I'm a twin

"Um, Mrs. Teacher?"
"Kasidee, why are you crying?"
"Mrs. Teacher, I am a twin, and my brother is in Mrs. D's class."
"Yes, I know, his name is Parker right?"
"Yes, and sometimes Parker gets sad when he isn't with me or my mom. (sniffle, sniffle)"
"Oh, he does?  Well, how about we walk over and peek in his window to make sure he is ok."
"I think we need to."
(walk over, peek in window, all is well)
"Ok, we can go back to class now, my twin brother is ok. (big smiles, dry eyes)"

I love having twins!!!

not just dad

Mark got the IPhone4.  He wasn't the only one who was excited to play with all the apps and bells and whistles.  He kept recording the kids singing songs and beat boxing, then playing it back to them.  It doesn't take much to entertain a group 33 and younger.

Backtrack...the week before school started

After having a whole summer of playing and family, my kids had a really hard time playing together for the one week before school started. 

This was a 10 minute window of kind words, no time-outs, and no hitting...it needed to be captured!

This little monster is getting her two front teeth in, so she has been a bear.  She wants to be held 24/7!

Zoe was very happy to see everyone come home, I think she thought we abandoned her...but then after we were home for 20 minutes, I think she missed the peace and quiet.  She was "loved" by all the kids the whole week!

away from mom

This little girl could not wait to wear her Hannah Montana shirt from her cousin for the first day of preschool.

She also thought it was pretty cool that she gets to bring a lunch to school, just like her older brother and sister.

My little girl is growing up.  I can't keep her home forever, even though she is my big helper and I would love to.  I am excited for her to experience life away from mom for a couple hours.  She is ready.

A break from your normal programing...

I am not quite finished with my AZ posts, but I had to blog about the first day of school.

We started first grade today.  No more Kindergarten, it has been a long time coming (P and K did Kinder twice).  They are excited about their new teachers, but more importantly, excited about...

Their backpacks!!!

No really, he's seriously excited about his backpack!

Oh yeah, and going into 1st.

We had a FHE last night about being a "light," being a good example at school.  She is definitely glowing this morning.

Why is it that I was just as anxious and nervous this morning as I dropped them off at the back door (no more Kinder door)?  I love that school is starting, schedules are starting, and we are going to be busy doing good things...but it is a little sad to say goodbye to summer.  Especially since we are saying hello to...

potty training!  Wish us luck!

Good Friends

We were so lucky to be able to meet up with some really good friends from Utah State while we were in AZ.  Kevin and Mark were in the Masters program together, and it just so happens that Kevin and Marshall (Mark's brother) were mission companions. 

We all got together and went out to dinner.  I don't think I have laughed so much in a long time!

I just wanted one picture of the boys together, is that too much to ask?!?!?

I mean really!!

Are you kidding me?!?!?

Just one!!!

OUT OF CONTROL!!!

The girls were much more cooperative!

Tempe Splash Park

We visited the Tempe splash park, it was awesome!  We have lots of splash parks here in TX, but this one takes 1st place in my book.

All ages had a blast...including the little 8 month old.

Bailey was running from station to station, she couldn't get enough.

Cuteness!

Kas helping Reilynn enjoy herself, what a great sister!

Syd, Maryn, and Parker played a mean game of follow the leader.

Thanks Michelle for the cute picture!

Cuteness again!

CANNON BALL!!!

No matter what "move" they were doing as they jumped off the diving board, they would yell..."CANNON BALL!"  It was pretty cute.

 Here is Natalie, "Cannon Ball."

 And Addison, "Cannon Ball!"

  And Preston, "Cannon Ball...oh, wait, maybe not."

 "Mom I want to CANNON BALL!"
 "No, you can't.  You are my baby, and you can't possibly be old enough to CANNON BALL." 
"What if I just cannon ball?"
"Ok, but you have to wear your arm floaties, a life jacket, and this star floatation device!"

Reilynn loved this little pool.  It was perfect for her.  She kept splashing and throwing toys into the water.  I could almost imagine her yelling, "CANNON BALL."  She already wants to be part of the group so bad.  She is growing up fast!

Cousins

 This is the best part of Arizona...cousins, cousins, and more cousins!

Aunt Michelle hosted a fun sleepover.  They had ice cream, watched 2 movies, and stayed up way late.  For 2 seven year olds and a four year old, life does not get better than that!

AWESOME

Cousin sandwiches, torturing Uncle Marshall, Grandma Judy's birthday, movie nights, all of Grandma and Grandad's toys...AWESOME!!!

never ending fun

The fun didn't stop in WA...we had so much fun with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles in AZ too!!! One of their aunts found this great deal: we got to go to this indoor (which was a huge bonus in the heat) amusement park for only a dollar instead of 9. All we had to do was go up to the guy and say "JAMBO." The kids had a great time riding ride after ride after ride. I was getting sick just watching them!

The end of WA

Here are the last of our WA pics. What an amazing trip! We got to create so many memories and renew relationships that are so important! I got to go out on a "date" with my mom. We got pedicures and went to a movie. Girl bonding time...the BEST! The next night Dustin, Brian and I got to go out on a "date" and see a movie too. I don't get to hang out with my brothers very often, it was awesome. Thanks everyone for making the visit such a fun, unforgettable time!

now to AZ

Now we are off to Arizona.  We had so much fun in WA, seeing family, enjoying the nice weather!  I still have a few pictures to upload, but it will have to wait until we are back home in TX.

Speaking of family, we are so excited to spend some time with Mark's family.  I don't know about enjoying the weather though (it was 109 today), I guess it is going to ease us back into nasty humid hot TX.

Pictures to come later....

Here's the rest

A very nice couple in my parents ward have a small horse ranch. They were nice enough to saddle up 6 horses for us to ride. The kids had so much fun riding and leading the horses.

I think I had the most fun though!!! I love riding horses. I was very sore the next morning, but it was worth it!!!