A great time in Utah

Jacob and his cousin Eli finally got to meet each other. They are about a month apart in age.

Mirror Lake~so pretty, water was so cold

We enjoyed some fun times with the Shaw side of the family last week.

So proud

The Before:

There wasn't much space and we always felt like someone might fall off when the door was open. I spent a lot of time reading deck books and talking with Gary at Home Depot. My Dad spent a lot of time on his end talking with an engineer friend. So between the two of us, or I guess really the four of us if you include the engineer friend and Gary, we drew up the plans. We learned a lot and after three days of sweat and hard work we built this (minus the railings, which Dad added later):

AFTER:

My brother and my Dad came while we were gone to Utah and finished up the railing. It isn't completely done but I can't wait any longer to show off what we, and especially my Dad, has done. I am so proud of this and the greatest part was doing it with my Dad. All that is left is to stain the railings and put some toppers on the posts. We are still looking for just the right skirting to go around the bottom too. Isn't it great?! We are the envy of the neighborhood.

A very Happy 4th Birthday

We love our sweet Megan and she turned four years old in June. The birthday was highly anticipated for months before and she knew that hers was after Mommy's. So once Mommy's birthday was out of the way she kept asking how much longer for hers. A simple request of cupcakes with M&Ms on them was her one desire. Anna was happy to help Megan make a birthday list of toys she would like for her birthday. Anna was VERY helpful and became her advisor on what would be a good choice. Megan was so great at sharing with Anna once the presents were opened. Thanks to all of you who helped make it extra special for her. It is hard to believe Megan is four years old. She is so brave and willing to try so many things. She doesn't have any problem singing or giving scriptures at church. We love to see her sweet smile and her eyes light up when she is happy. She loves to snuggle in the morning when she first wakes up. Megan inherited my curly hair which can be a curse and a blessing. She is patient as I have to cut out knots that refuse to be brushed out. Dancing is one of her favorite things to do and she is very graceful. We love you Megan.

Ready for Pre-K

Megan's preschool had a fun program to highlight all of the songs they have learned throughout the year. It was fun to watch her do all the actions and participate in the program. Anna went to the same school when she was younger but had a big case of stage fright when it came to an audience so this was really our first year to see a child of ours in the program. The songs are so cute and each one has actions to go with it. "Going on a bear hunt" and the donut song were a couple of our favorites

Megan's teachers were great and will be missed. Megan never had a bad day and never shed the tears like Anna. By the end of the year they even convinced Megan to paint, which was a big thing considering she wouldn't go near the stuff at the beginning of the year. The only thing we could figure was that she didn't want to put on the paint smock and socks on her sleeves to protect her clothes. Megan is ready for Pre-K this fall.

Good-bye Kindergarten

If Anna and I had our wish, Mrs. Pierce, would be Anna's teacher for each grade throughout elementary school. It was great to see Anna develop socially and academically with her teacher's help. What a great introduction into the world of academics. She had a great year and excelled in reading and writing stories. She loved her teacher and never wanted to disappoint Mrs. Pierce. Anna never got in trouble and was always the first to volunteer to help out. What a great year.

PTA performance

Anna was part of a kindergarten performance for the PTA. They practiced a lot for it and Anna did great. She didn't even hesitate go out there with her friends and performing in front of a room full of strangers.

This was a big deal for Anna. She loves her teacher Mrs. Pierce.

YUM!