Callie left for college

I've been dreading this day for years. She's been my kids main babysitter for 5 years. And it was only made more sad by the fact that she actually lived with us most of her senior year. I really don't think babysitters should be allowed to go off to college. It really isn't right. Not until the kids they babysit no longer need a babysitter. 

But no, really, we just love Callie and wish her the very best at BYU. She is going to love it and is going to do so well! I'm sure of it. We were just sad to say goodbye.  Thankfully I can text her and bug her anytime I want. Love modern technology!

Carter has a serious crush on this girl. We had to have a discussion about how it's not appropriate to kiss your babysitter on the lips. LOL! Funny boy. She's just a bit too old for you bud!

Our town is AWESOME

Okay, so I realize there are lots of awesome towns out there. And I'm really glad about that. But I'm mostly really grateful to get to live in one of them. This past weekend, Leah had her first ever baton performance at the annual "Healthy Families Festival" here in Santa Clarita. I'm not sure how long they have been doing this festival, but I'm sure glad we know about it now. There was SO much for the kids to do. And the best part was that it was ALL free. There were booths and activities and snacks and races and kayaking and bouncers and more. We came for the baton performance, but ended up staying for 4 hours. Well, Paul did with the kids anyway. I was able to make it for the baton performance and stayed for about an hour, but then I took off for a birthday celebration with my Encino Friends down at the beach. 

Leah's only been doing baton for 8 weeks now, but has really loved it. So even though the routine was super simple, I was so proud of her. She worked hard and doesn't ever seem nervous to perform. We'll be signing her up for the next session for sure.

So while me and my girl friends were at the beach, we got to witness a real life rescue. Okay so the lady wasn't drowing and in a complete life threatening situation, but it was still pretty awesome to get to watch. The waves were HUGE and there was a boogie boarder who got too far out, past all the waves and was not able to get back in to shore. First we heard the lifeguard trying to whistle her in. Once the guy realized she couldn't make it on her own, two other lifeguards from neighboring stations sprung into action and were out in the water in no time. The third lifeguard, threw his walkie talkie down on the ground and then started to go out also, but once the See-doo lifeguard drove over to help, he realized he didn't need to go in. Jackie, being the nurse that she is, jumped right up and grabbed the walkie-talkie for safe keeping. I snapped a picture just for fun. Turns out that piece of equipment is quite pricey, so we're not really sure why the guy just threw it into the sand, but whatever.

We can't leave the beach without a quick photo of the five of us all together.

It was a lovely day!

And what kind of wife would I be, if I didn't give a shout out to my awesome hubby for holding down the fort while I was gone for the afternoon. He was quite the trooper for handling the kids for four hours at the Festival and for getting them all fed, bathed and off to bed. I'm a lucky lady, that's for sure.

A preschool visitor

Carter's preschool teacher is so fun. She met this lady at Costco who was walking around with a pet bird. So she invited her to come talk to the preschool kids. Carter got to come even though it wasn't on his preschool day. He got to feed the bird a little piece of papaya. He was so good with it and super brave.

She also brought a water dragon for the kids to see. We got lucky and got to be the first person to pet it. It had a broken leg from an injury a few years back, so he couldn't walk too well, but Carter still thought he was pretty cool to pet.

I was trying to get a picture of Carter petting it, but it was at a weird angle. But then as I'm loading up in the car, my friend texts me some pictures she took of me and Carter. I thought that was so sweet. And fun to have a shot of us together. 

After that, we headed to the park to play with some friends for an hour or two and then came home so I could start canning the 40 pound box of pears I got from a local farm. I've never canned pears before, so this was a new experience for me. But thanks to pinterest and some advice from friends, I think I did a pretty good job. Too bad the only people in my family who like pears is me and Paul. Oh well….we'll enjoy the 22 jars I canned. At least they'll last us a while after all my hard work. 

Tea party with Carter

Once the kids went back to school, Carter started getting out all the things his siblings never share with him. 

