Our Roadshow, "Zion or Bust!"

Jake, Grace and Sarah all participated in our ward roadshow last week. It really was a roadshow, as they performed in 2 buildings on the same night. Grace was one of the main characters and did a wonderful job on her lines and facial expressions! Sarah sat at the edge of the stage and sang every song with lots of enthusiasm! And, the roadshow would have been nothing if it weren't for the very capable and efficient backstage crew member, Jake! We, of course, think our roadshow was the best!

My Kids are Great!

Today was the last day of the school trimester, and the school held award assemblies. Jake, Grace and Sarah all received awards! Jake received an award for passing his Math Facts in a Flash in under 1 minute and also under 45 seconds, a good citizenship award, and an award for achieving the Principal's Honor Roll(that means all 'A's on his report card). Grace received an award for her achievements in an Accelerated Math program, and for demonstrating the life skill of "Effort...I always try to do my best". Sarah received her first school award presented for demonstrating great "Initiative...I can get started," and was chosen to eat lunch with the vice-principal as a reward for good behavior. I'm so happy they are doing well at school. I am a lucky mom to have such awesome kids! (A mom's allowed to brag on her own blog, right?)

Sarah's New Hairstyle

We have been talking about cutting Sarah's hair for awhile now. She has been begging me the last couple of days, and I had to talk her into waiting until after Halloween. So today I finally cut it all off! I was a bit nervous at first...it ended up being a bit shorter than I thought it would. We had to cut at least 10 inches off so we could donate it to Locks of Love. Sarah loves her new hairdo and has been running up to everyone asking "what do you think of my hair?" She's also been posing a lot in front of the mirror. I think its way cute...she just looks much older to me now!

Happy Halloween!

For Halloween this year, the whole family dressed as characters from Mystery, Inc. Andy was the handsome Fred, Jake was Shaggy, Grace was Velma, and Sarah and Rachel were both Daphne. Our hope was that Rachel would be Scooby Doo, but she would not wear the costume! She insisted on being Daphne also. I was the villain. I made a t-shirt that said "Villain" on the front and "I would've gotten away with it if it hadn't been for these meddling kids and their dog!" on the back. Grace wished we could've painted our van like the Mystery Machine...maybe next time. Of course the kids came home with tons of candy and had a great time sorting it and watching the Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin cartoon.

Bishop's Pumpkin Farm

Last week we visited the pumpkin farm with all of our Patrick cousins. We had a great time on the slide, panning for marbles, the train ride, the hay ride and the petting zoo. Hope the cousins like the pictures, we tried to include everyone in the slide show. Get comfortable...there's like 45 pictures in this one!

Calaveras Big Trees

On Saturday, Jake and Andy and the Webelos went on a hike through the Big Trees. Jake says, "The trees were huge...the biggest and sometimes tallest things on earth." They had a good time. We hope to be able to take the whole family soon.

Family Fair at Beale AFB

This afternoon the girls and I went to a fair on base. We had a good time, and everything was free! Rachel didn't want to go on any of the bounce houses or obstacle courses, but she did love her snow cone and hamburger. Sarah was the obstacle course champion of the group...when she finished each one, she'd run around to the front with her pointer finger in the air, yelling "just one more time mom!" She ran the courses at least 10 times. The toilet races were bittersweet for Grace. She was probably one of the younger riders today, and those toilets can move pretty quickly. She had a few collisions. The first two were against the cushioned wall, but unfortunately the last one was with another rider. She has a good bruise and bump on her lower leg where it was pinched between the potties, but she'll recover soon. I'm so proud of her for trying it by herself! I love my girls...we have fun together!

Our New Pet!

Our friends, the Blacks, are moving to Italy and can't bring their guinea pig with them, so we welcomed Pepper into our home and family. Everyone loves her! Pepper sleeps in Grace's room and Grace has the main responsibility for feeding and cleaning. She is happy to do it. Thanks Courtney...we'll take good care of Pepper!

Labor Day Weekend Pics

First Day of School, August 22nd

This is Sarah's first day of kindergarten! Her teacher is Mrs.Garcia. When I took her to the classroom, she just sat down at her table and started coloring and talking to her friend. She was so happy to be in school! Sarah is growing up to be such a beautiful girl!

Grace is in 2nd grade and her teacher is Mr.Garren, her first boy teacher. Poor Grace had the remains of pinkeye the first day of school, so she's not as bright-eyed as she normally would have been...She's still darling though!

Jake started 5th grade with Mrs.Lura this year. His day begins sooner than the girls', so he rides his bike to and from school. Jake, you are getting too old and tall and handsome!