Cousin Time

My sister, Ashli, spent a week without children in Kauai with her husband. After surviving law school and the bar exam, they deserved it. So we had some quality time with my nephew, Mikey. He & Camille were little buddies and made each other laugh all day long. I must say that it was pretty fun to have a little boy in my house for a few days.

We're in trouble

She's only 9. Need I say more?

So sad.....

I had 6 days in a row without any nausea!!!! And then Saturday night it returned and has insisted on hanging around. I'm just so sad. But you should've seen what I accomplished in those 6 days!!!! Superwoman made a quick appearance. Hope she returns.

Back to School

The girls are back in school and I can't believe how quiet my house is! Natalie started 7th grade at the middle school. What a big step for her and our family. She was quite nervous but has gotten the hang of things already and reconnected with friends from school and from our stake.

Allyson is in 4th grade. She walked ahead of us the entire way to school and then disappeared to her classroom without even saying goodbye. Confident! There are only two 4th grade classes at our school so she knows practically everyone and was excited to reconnect.

Amanda took the plunge into 1st grade. She's now in school all day long and handling it very well. It's going to be a great year.

Little Camille noticed the girls with their backpacks so she ran over and grabbed the spare one and insisted on walking the entire way to school. Even after tripping and scraping her knee, she did NOT want me to carry her or put her in the stroller. She was as big as her sisters! Since the first day of school she's tried to leave with them every morning and is so sad when she isn't allowed out the front door.

What do you think?

Water Park Fun

Just a few pictures of our major outing before school starts on Monday. The extra friend is Lauren, whom Natalie met while on her cruise in the Galapagos Islands. We were thrilled to be able to have her come stay with us for a few days.

She's Terrible.... Whoops, I Mean She's TWO!

Why don't I have mellow, happy-to-be-here, content, relaxed children? Why do my children know EXACTLY what they want and are determined to get to their goals? Why are my children so intense? I mean, really. I am the most mellow person I know. I go with the flow. I adjust easily and am happy with whatever happens.

And then there's this little magical spell that happens at the age of 2. Every personality quirk intensifies! Oh, you should see this little Camille. (Actually, she's quite tall and has large hands and feet. She's really not small) I don't know how to describer her............... Quirky. That's the best word. Some days she'll tell you what the cow says and other days she'll look at you like "That was a stupid question. I'm not going to waste my time answering you."

Some days she runs around laughing and playing and other days there is nothing that will even break a smile on her face. (Tempting to throw her back in bed) Some days she's the greatest eater and other days she holds out thinking I'll give in to her demands for candy. (Not this mom. I'm tough. Stop laughing.)

But I have to say that we have all thoroughly enjoyed having this little girl as part of our family. We love watching her grow and we all get a kick out of her quirkiness. And because of her, my other girls can't wait to welcome another baby into our home.

Yellowstone

53 of my aunts, uncles & cousins gathered together in Yellowstone National Park for a wonderful family reunion. Since my grandparents passed away almost 2 years ago, this is the first time we have all been together. What a joy. The relationships are strong and FUN! You should've seen all the little kids running around. That used to be us. Now we're the grown-ups keeping kids in line while our parents sit back and enjoy being grandparents. My grandpa & grandma Guymon built a beautiful family with ties that are strong. What a blessing.

Summer Wipe Out

We have 7 days left of summer. Where did the time go? I'll tell you where it went for me - down the toilet..... literally. We are having baby #5 and I have never been this sick before. I've spent more time lying down, trying to settle my stomach and running to the bathroom than I have enjoying the swimming pool, lazy days or fun activities that summer should be. Oh well. Must mean the baby is healthy. Due date: mid-February. (Pray for a boy)