So that's why we are here having a tea party. Leah would never let him play with this if she were home. Is that terrible of me that I let him?? I made sure he was careful. And don't worry, there are still plenty of things off limits to these slippery little three year old hands. 

There's got to be a few perks to being the last kid and the only one still at home during the day right?!

And just a random cute shot of him crashed out on the couch. It's still pretty exhasuting being 3!

BACK to SCHOOL

 We had a great summer, but by the end of it, I had turned into mean mom, so I know the kids were all ready to get away from me.

Leah sporting her new dress from Aunt Dezzie! This girl is FANCY! She got Mrs. Catterson (3rd grade) and is in the same class as her BFF Gracie, so all is right with the world.

Ruler of the school. Big 6th grader here. Ashlyn got Mrs. Ellingson and is with two or three of her good friends so she's a happy camper too.

First grade for this kid. He was super brave. It's a big jump from Kinder to 1st grade. I'm really proud of him. He got Mrs. Fisher. I don't know her too well, but I've heard good things about her and I'm sure he'll do great.

My four cuties!

So happy to have each other!

Leah's teacher is smart. She sat Leah across the room from Gracie. 

I even got a smile out of him.

A few days later this cutie started back at Grandma K's in the 3 year old class. He's an ole pro having gone half the year last school year. So he was all smiles and ready for his new group of friends. 

Saturday Birthday celebrating

For Ashlyn's birthday, she didn't ask for a party or any presents. Just to spend the day with me shopping at the mall. So yesterday we did just that. Sure love this beautiful young lady. 

She got money from both sets of Grandparents and from my Aunt Brenda who folded her cash into a cute little heart. Ashlyn loved it and didn't want to spend it….well, until she found something she really wanted.

We started the day off at California Pizza Kitchen for lunch.

Then walked around the pond to feed the ducks. All we found were a WHOLE lot of turtles though. Luckily right before we left, we spotted a few little ducks off in the corner and once we threw some food in the water, they swam right over to gobble it up.

Once at the mall, we spent the bulk of our time at "Justice". We gave her money for her birthday, so that combined with the money she got from her grandparents and Aunt, she had a good little stash to buy some clothes and things. 

Then a stop at Menchies for some Frozen Yogurt.

And we rounded off the day at the Movies to see "The Giver". She had read the book in school last year and was really excited to see the movie. There were a few parts that were a little much for her, but she closed her eyes real tight and she was fine. Overall, she really liked it. And I thought it was great too!

Such a fun day just me and my cute girl! I think 11 has been good to her so far.

Ashlyn is 11!

My sweet, adorable, wonderful and loveable Ashlyn turned 11! I know I say this every year, but I can't even believe another year has gone by. It's fun that she is getting older, even though I miss having her little so much. I'm mostly just so grateful to have her. She is helpful and kind and always wants to do what is right. I love her to pieces! 

Leah was my super helper and did some shopping with me the night before and then helped me make Ashlyn a cake. We chose Snickerdoodle cake since that is Ashlyn's favorite cookie. I must say it was quite delicious!

A few little decorations to make the house birthday happy!

We woke her up with breakfast in bed and a lovely rendition of "Happy birthday to you"!

Then Paul surprised her and took the day off. We went to the last dollar movie of the summer. It happened to be Mr. Peabody and Sherman. Go Dreamworks! We all had a great time. Cute movie.

Then Paul took her out to lunch and shopping around Target.

That night she requested BBQ chicken sandwiches for dinner. Then Callie came over and we had cake and ice cream. I know my cake isn't that pretty. I was pretty sure the icing recipe would make WAY too much, so I halved it…..I was wrong. So my cake is sparsely iced. But it was still yummy and I think Ashlyn liked it.

I think she had a great day! And the fun isn't over. For her main present she requested to go shopping with me. So we are off to "Justice" in the mall on Saturday to spend her moola!