Labor Day Adventure

I didn't have any plans for Labor Day, other than relaxing and enjoying time off of school. However, Friday afternoon, Jeremy informed me that he would be working all weekend. I was bummed that we wouldn't be able to hang out with him and definitely didn't want to just stay home all weekend. So, I decided I would check the kids out of school and head to sunny St. George. My Mom just had double knee replacement surgery, so I thought it would be a good time to visit her. Plus, what better way to spend a weekend then swimming, playing and no cleaning for me!

I've never checked the kids out early before, so they were absolutely shocked and a little worried that something was wrong. They were so surprised when I told them we were taking a quick vacation. We headed out right from school and made it just in time for dinner.



I didn't tell my parents we were coming, so we decided to just stop by and surprise them in the morning. The next morning we woke up and the kids picked out some flowers for Grandma. We knocked on their door and definitely surprised them. It was such a beautiful day. We spent most of the morning outside feeding the swans and visiting.




Grandma had two boo-boos on her knees and Livi wanted to show Grandma her boo-boos too.

Emma was just happy having 'cuddle time' with Grandma.


The rest of the time was spent playing at various parks and lots of swimming. We also had a few home cooked meals and a BYU game, both courtesy of my Dad.










It was so much fun and reminded me that I really need to be spontaneous more often. I just love spending time with these kids!

Little Livi Goes to School

Livi has been in speech therapy for the last six months. Now we are adding a toddler class to her in-home sessions. I was really worried that she would throw a fit without me, like she did at the gym daycare (where I was called to come get her after only five minutes).

I told her she was going to school, and that mommy can't stay there, and that she can't cry at school. I wasn't sure how much of that would resonate with a two-year old. She picked out her shirt and we got her ready, and of course, took pictures.


Then I took her to class and introduced her to her teachers. It was nice to see there were only eight kids and three teachers. She instantly gravitated to the toys and said, "Bye Mommy".
I left the room and stayed by the door to wait for her to realize that I actually left.

Um, yeah, she didn't care.

That was bitter-sweet. Okay, it was mostly sweet. I was so proud of her and happy to know that I can leave her in a classroom environment and not have her go nuts. Saweet.

When I picked her up, they said that she was quite the "Leader".

Translation: She is BOSSY!

Glad to see she was being herself in class.

The other good news...she ate the snack.

With her eating issues, I was nervous that she might not eat, but when I got there, she was shoving her face.

On the way home, she said, "no kye at tool mommy. no kye"

Translation: no cry at school mommy. no cry.

I guess she understood a lot more than I gave her credit for.

I love you Liv Liv!

My Little Birthday Boy

Today we went out for Jeremy's birthday.

I just love this guy.

Happy birthday babe!

Soccer!!!!

The soccer season has started and yesterday was our first game. Emma's new team is called the Black Widows. She scored a goal and came very close to scoring two others. She loves soccer and has so much fun with her friends.

Landon's team is called the Blue Missiles, although his coach wanted to call them the Blue Darts. I swear, boys never grow up! He did a great job as the defender and is a lot more aggressive this year.

Movin' on Up

Another summer has come and gone and the first day of school is here already. Landon moved up to 3rd grade and Emma is now officially a 1st grader.


I thought it would be fun to compare their pictures from last year to see how they've changed...

They had a great first day of school. They both have friends in their classes from last year and Emma is excited to be able to play on the regular elementary playground with all the big kids.

One Week in One Post

Last Week

Emma and Landon went to the art museum at

Thanksgiving Point and shaped glass into these beautiful art pieces.


They had a sleepover...

We watched the Tour of Utah



Emma finally got the desk she's been begging for
and sat there for three hours...



Then we finished off the week with a family party...




Fun Week!

James Family Zoo Day

My brother Mike came down from Oregon and decided to invite all of us to the zoo. It was nice to get all of the kids together as well as see my brothers.

They are always much more fun to watch than the animals!

Pretty in Pink

For Emma's chore chart reward, she wanted to get a pedicure. I had heard about "Glitter Toes" which were supposed to last six weeks or more. She was so excited to get her little piggies done in a shimmering pink.

Um, yeah, they lasted two weeks. But hey, she looked cute and was happy for two weeks!

East Canyon

Landon has been wanting to go fishing all summer. We have a ton of fishing ponds around here, but I don't have any fishing gear. Since he needed to pass off his fishing badge for Scouts, I asked my Dad if he would take him. Lucky for the kids, my parents had an even better idea and took both Landon and Emma up to East Canyon for a couple of days.

They both went fishing and I'm happy to report that Landon caught a fish. I would have been so disappointed if Emma caught one and Landon didn't, since the whole point was for Landon to catch one.

In addition to fishing, they enjoyed time at the park, the pool, miniature golf, walking, playing and sleeping in the motor home.

I'm so glad they got the chance to spend some quality time with their grandparents!