Will helping Papa work.

Thank you, Abba!

Juliet LOVED the tramp!

Charlie LOVED the bunnies!

Willa's turn!

Back yard boy time with Papa!

Willa's 5th birthday party at the circus! Thanks, Auntie Alex, for taking this shot!

Liza scored the fastest words per minute in the whole school last week...220! Go Liza!!

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Jonah's first day as goalie!

Liza knows how to drum up a party!

Will's first days as a violinist!

The Jon Schmidt concert at Red Butte was unbelievable. Biggest goosebumps came from the flash mob orchestra that was (unbeknownst to all of us in the audience) seated among us grouped by instrument. The song began with 10 cellos in stage and little by little, groups of instrumentalists popped up all over the hill and joined in. By the end there were clarinets, violins, violas, percussionists, and horns standing and adding their orchestral voices to the song. It was amazing! The whole night was absolutely amazing!

Today was our first official day of homeschool and I loved it to pieces. It was one of my favorite days EVeR. Liza and I studied nomads, the ancient writings of the Egyptians and Sumarians, Egyptian Gods and hieroglyphics. Here she is coloring a map of Egypt. We spent time at the library, the craft store and mostly at home in one of the most fulfilling days as a mother I have had. We loved learning and just being together. I can't wait for next Thursday!

By the time the boys got home, we were ready to craft papyrus scrolls and clay tablets with "carvings" on them. We only had about 40 minutes at the school table before we had to head out for guitar and soccer, but they all jumped right in and worked intensely in order to finish. These kids are so delightful. I just marveled at how thankful I am to be their mama as I watched them work away. I will miss these days so much when they are gone!

Jonah to Will (after reading a book with vampires in it): If I was a vampire, I wouldn't suck your blood. Even if I was thirsty I wouldn't want to bite you."

So sweet :)



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Will at soccer after scoring his first goal tonight! Go WILL!!!!!

First Graders on Constitution Day at school!

Papa and Abba leaving for Seattle.

Will making his circus birthday party invitations !

Happy Jones!

Happy Dane!

Liza and new friend Hannah whipping up some fondant in the kitchen

Anna volunteering at Jessa and Will's preschool

Will's soccer fan club (plus mama)

Will's first soccer team, the Tiger Sharks!

Kate and Jase at the Red Rock Relay

The Ridgetop Primary Presidency after a very fun popsicle party with the kids!

First Day of school Fondue!

Will, this morning after his first soccer game (last night): Mom, I want to out on my soccer clothes.

Mom: Why, honey?

Will: Because they make me run really fast!

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Will loves climbing the tree outside of piano lessons'

Will and Jessa heading in to their first day of preschool!

Dane in the treehouse

Grandpa pushing Will!

We got to be with Grandpa Franklin for a few hours yesterday.
The kids loves feeding apples to the horses, swinging on his rope swing and playing in the treehouse!

Almost everyday, Liza takes her motor scooter for a ride on Ridgetop Lane, a flat, long street near our home.

Liza's first day of 6th grade at Orchard Elementary!

Happy birthday Will!

THOR cake

Happy to see Abba!

Will on his 5th birthday! He had waffles with jam for breakfast (his fave), opened presents (new bike!), played with new toys, went to a show with the family, had lasagna for dinner (another fave!) and got sang to by Papa, Abba, Justice, Elsie and Jessa, blew out his candles and ate Thor cake! At the end of the day, we all watched a movie of the day he was born; we are so thankful he came to us.

Jonah added his creativity to the mix! He also made scorpion punchers out of a broken hula hoop-so brilliant!

Dane's latest invention-a face mask made from bionicle pieces! He is now working on bionic clothing for himself; this kid is an inventor!

Summer's Earnings!

Liza doing Jessa's hair :)

5 bunnies!

Shakespearian treats!

Girls trip! We went away to the Shakespearian Festival in Cedar City overnight! The highlight of the trip was Les Mis, which was a Broadway-caliber production. We also saw Scapin, a comedy on the lighter side, and enjoyed great conversation on the long car rides down and back.

Kids at Lava!

Cute friends on our trip to Lava Hot Springs for river running and a soak in the hot pots. We had the best time with the Jensens and Carmans.

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