Abby's a First Grader!

So I only teared up two times this morning. The tears actually never flowed down the cheeks, thank goodness! My pregnancy hormones and the realization that my little girl is getting BIG and she will be in school most of the day just washed over me. Also, thanks to the insight of an elderly woman at Costco who helped me realize how lucky I am to have Abby (as well as my cute little boys). It shouldn't have taken this woman to remind me of how lucky I am to have such a beautiful helper. But, it did and it helped me out immensely. The boys and I are going to miss her during the day! I'm so lucky to have this little girl in my life! And, yes, I need to remember this feeling as I'm struggling with attitude (already) and tantrums! :-)

Surprisingly a cake I wouldn't eat!

I love sweets. I love my sweet children. I love the cakes they made me for my birthday, but I definitely would not eat them. The pictures will explain. . . but how darling were they for making cakes with candles for me?

Sandy Aquarium

Last week the kids and I were able to also go to the Sandy Aquarium with part of the McDermott family and two children who lived next door to us. We had a lot of fun exploring! (I do want to point out that the picture of Will at the sting ray tank shows him pulling on the ray's tail! Seriously, that boy. . .!) Also, I loved how Ezra was willing to touch the starfish. So cute!

We sure miss those fun people but are so glad we live only 20 minutes away and can keep these friendships alive. Even though we're not too far away, oh how I miss my sweet, sweet neighbor, DeAnna. Everyone needs a neighbor and friend like her. She has helped me out so much and I appreciate her kindness and sweet example.

That's My Boy!

Just two nights ago, Eric took Will to the Clarke Planetarium for a little one-on-one time. Will has been wanting to go all summer. The boys enjoyed the exhibits--Will especially enjoyed "walking" on the moon and Mars. After fun at the exhibits, Eric took Will to the show in the dome room. It turns out the daytime fun show for children wasn't showing in the evening, so Eric and Will got to listen to a young man give fact after fact about the universe, etc. Will was the youngest one BY FAR out of about 15 people. Of course Will had a million questions himself, like, "Is that the actual size of the Milky Way," etc, etc. When the young man finished his presentation ("dry" according to Eric), he asked if anyone had questions. Will blurted out, "When is the boring part going to be done?" Eric said you could hear quite a few snickers in the room! Sometimes Will's lack of "filters" drives me crazy, but sometimes the lack of them really keeps things interesting! Hmmm. . . I doubt his Kindergarten teacher has any idea who's coming her way!

Overheard this week

Abby: "Mom, blind people must be sad that they aren't able to see this beautiful world." (driving home from Red Butte Garden)

Will: "I bet Satan gets a LOT of coal every Christmas." (during church)

I love these kids! I'm excited for them to start a new school year, but I'm really going to miss them, too. I'm sure Ezra and the new baby will keep me busy enough that I won't have time to miss them too much!

Our 13th (!) Anniversary

Yesterday was our 13th wedding anniversary. I can't believe it's been that long. Time sure flies! We are planning to celebrate tomorrow by eating at "The Roof" (a very nice buffet on the 10th or 15th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building that overlooks Temple Square). I look forward to the company, food, and views! Included in this post is our original engagement picture taken at Corona del Mar by Eric's brother, Matt. What babies we were!

I also wanted to include 13 things that I love about Eric:

1. I love how he feels the need to fold any gum, candy, etc. wrapper into a tiny knot or origami figure.

2. I love how he comes home happy to see his family.

3. I love how he gives me foot massages almost every night!

4. I love how he cooks on the weekend.

5. I love how he supports me in having my own time when I feel like I need it.

6. I love how he literally knows almost everything. He's my walking encyclopedia.

7. I love how he remembers movie or tv lines.

8. I love the karate-like face he makes when being silly.

9. I love his laugh.

10. I love how he loves his children and how they react when he comes home from work.

11. I love how he likes to take me on dates.

12. I love how he mouths, "Help me," when the kids are driving him crazy.

13. I love how he lets me be me and still loves me!

Swimming Lessons Slideshow

Swimming Lessons

Today marked the end of swimming lessons for Abby and Will. I have mixed feelings. After a total of four weeks, I'm glad that I don't have to keep Ezra out of the beautiful flower beds and pool. On the other hand, it has been SO FUN watching Abby and Will improve with their skills and how comfortable they have become in the water. It's comforting to know they have some possible lifesaving skills under their belt, too. After paying extra for these swimming lessons, versus going to the public pools, I'm so FOR paying extra! The teachers have been wonderful, the pool and surroundings were beautiful, and my children learned TONS. Abby and Will already can't wait for next summer! Here are some pictures of my little fishies and my little shadow friend (Ezra) at swimming lessons.