1st Day of 1st Grade

Briley has been waiting for this moment - even though it seems she just finished Kindergarten. We met her teacher, Ms. Clarke, yesterday and B thought she was 'very pretty'. She seems like a fun teacher and we are looking forward to the school year. I was a bit teary eyed watching my little girl stand in line to go into class. I'm proud of her, of course, but will miss her during the day. What will our Sweet Casa de Chaos be without her here? Abbey will have a bit of separation anxiety but she, too, will start school next Tuesday. She and her best friend, Thad, will begin preschool together. Abbey wants to marry Thad, ya know. It's great to have such a good friend to grow up with and I can't wait to see them start school. And then, of course, there is Sam....our stinky boy!

Briley's Big Ride

Dalton took Briley on her first big bike ride last week to the neighborhood splash pad. It's about 5 miles round trip! She walked a small leg on the way but rode all the way home. They stopped and talked to some horses - Briley's favorite animals. I drove the little ones and met them there. There were tons of seagulls and Sam was very interested in them. Abbey used to love just getting soaked but has since become a little stand off(ish) when running through the water. We took the boys across the street and went for ice cream afterward. It was a good afternoon.

Sam's First Bike Ride

We broke out the bike trailer, cleaned it out and Sam went for a joy ride. He was very interested with getting in and out but once the bike ride started, he was fairly neutral.

1st Day of School and Last Day of School

Oh my goodness - our girls have grown so much!!! One thing that hasn't changed, Briley is still all legs! They are just sweet sisters - good friends and protect each other. What will Abbey do with her afternoon time once Briley starts 1st grade and is in school until 4pm?

The older kids having fun at Sam's party.

Sam's 1st Birthday

Well, he had a rough first week but the rest of his first year was filled with much joy and laughter. I am sad to see his baby moments behind us but thankful that we will have many years of happiness to come with our little man.

Abbey turns 3

Abbey loves a party! She was so excited to hear everyone sing Happy Birthday that she sang as well. Nauni, Rusty and Caileb came over to have cake and ice cream with us.

Briley's 6th B-day

OK, just trying to play catch up here! These are from Briley's 6th b-day party at Boondocks. She had a blast celebrating with her friends. The day after her party, she was planning for her 7th b-day party.

The Rodeo Queen...or so she tells us.

Recently, Briley's favorite movie has become Flicka. She has always had a love for horses and has had the occupation of cowgirl on her list of things to be when she grows up. She got this movie from her Granddaddy and Granddmommy for her b-day back in Feb but has never watched it until this week. Why? Because it wasn't about a princess or a cartoon. :) So, we finally sat down to watch the movie and, of course, she loved it. The day after, this pic was taken. She had just woken up, came down for breakfast dressed in the cowgirl dress my Gamma made from Gypsy when she was little, her cowgirl boots and cowgirl hat. She was ready to start her day as Rodeo Queen.

Happy 4th of July

We had a great 4th of July celebration with some of our neighbors. Cooked out and had hot dogs - a few margaritas - sparkling fireworks and a little Herriman wind. Abbey wasn't too pleased with the noise they all made - there were times she was hiding in the pantry with Chloe. Our poor pup is still scared of the noise as well. Briley was all on board with her 'American Flag' dress and ice cream sandwich on her face.

The Popsicle

Dalton had given Samuel a popsicle and he didn't know what to do with it at first. You can see the concerned look on his face. Once he got his first taste, there was no stopping until it was complete. Dang, he's cute.

Baking with Mommy

The girls and I try to work together around the house. They have their daily chores and, sometimes, they help me with my 'mommy' chores. Once a week or so, they help me with baking or cooking. Briley loves to crack the eggs and she's getting quite good at it. This day, we made some cupcakes and they were delicious! Abbey was feeling a little under the weather - you can see her eyes are a little puffy - but she felt good enough to clean the beaters! The cute aprons were a Christmas gift a few years ago from Glen and Lisa. The girls really love them.