When did they get so big?

First day of school! 8/31/09. Emma starts 4th grade! wow! Ethan started kindergarten! They grew up way too fast! Both were very excited to get back to school. I am thankful my kids LOVE school. Ella tells me she wants to go too. She had to have her picture by the front door also.

Here is Ethan lined up by his classroom. He looks mad but the sun was right in his face so he couldn't look at me very well.

I did fine until his teacher told them to wave to their parents and went inside. I started to cry after that.

Cabbage anyone?

Emma started this cabbage many months ago from a seed. We picked it tonight and it weighs around 6 lbs. I think we might be eating some Corned Beef and Cabbage very soon. Good job Emma. It is fun and satisfying to eat what you grow.

Camping with the Grandparents

Grandma & Grandpa Oregon were back this weekend returning our kids. I can't believe they were gone almost the whole summer. School starts in a week so we thought it would be fun to go camping at least once this summer! Overall it was fun, but there were a few frustrating moments, which can be expected camping with a 2 year old.

Here is Ella with dirty hands and a few minutes later realized her feet were dirty also. So grandpa being the nice guy he is put on her tennis shoes.

Here is Ella all happy again, clean hands and feet. Notice she has like 4 bandaids on her knees, this kid trips ALOT!


We tried out Dutch Ovens for the first time. Nathan did a great job figuring it out. We had a roast with potatoes, carrots and onions. . . .

and cherry cobbler for dessert. soooo good!

After Ella went to bed Nathan, Emma, Ethan and I walked down to the river. We ended up seeing some bright red fish swimming up stream.

It wouldn't be camping if you didn't play in the fire.

Emma was quite the monkey. Ethan was not as lucky.

What a small world! We ended up seeing my good friend Mike. He was nice enough to take some of the guys from church four-wheeling so he hung out with us while they were out having some fun.

Our Family Temple Sealing

On July 25th, our 11 year wedding anniversary, Nathan and I were sealed to each other and our children for time and all eternity. What an awesome day it was, I can't even put it in words how special and emotional it was for us. Our kids looked so beautiful and pure in their white temple clothes. The ceremony was short but Ella had a hard time standing there. She was too busy asking Grandma Richards if she had any candy.

I would like to thank everyone who supported us going to the temple and for all those that participated in our Temple Sealing and reception. We have great family and friends. We really appreciate everyones love and support.

Summer S'mores

We had Nathan's parents and grandparents in town for our Temple Sealing so we bought a fire pit to make some s'mores. They were very good but very messy as you can see below.