Other Stuff

The other very exciting thing this week was that the park by our house was finally updated and opened. The kids are very excited (even Brennan) and ask to go every day. It is pretty fun.

We also were informed today that the 4th Ward is being dissolved (again). The members are being split between the other 3 wards in Santa Maria. We are getting just enough I think. Although it seems the 3rd ward got an unusually large chunk of the active members which will return them to the status of biggest ward.

We are headed camping this coming weekend so look for more updates and pictures (Thanks to my new phone no more camera amnesia!)

School Year 2008-2009: Week One

Well - everyone survived the first week of school - including me. Everything went really well for all the kids and they are all enjoying it. We have to get up a lot earlier in the morning this year, and we started at 3 new schools but so far its going alright.

Kendall started preschool and is loving it. She hasn't talked to her teacher yet, but will talk to the other kids in her class. I told the teacher that you had to "merge" with Kendall not go in "head-on", but is convinced of doing it her own way, so it may be a few weeks yet before Kendall speaks. Here's a picture of her on the first day:

Shelby started 1st grade and loves being a big kid and going to school all day. However, she has been almost asleep by the time she gets home. Shelby also started piano lessons this week and she is thrilled.

Tori started 5th grade and her teacher is the "funniest man alive". (Isn't she lucky?) He is a very dynamic guy and loves the grade he teaches. She will have a great year. She already has made some great new-ish friends. She's played a sport or danced with almost every girl in her class so it was a good transition for her. She told me it was nice to be with girls who understood her "likes" (Zac Efron and the Jonas Brothers). She was very excited to learn that a teacher at the school was Zac's 2nd grade teacher up in AG. OOOOOOOH!

As for Brennan - he had the biggest transition this year starting JR High. He is still alive to talk about it, so we are counting our blessings. After all, his school has the biggest gang problem in Santa Maria. Just kidding (about the being alive part - the gang thing is true, but who cares? Gangsta BJ????) He had a great week, with the exception of forgetting his lunch pass and leaving his gym clothes on the bus - all in the same day. But, everything was fine, lunch pass returned, gym clothes found (thank you bus driver). He is continuing with band and is going to try his hand at the french horn this year - its very large though and he has to carry it around all day (but only every other day) since there are no lockers. His other classes are fun as well - he has great teachers and will continue to be challenged. He plans on trying out for the volleyball team this week - so we will keep you posted.

To go along with school starting, Scott was picked for jury duty and was lucky enough (??) to get a 4-5 week trial. Fortunately he continues to receive a regular paycheck throughout, so its almost like a vacation - almost.

As for me, I'm enjoying my few hours of quiet time. Its the first time I've spent any significant time alone in about 12 years. I love the new schools and am impressed with all the teachers. Its nice to be at schools that have some pride and teachers and parents who care and want the best for the kids. It will be an active school year I'm sure and we'll be sure to update with the details.

Camera Amnesia and Sunburned Cheeks

For not going away on vacation this has been one hectic summer! I guess you could say we had a "staycation" - the new buzzword of choice. I have to say, we do like sleeping in our own beds every night but enjoying the fun of vacation at the same time.

Grandma D came to visit the last part of July. We had a great time!! We went all over the place. We went to the Santa Barbara Zoo where we saw some fun nature facts in action. Giraffes have big bladders and lions, well, we'll just say who knew they could move their hips like that? ;-0 We also visited the beach, the 99c store, went to a movie and one day just the adult women (Me and Mom) went up to Hearst Castle. We also went out to eat - a lot. We're good on home food for a while at least.

Of course we have absolutely no physical record of her visit because I don't take a camera anywhere - even if I mean to. Apparently, I come by that genetically, so now I have something to blame. Kendall tried to help me remember, but not until we were already in Santa Barbara.

Our cousin, Justin came for a couple of days, while Grandma was here too. We hope he had a good time. Our beach and ocean were too cold, but we had fun hanging with him anyway.

The last couple of weeks we've been lucky and scored some serious pool time thanks to our friend and piano teacher, Linda. Her granddaughter has been visiting and is Shelby's age so they have had a lot of fun playing together and we have had fun swimming in their neighborhood pool. We've also been to the beach and Avila Valley Barn together. Linda does not have camera amnesia so I may even get pictures. If I do, I'll be sure and post them. Of course all the pool and beach adventures have led to some serious sun - especially for me!! I have a fantastic tan and yesterday managed to burn my cheeks - I need to make sure I get sunscreen all the way up my legs next time. ;-)

Unfortunately, August means school is not that far away. Today we visited the school campus' and went shopping for shoes and clothes. On the upside, I'll have 3 1/2 hours to myself every day!!