with Paxten alseep in her lap. Sometimes they cuddle together on the couch and she puts her arm around him and it just melts my heart. Then before I know it Paxten is alseep and she is telling me to be quiet so I dont wake him up. It is just so cute! Paxten is at the age where he thinks he doesn't need a nap and it is often a fight to get him to take one, so days like this are cherished! Love these kids!

Family Photos

I like to take a few family snapshots at Thanksgiving time each year. These are the ones that I was able to get in the short amount of time the kids would cooperate. Notice there isn't an individual of Paxten, because he would not stand by himself to let me take a picture. He is at that age, and I didn't want to fight him for a bad picture of him crying. It was freezing cold, so Parker and Paige didn't last long outside either. Nevertheless, we got a few good ones! Matt 30, Erika 30, Parker 7, Paige 4.5, Paxten 20 months.

My Little Trick-or-Treaters

On Halloween, I took out my littlest trick or treaters to visit my Dad and Mom at their work. Parker was at school and we were also going to visit after lunch for his school's Spook Parade. Isn't my Little Red Riding Hood and my little Lion so adorable?! I sure think so! After visiting a few places they were both ready to be done for the day, or at least until the Trunk Or Treat at the church.

Little Red Riding Hood

My mom found an adorable Little Red Riding Hood costume at a store one day when she was out and about and called me to see if Paige had decided what she was going to be for Halloween. Well she had talked about being a princess, just like every other year, and I was able to convince her how adorable this new costume would be. I told her it was red and while and that it had a red cape. After I said it had a cape she was all for it. When grandma brought it over, Paige was so excited and had to try it on. In fact one day she wore it most of the day to "make sure it fit!" Well yesterday she finally got the opportunity to wear it outside and to show other people. It was her preschool's Halloween Party and she was the inly one dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and she was adorable. There were several other "Princesses" and so I think she was glad that she went with something different. We even put together a basket with a napkin and cake in it to go along with the story. She had a fun time and was excited about the treats she came home with.

Now both her and Paxten have been fighting fevers all night long and we are hoping they feel well enough later to go see Parker in his school's Spook Parade and to do a little trick or treating later tonight. We are all so excited about Halloween and then Parker's birthday tomorrow. So we have a busy week this week!

Snow Day

We got our first snow storm last week on the 25th of October! What?!! The kids were super excited, more than me of course! After Paige got home from preschool she was adament about playing in the snow, so Paxten wanted to as well. I got them all dressed up warm and out they went...for about 15 minutes. Then they decided they were cold and wanted to come in and have Hot Chocolate. I think that is they real reason Paige wanted to play in the snow, just so she could have hot chocolate afterwards. They are so excited about winter and the snow and all the fun that comes with it. As much as I don't really like the slick roads, and cold cold temperatures, I couldn't imagine the holidays in Idaho without snow! I love seeing the kids so excited about something new, and being able to do a wide variety of fun activities throughout the year because we live here!

Fabulous

We are getting excited to go on out trip to Disneyland and I have been preparing for a little while now. I was cleaning out the van trying to figure out how I was going to pack all our stuff and have room for Matt's parents things as well. While I was cleaning I found a mirror that you put on the front of a seat to allow the driver to see the baby in the back seat. Paige grabbed the mirror and started looking at herself in it while I was cleaning out some other stuff. After a few minutes she said to me, "Mom, can we take this mirror to Disneyland so I can look in it and see how fabulous I am!" I was quite shocked that this had come out of her mouth and it took me a few seconds before I started laughing. What got me was she said it like it was nothing, and she used the word in the correct usage and everything! Where does she get this stuff?? She is my most confident, hilarious child. She is often the comic relief in our family and she makes me laugh every day with the things she says. I truly do think she is fabulous!

Best Buddies

Paige and Paxten have been able to spend a lot of time together while Parker is at school. They get along so well and for the most part they play well together and entertain each other. Catching them snuggled up on the couch together is almost a daily occurance, but it makes me smile every time. I love seeing them get along and I love seeing them be kind to each other and help each other out. Paige is a really great big sister and is always helping Paxten out and getting him things he needs. Must be that motherly instinct girls have, because Parker is not like that at all. Paxten often follows Paige around doing what she is doing and sometimes I catch them in her room playing dolls or barbies and Paxten is loving it! He just loves to be included and doing what everyone else is doing. These two kiddos make me smile everyday and sure make me grateful to be a mother! (Parker does too!)

Paige's 1st Day of Preschool

Somehow the month slips by before I know it and I am playing catch-up on the blog...better late than never I guess!
Paige had her first day of Preschool on the 11th. She could hardly stand waiting for her first day when Parker started school. She was so excited to go back and to see her teachers, Miss Joni & Miss Allyson. She was also excited to see if they had done anything new with the preschool, like paint the walls. (I didn't think they would have). Well Paige went the week before for open house day and the first thing she noticed was the new wall color. She is very obsevant! Paige loves school and making new friends. She is very smart and knows all of her letters and numbers up to 20. She can write he name and some other words with a little help. The teachers have told me more than once that she is the smartest one in her class, of course they tell me not to tell anyone else that! We hope you have a fantastic year in preschool Paige!!

Paige's New Clothes

I took the kids to Walmart the day before Parker started school to get some new clothes. Talk about procrastination! Here are the outfits Paige picked out and her beautiful modeling skills. She cracks me up!! I also love the fact that she is proud that she got ne clothes from Walmart. That won't last forever, gotta love it while I can!!