What the Sixth Grade?

So my oldest daughter is in sixth grade this year. That means I have four kids going to one school. That means the last six years were about 10 minutes long. That means I’m getting old. And that means my kids are getting old. SLOW DOWN, for Pete’s sake!

Dakota is making the most of her last year at elementary school. She started the year on Safety Patrol with her friends.

And also decided she would run for Student Body President. Why not, right? Her entire campaign consisted of a one-minute presentation and one poster. They did not hang anything up or pass anything out. Everyone did their presentation, then the sixth grade voted, and that was it.

Here’s what she came up with (just a teeny bit of help from Mom):

Football, it’s about time!

We love football at our house. Joe played in high school and was named second team all-region. His cousins play for BYU and Philadelphia Eagles. His uncle coaches at BYU. My dad took me to football games starting when I was five years old. He took turns taking the kids but whenever someone couldn’t go, I jumped at the chance. I valued that one-on-one time with my dad and it gave me a love of football at a young age. I think Joe fell in love with me when I told him a perfect night would be sitting at home watching Monday Night Football in my jammies.

So,

when someone says football, we come running. Joe was invited to play on a flag football team and their first game was on Saturday. I watched the other team warm up in their matching black jerseys with “Black Widows” printed on the back, I looked at their arms and necks covered in tattoos, they thought they were so tough, and then I watched as they laughed at Joe’s team in their white t-shirts and their crowds of kids and wives and dogs on the sidelines.

Nice block, babe. Look who’s laughing now. Joe’s team won, no, they Slaughtered the other team. I think they allowed one touchdown, but scored six or seven times. We left a few minutes early and got a text message that the game was called because the other team started fighting. Not feeling so tough now, are you Black Widows?

We left early to go to our nephew’s games in American Fork. First, we watched Chris’s team run all over the other team. Wow, he’s good!

Then we grabbed a quick lunch and went to Hunter’s game. Look at this beautiful backdrop!

We had our own little cheering section.

Go Hunter!

During halftime, Colin got a little Daddy Coaching. He’ll be playing next year.

Um, do you think they might be related? Like brother, like brother.

Thanks Justin, for letting us hang out with your family. It was a great football day, go Cavemen!

Extreme Makeover

At least it feels extreme to Emma. She had to get expanders for her Pulsipher teeth in her Heugly mouth….we have to make more room!

She’s been a good sport, even through the pain. After she got them in, we’ve had to expand them every day for two weeks. She has a nice gap in her teeth, but that’s what she needed. Ironically, the day she got it put in, two of her cousins from two different families also went to the same ortho. Small world. Now they can commiserate with each other when their Heugly mouths are sore.

Good job Emma! I see very straight teeth in your future!!

Spacers make me Special!!

2nd day crash

Kindergarten is a lot of fun, but it’s a lot of work too!

The journey…

I can’t believe Camri’s in Kindergarten. She was born the year Dakota started Kindergarten, so I figured this day was a long time coming. A snap of the fingers and here we are. Sigh. Then sigh again. My princess is getting so big.

But first, shots. She was nervous, but you couldn’t even tell.

She freaked out when the nurse came in and I had to hold her down, but just a little and just for a minute. 2 shots and we were on our way. “That wasn’t so bad, Mom!” She’s my brave girl. Even Beau wanted in on the action.

Then we had Kindergarten orientation. You know, just to get her excited for school a few months early!

Next up we had her first meeting with her teacher. She was VERY excited to show her what she knew, but mostly to wear some of her new school clothes.

Then after watching her big brother and sisters go to school for a whole week (torture!), it was finally her turn. Daddy took her out for a special date on Saturday so she would be ready for her big day!

Monday finally arrived….ready or not, world, here she comes!

She is so ready!! She’s got her backpack, her sparkly shoes, good friends, and an awesome teacher!

Big brother will look out for her!

Silver was there to welcome the new Kindergartners!

Buddies!

Bye Mom!!

The few hours flew by and it seemed like only a few minutes before I was headed back to pick her up. She loved it so much and it didn’t hurt that she had four friends from church there too!

Beautiful Camri, have a great year!!

She gets it from her Dad…

We believe in teaching our kids young. I encourage them to read, and Joe encourages them to read about something that will help them improve and grow and advance….either that or become a superhero.

See?

True love.

Power Out! The Show Must Go On!

Today was an interesting day of Church. Lightening struck a pole at Silver Mesa Elementary and 750 homes are without power. Church was modified with one hour of meetings and then a 35-40 min Sacrament meeting. I thought the Bishop did a nice job during the confusion. President Savage spoke for about 5-7 minutes and gave a great testimony. I appreciate these men that have been called to preside over us.

What I was looking for in a bride....

What a great mom!

Back to School Part One

Today’s the day. The kids are back in school. Well, most of them. Camri starts next Monday. She’s anxious to go, but I’m glad I get one more week with her.

Up early, dressed and ready, lunches made, water bottles filled, pancakes eaten, family prayer…it will be the easiest morning of the year because there is no homework. Well, except for the paper Emma was supposed to bring today that I found when I finally got the mail….after they left. Oops. Guess I should’ve checked the box on Saturday.

They were buzzing with excitement and anticipation of the new year. Beau even put his backpack on and couldn’t wait to join them at school. When Daddy took the kids to school, Beau had a major meltdown. He wanted his friends back. Thank goodness Camri was still here…next week is going to be a doozy when he loses her too.

Here is my beautiful sixth grader….this year she will rule the school, in a nice, kind, gentle, loving way of course.

My darling fourth grader. She’s gonna have fun, I can tell…

My handsome second grader. He just looks old to me.

And we can’t forget the littles.

Baby Annie missed out on the fun, but I know she’ll miss these guys during the day.

We had a great summer, I’m sad to see it go. But, I’m excited for the challenges a new school year brings. Good luck my darlings!