UNBELIEVABLE- BUT UNFORTUNATELY TRUE

Yesterday, my youngest broke her arm again- exactly one week after she got her cast off and on her 5th birthday, to boot. She had a great party before it happened. She loved her oreo pie, all her princess-y presents, and playing with all the cousins. As they were playing she fell on her arm again. When she came over to us crying and it looked the same as it did last time, I couldn't believe it! *sigh* We didn't rush to the emergency room this time since last time it took them more than two hours to get to her, and we already had all the paraphernalia needed to splint it again. (her old cast wrapped with an ace). This morning we had it x-rayed and she will get a new cast on Monday. It was more of a present than she (or I) wanted.

WEDDING BELLS

MR & MRS


I just had to include some photos of my sister-in-law's wedding over the weekend. It was held in the backyard of my in-laws' new home and was gorgeous. We had a good time seeing lots of family and friends and watching the new couple beam at each other, and everyone else, all day long. They were very happy...


the bride & my youngest


my three oldest


The cake was the only fiasco of the day. In the bride's words it looked like a "birthday cake." My sister-in-law thought we could probably use fresh flowers to fix it, so we did. Here we are redoing it...


...and the finished product. I wish we had taken a "before' photo too.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Our traditional Back-to-School photo spot (2007)

I don't know why, but I have really dreaded going back to school these last few years. It used to be almost a relief for me to get back to a regular schedule, but not any more. We have had a busy summer and I have really enjoyed all the adventures we have had. There is something about summer that just feels so carefree and relaxed even if you have lots to do. School takes the spontaneousness out of life-- I guess that's my point.

On our hike this morning we were talking about positive thinking and how much it can affect your life, so as a challenge to myself I am going to think of 10 positive things about going back to school.

1. Fall is coming-- I love fall.
2. School clothes
3. The first day of school-- it's so exciting for the kids
4. Socializing at school with my peers
5. Cooler weather
6. Buying school supplies
7. The kids being more social
8. Meeting the students in my class
9. More organization to life
10. A quiet house

That was hard and I am still trying to convince myself that some of those are actually positive, but it will have to do. Hopefully it will help my attitude. I guess in the end it doesn't really matter because school is going to start on Tuesday whether I am ready or not.

WESTWATER TRADITION

A view of the beautiful canyon Westwater travels through.

Me rowing our 16' boat last year.

Every summer my husband has to kayak the Westwater section of the Colorado River at least once, but more than that most of the time. I have only gone 3 times. It is quite the trip-- sometimes more than I am interested in doing if he makes me row a raft. Last year I dumped everyone in my boat out, including myself. At least I didn't flip it over, but it was still tramatic for me. It made me want to take a break from it this year. I just sent my husband off this morning with our two oldest kids to run it today and tomorrow. My daughter is going to row and she loves it. Being a river guide is one of her goals in life and I think she will be great at it. Personally, I am thrilled to be staying home with my younger kids to scrapbook.