Back to School

Today was our official first day of school for all the kids. Cape started last week, so it was actually Madi's fifth day, but she joined us in all the excitement of the morning! 

Spencer was in San Diego for work so it was just me getting everyone off to school. Breakfast, hair, lunches, pictures - all before 7:40am . . .  it was quite the busy morning! And it didn't help that the kids were more interested in checking out all the rat traps that Spencer had set the night before - especially since we caught one!! I was shocked our pictures actually turned out! 

Mali's at Cape in Ms. Scheimer's class and loving it. 

Elle is at Tierra Linda (still on the waiting list for Cape) in Mrs. Bowen's class. 

Cal is in Peep at Dos Caminos in Ms. Barbara's class again (because she's so wonderful)! He goes Monday- Thursday from 12-3pm. 

Off they go . . .

I figured I'll get about an hour and a half to myself every afternoon while James is sleeping and before I have to leave to get Elle at 2pm. I sure love these kids, but boy have I been anxious to get a break. Everyone talks about how sad they are that summer is over but I'm just exhausted. The go go go of summer and kids constantly in my space had me more than ready for school to start back up. The kids were ready for school too. It's gonna be a great year! 

6 months!

James contines to be our angel baby. He is seriously a dream - always happy and smiling. Several times I've been out running errands with him facing forward in the Bjorn and people at the grocery store, bank, post office (wherever) can't focus on what I'm asking/telling them because James will just sit there and smile at them.

He's entered the good/easy stage. He goes down great for naps and bed - no more rocking/bouncing required. He's gotten more interactive with books which is fun. I always try to read stories before naps and bed. Then I nurse him (which usually puts him to sleep) and lay him down. I'm working on laying him down awake. He always wakes up once at night - usually around 2am - then up at 6:30am. He usually takes two 3 hour naps or 3 shorter naps if we're on the go. I love how happy and content he is after a good nap. He's always so chill and quiet hanging out in his bed that we always have to go in and check on him to see if he's awake.

James started eating solids right before leaving on our trip (so right after turning 5 months). First rice cereal, then oatmeal, then peas, and now squash.

He is also starting to sit up unassisted. I think we've counted 20 seconds he can sit by himself before falling over. He just keeps getting better and better every day.

Almost half of this past month was spent on a midwest family road trip to Kansas, Michigan and Nauvoo.  James was a total champ with all the driving/flying/different beds/change of schedule/naps on the go/new faces/etc.  I was so surprised and happy at how well he did.

 

Oh how we love LovE loVE this sweet, happy, baby boy!! I really am cherishing every second wth him!

Ventura County Fair

I usually just hit up Dollar days for the fair which is the first Wednesday that the fair opens. But this year we were given full priced entrance tickets to the fair as well as a ton of ride tickets so we decided to go on a Saturday, so that Spencer could come along with us. I loved being able to go as a whole family.  

It was such a fun day. We saw tons of animals, watched the pig races, watched a middle school spelling bee, rode lots of rides, (Elle conquered her fear of the swings), played a couple carnival games, and completed a huge world map puzzle (with the help of 2 other moms who joined in). I couldn't have asked for a better day.

Elle's 7th Birthday!

My baby girl is 7! Birthdays always make me feel super nostalgic. It seems like yesterday that Elle was turning 2. This sweet girl has melted my heart since the day she was born. 

Elle got an early birthday celebration in Brentwood the week before her birthday

Cute LuLaRoe skirt from Gram

Barbie from Gram Rox

And a scooter from Papa!

Her actual birthday was on a Sunday this year. 

I skipped out of ward council so we could celebrate with waffles and presents. 

She got sung to in primary and got to blow out her "candles"

Boppi and Grandpa Al joined us in the evening for dinner. Elle requested taco salad! 

Presents from Boppi and Grandpa: a frog catch game, a fun coloring book for girls, and this adorable bag

The Terry's and Beede's joined us afterwards for dessert. Elle choose butterscotch dessert this year!

What a treat to have all these cousins here to help celebrate! 

What a fun birthday celebration for my sweet Elle Belle! I can't say enough wonderful things about this girl of ours. She's kind, loving, giving, fun, playful, and always looking to do good. I feel so blessed to have her in our lives!