Sun Valley

Several months ago Dan was slated to attend a conference in

Sun Valley, Idaho.

Although I felt a little guilty for leaving the kids again,

this quick trip had been on the calendar for awhile.

I have to say, it was a much needed break for the two of us.

Even though you never really leave the kids completely

(or the bishop duties),

we crammed a lot of fun into our weekend.

One of the highlights was hiking Bald Mountain.
This ladder of sorts was built into the mountainside which leads to
a viewing platform called Ketchum Overlook.

We soaked in the beauty around us and spent all day Saturday outside. The weather was amazingly warm and although the fall colors are not as vibrant as they are in Utah, it was delightful nonetheless.

Julia Update

Thanks to Mrs. Whatcott's Class Blog for the picture! Julia loves the fourth grade.

She adores her teacher.

She has lots of friends in her class.

Her favorite part of last week was celebrating 100% on her Utah Geography test with a

giant Utah-shaped sugar cookie.

The sugar cookie had the major cities and landmarks labeled--impressive.

Even nicer was the fact that Julia came home and willingly shared her cookie with anyone,

which of course became everyone.

Thanks J.J.

Homecoming 2009

Homecoming is tonight and Emily is a senior--I'm in mourning over it.

We knew before her date even arrived that the "man flower" was going to give us major problems...and it did. Dan, my go to guy in these things, and who actually pinned the "man flower" on Emily's prom date was missing in action (BYU football game).

James and Emily

My gorgeous girl wearing her 1960's vintage dress.

What fun memories!

Who Took My Camera?

Take a wild guess...

She knows how to actually operate it...

and edit when necessary...

I am so clueless...

Maybe I should just give it to her?

Thank You Betty Crocker

I love how there are so many more gluten-free products at the regular grocery store!

It used to be that I had to shop two or three speciality stores to get gluten free products.

No more...

The girls came home from school today and had a sampling of the brownies and chocolate chip cookies from Betty. We all gave them a big thumbs up!

My Girl

My girl Hilary is doing great post-op!

Thanks for your love and prayers...

test results in a few days.

Random Highlights

It's been one of those weeks...

a lot going on!

Emily answered her homecoming date with a resounding YES and

received her vintage 1960's dress in the mail for the dance.

She looks amazing in it...pictures at a later date.

Dan and I...

not sure what I am doing but it looks like I am gritting my teeth?

Perfect running weather on Saturday morning for the race.

My favorite moment of the week (thanks Emi)!

This photo perfectly captures Hannah...

middle of the 5k and she is smiling and gesturing all the way

to the finish line.

My New Job

For the first time since I've had kids,

I'm working outside of the homestead

and

(drum roll please...)

I love it!

I get to go to school every morning with this one here...

but I get to head home three hours later.

I spend the first two hours of the school day with darling first graders and

the final hour of my "work day" with inquisitive fifth graders.

The highlight of my work day is seeing Julia walking hand in hand with a friend

or running up to me for quick hug. It really is an ideal set up.

I am hoping this job stint helps me decide if getting a teaching certificate is something I want to pursue in the future.

For now, I enjoy being the second in command and soaking in all the differences between first and fifth graders.