Back To School 2011

The kids started school yesterday. Well, Tanner and Tate started school yesterday. Tanner is in 6th grade now, last year of innocence before Junior High begins! Tate is in 2nd grade this year and we're excited to see him progress. Taylor is homeschooling this year (8th grade). We aren't traditional home schoolers though, she is doing a virtual online academy where she works online and in books with a supervising teacher and virtual class. Tallula is currently on a waiting list to get into pre-school so we'll see if that happens. If not then I'm happy to keep her a baby one more year!

Instead of the traditional picture on the front porch, I decided to get a little creative and style something a little more fun. The kids had fun posing for this and I think it helped that I let them take a swig of the coke!

Tate's Camping Party

While we were camping I threw Tate a surprise birthday party. It was a totally last minute decision and I'm so glad that I was able to throw it together. He was so surprised and touched. His face when everyone yelled surprise was absolutely priceless. I can't believe my little man is turning 7 already. Time is flying by me...

 I pulled off these s'more cupcakes all by myself...that's saying a lot!

SURPRISE!!!

Oh my gosh, isn't he the cutest thing ever?!

Ensign Ranch Camping Trip

Last weekend was our now annual trip to Ensign Ranch for some FUNTABULOUS camping! We love that place...river, lake, two rope swings, horse back riding, water slide, play ground, climbing wall, fishing, canoeing, trails, bike riding. It's enough to keep 20 kids and 10 adults busy for at least a weekend! Even though I'm not the worlds biggest fan of camping, it was worth the painful parts so that we can make a lifetime of memories for the kids. I just hope that someday I will be able to have the luxury of sleeping, cooking and showering in a camper!!!

 We put together a scavenger hunt for the little kids and sent them off hunting clues in search of a treasure! I don't have pics of the big kids scavenger hunt because I wasn't about to hop on a bike and follow them around, but I heard it was fabulous.

Can't wait till next year!!!