Little Dancer!

So, this was Lily's first week of ballet/tap class. I am not a mother that ever encouraged dancing (I am so not a dancer) but Lily has wanted to do it for a while now, so I finally broke down and signed her up for a class. Lily tried on her shoes and leotard so she could practice the night before class started, and she searched all morning for the bag she wanted to carry her shoes in for class. Once we got there - she was in heaven!! And I have to admit she was so darn cute to watch and actually did very well in her class. She may be the ballerina/dancer I swore I would never have. Jason and I never wanted to have to participate in the recitals, costumes, make-up, etc. but with 3 little girls I guess we are bound to have at least one! :)

Lily - ready for class!!

 

She found the perfect bag to fit her ballet and tap shoes.

 

Nice pose!!

 

Mia Starts 1st Grade

This past week Mia started 1st grade! It was a big week for her and she was very ready to get back to the school routine (and so was mom). Summer was fun, but we had lots of togetherness and Mia and Lily were ready for a break from each other. :) Mia was excited to find out that she has several friends in her class this year. The year is starting off with a sub because her teacher had a baby a few days before school started, so we're excited for her to get back to teaching. But it was a great week and she loves everything about 1st grade!! The sad part for me was realizing how fast she is growing up -- the first day of school she wasn't that sure she wanted me to walk her all the way into class. I told her I was because I wanted to meet some of the other kids and take some pictures. She made me promise that the next day I wouldn't walk her into school. She is 6, and already she doesn't want her mother around.

My first grader!

 

In class on the first day of school.

 

Mia's new bike she got for riding to school this year.

 

We love UTAH in August

We just got back from a fantastic 2 weeks in Utah. There is no better time to escape the heat of Texas than in August. We loved the time we spent playing with friends and family, camping, hiking, shopping, eating out and being outside without sweating to death. In fact one day we were swimming at meemaw's condo and Lily wouldn't get in the water because it was too cold - she is truly a Texan now. The main reason we went and stayed so long was to help my mom after her foot surgery. She had to have her foot reconstructed after dealing with lots of pain and a wearing a walking boot for the past year. The girls were sweet and gentle with her and were very interested in her cast. We were able to get her out and about during the day - the girls favorite part was pushing her around stores in the wheelchair. :)

We spent the first weekend camping in the Uinta's with Jason's family. Incredible scenery and weather!! The girls and Jason had a blast. I enjoyed the time away, but camping while pregnant isn't the most enjoyable experience - especially trying to sleep at night in the tent. But we made it, and we all loved the hikes we were able to do.

It was great to spend time with friends and family that we don't see very often. We stay in Bountiful, but we always find ourselves spending lots of time in Park City - we love it up there. I was also able to take the girls to see temple square and to the children's museum one day. They amazed me with how much they learn at church and could tell me as we walked around talking about the temple and looking at the pictures and exhibits in the museum. I am so blessed to have such amazing and smart little girls.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip - probably since this was my last getaway before our new baby girl arrives. I took full advantage of eating at my favorite places, shopping for cute baby stuff and taking long morning walks as I took in the peaceful, beautiful scenery and the cool, crisp morning air. This was our first long trip to UT where I wasn't totally ready to come home. The girls have gotten to such a great traveling age. I hope to stay as long, or longer, next summer. I forget how much I do miss the dry climate, cool mornings and evenings, super green mountains, etc. But coming home has been nice, too. And we only had a few days to get ready for school to start. 1st grade - here comes Mia!!

The girls at temple square - love the summer flowers.

 

Mia, Lily and meemaw (and her cast)!!

 

I didn't take nearly enough pictures, but here are some of what I have.