So it begins...

As many of you already know I have signed up for PTSA Co-President this next year at Big Bro's school. When I made the decision at the end of last school year it didn't seem like such a big thing. Then we had our first board meeting tonight...2 1/2 hours long!! So next month will consist of Kinder welcome week, PTSA officer training, PTSA member meeting, Potluck lunch for teachers and first day welcome committee. And then September will roll around and the real work will begin! What have I gotten myself into this time? It all seems slightly overwhelming.
Yet I can't help but to feel a little excitement over what this position means... the changes I can assist in making to better my son's school, the leadership experience that I so desperately need, the new friendships that will form and so much more. So as I dive into planning endless fundraisers and events, coordinating volunteers, petitioning more parent involvement and developing newsletters and yearbooks, I hope my family will be supportive and understanding of somewhat overwhelmed mommy! However I have vowed to practice saying "no" more frequently this year! And as I glance into the bedrooms of my sleeping children, I have no doubt that all my effort will be worth it! (Besides, this too shall pass!)

Our Little Gymnast

Little Sis started gymnastics classes last night. She took right to it and was amazing at it. She seems to have quite a few of the necessary skills for a gymnast...small, fearless, flexible, and, oh yes, determined!


I attempted to sign Big bro up for a trial class but he insists that "gymnastics is too much of a girl thing to do". Instead he stood on the sidelines cheering and giving big (somewhat serious) thumbs up for all the moves little sis did exceptionally well!

What's in a walk?

So today I noticed my six-year-old studying me while I vacuumed. As I was wrapping up the cord, he turned to me and said "Mommy, this is how beautiful girls walk" and he elaborated with a little walk where he stuck his chest out and swung his hips side to side. As I tried to hide my giggles, he walked back to me and said "This is how you walk" and proceeded to strut across the room swinging his arms at his sides, a quick purposeful walk. Then he turned to me quite seriously and said "Mommy, beautiful girls must have a beautiful walk". Who taught him such nonsense?! Even so, I think tomorrow I will hold my chest out just slightly and give my hips a little swinging action. Hey, anything to please my six-year-old son!

Boulder Cave

So we took a little trip to visit a local cave this weekend. It was fascinating. The hike was just the right distance for the kids (about 2 miles round trip) and once they overcame their fears (seems actual bats are nowhere near as cool as batman) they had a really good time. Here's the site to find out more about Boulder Cave http://www.nachesvalleychamber.com/info/bouldercave.html
I would absolutely recommend the trip.










Though the kids thought it was pretty neat to walk through the cool, dark cave with their flashlights and seemed fairly interested in our explanation of how the cave came to exist, none of this could compare to the discovery they made as we approached the car...ANTS!!! They found a log in which a large colony of ants were working at hollowing. The ants were throwing small particles of wood out of the log piece by tiny piece and they had created a large pile of wood particles. Both children crouched down to watch this tedious work and I am pretty sure they would still be there tonight had we not eventually dragged them away...with little sis insisting that she "must stay until the ants have finished work"! I guess this is yet another example of the box being more fun than the toy. Although there is something to be said for the enjoyment of slowing down and seeing the simpler things through a child's fascinated eyes!

Slip & Slide

Dad & Mom,
You must admit that this does look like more fun than the garbage bags you used to make us slide on!

A Superhero Day

What a day! So the kids and I spent the morning with friends having a "tea party". It was a lot of fun and once again I am thankful for all the gals I have develop friendships with over the last year. Then it was off to a local bookstore where Batman was dropping by. Big Bro was in complete awe. He even made a special trip at the end to tell Batman goodbye. Little Sis, however, was a little unsure. Batman was a little scary for her at first so she hung out with mom in the back. Later, at home, she told me that she liked Batman but that he was pretty silly. I can sympathize. I too find grown men in tights slightly frightening but also mildly humorous! We topped the day with some ice cream. I then attempted to run an errand and the melt downs began. At which point I transformed out of superhero mommy into mean, frustrated mommy. I should know better to fit in an errand after a day filled of tiring fun. Think I will try it the other way around next time! Jot that down in the book of mommy life lessons! Well it's off to complete some more domestic diva tasks...paying bills and folding laundry.

Our Trip to Utah

We got back on the 6th from a reunion with the Hubbie's family in Utah. Although it was a very long drive, we had a great time and the kids got to experience all kinds of excitement...a water park, rodeo, horse rides, and tons of cousin fun! Little sis also got to meet her great-grandfather for the first time and was very amused at that. She kept looking at him and saying "The guy in the red hat is my great-grandpa". After repeating this half-a-dozen times, she casually threw in "my great grandpa will die and then I won't have a great-grandpa anymore." Of course she was within his hearing distance when she had this revelation. Oh the things kids say!

Here it is...

Okay so it seems like everyone has a blog these days and although I told myself a million times that I would never have enough to say to fill the blog, here I am starting one. After much thought I decided that this would be the perfect place for me to share the our funny stories (and those that are not so humorous at first), our photos and just our general lives with all of those we love who we rarely see. I hope you get some entertainment out of it but mostly I hope that it helps us all feel a little more connected!