Knotts Berry Farm

This trip to California we decided to go to Knotts Berry Farm instead of Disneyland. The kids had never been there before and we thought they might like some of the bigger roller coasters. It just so happened that our good friends the Barton's and the Holley's were there that week too so we all went together.

It was a hot, humid day but we practically had the place to ourselves.

Evelyn giving Snoopy a hug!

These two boys loved the Log Ride. They rode on it over and over again, without even getting off since there was no one in line. It reminded me so much of my brother Adam. When I was a little girl my dad took Adam and I to Knott's. After the very first ride, Montezuma's Revenge, we lost Adam. We found him 8 hours later on the log ride. He had been going back and forth between those two rides the whole time!

Some rides were a bit slower than I remembered but they were perfect for Evelyn.

Most of the big rides Evelyn had to sit out for. She had a lot of fun with other things, though.

The Barton's, the Smith's, and the Holley's

I'm not a fan of huge roller coasters anymore. I guess it's old age. But I was happy to take Evelyn on all the kiddy rides at Camp Snoopy. Meanwhile my 8 year old sat in the front row of the biggest, fastest, scariest roller coasters and loved every minute of it. It's nice to know my previous enthusiasm for wild rides lives on in some of my children.

Evelyn makes the silliest faces. It's almost impossible to get her to just smile.

Good thing Will and Alan were there to move Evelyn along.

One last ride before the park closed at 6 pm. It was a little early but I didn't mind. Without long lines we managed to get on every ride more than once. I think everyone got there fill.

Aladdin

We've started a tradition of going to see a show at the Tuacahn outdoor theater every year. This year we decided to see Aladdin on our way down to California for my 20 year high school reunion.

At the last minute Ryan decided to stay at the hotel with Evelyn. I was secretly glad I got to go to the show with the kids. I really love it.

The performances are always so impressive. We were on the sixth row and had a perfect view of the stage. It was great! But there was quite a bit more singing and dancing than we had expected. Austin got a little antsy towards the end. He was hoping for more action but this show was more humor less action.

After the show was over a storm rolled in and it rained all night. We had to put our luggage in a soaking wet storage carrier for the drive to California. Good thing the condo we rented had a washer and dryer.

Dallin's First Cross Country Meet

Dallin's first cross country meet was a district meet with all the local jr. high's. He says he doesn't like running but I think he looks like a natural!

Lap 1

Lap 2

Coming in for the finish!

The First Day of School!

School started on Aug. 21st. I wasn't able to get a picture of Dallin and Cameron before they ran out the door. Cameron was so nervous about trying to make it to all of her classes on time and being able to open her locker. But she did great!

I had fun taking Eden and Austin to school. They were so excited to meet their teachers and find out who was in their class. Lucky for them both of their best friends are in their classes this year.

It's That Time of Year Again

Last year Austin had Mrs. Lyman for his teacher. We loved her! She did a great job managing her enthusiastic class and helping Austin be a better reader. I was happy to see that Austin does really well in class. He doesn't talk to much and is a good listener. But he is also a great friend and had a lot of fun playing at recess with his buddies.

Eden absolutely adored her teacher Mrs. Blackhurst. She is about as sweet as you can get. She made Eden feel loved and special. She also helped Eden improve in reading and math. Eden had so many friends in her class she almost didn't know what to do. It was fun, fun, fun, everyday.

Cameron had Mr. Gull. He was a great teacher but has since moved on to bigger opportunities. He is at another school this year preparing for an administration position. Cameron had a lot of huge projects that she accomplished with style (and without procrastinating). She definitely proved she's ready for Jr. High.

Dallin finished his first year of Jr. High with almost all A's. He only got one B because he missed a presentation due to a play performance and the teacher wouldn't let him make it up. I'm really proud of him, though. He worked really hard and stayed on top of all of his assignments. He loved not being stuck in the same classroom all day with the same kids. He made some new friends and had some great experiences.

Last Campout

Ryan promised Austin he would take him camping before school started up again. Austin really wanted all the kids to go. It took a little convincing to get All of them but we did it. Even if some preteen girls weren't too happy about it.

Austin begged Ryan for weeks to take him to Stokes to buy this shovel he saw. They haven't been separated much since he got it.

I think they heard something in the forest.

Rise and shine sleepy heads!

Our Anniversary Gift

While we were in Colorado for our anniversary Ryan's cousin Elise stayed with the kids. We got a wonderful surprise when we came home Sunday night. Elise had taken pictures of the kids, had them decorate mats with their hand prints, framed them and wrapped them for Ryan and I to open. It was the perfect anniversary present. Here are some of the shots that she took...