First Day of School

Mothers everywhere anticipate this day.

I dread it.

It is a sure symbol, garbed in bright new clothes and combed hair, that my babies are growing up and away from me.

It's an official declaration that they'll be ONE YEAR OLDER very soon, further away from preschool age, toddlerhood, and infant stage.
Further away from when they and I together were everything.
Further away from lisps and mispronunciations.
Further away from silly sayings and perpetual grins.
Further away from hand-holding and snuggling.
Further away from downy hair and naps on my lap.

But never further from my heart.

McKenna Ann - SENIOR!

Tessa May - 9th Grade

The Three Littles

Maia Rhynn - 6th Grade

Cooper Robert - 4th Grade

Ivy Franzis Sarah - 1st Grade

The Gang

Can you spot the one so cool for school?

Sweet Sixth Grader

Excited - but a tad nervous.

Growing up too fast.  Mom cried all morning.

Notes on a Recital

They practice diligently.

They put on their Sunday clothes.

And they do their best.

It is delightful to watch them perform their talents.

Mental Preparation

"When the Saints Go Marching," and others

Concerto with her teacher

Viva la Vida and Taylor Swift - amazing piece

Feeling good, and rightly so, about their accomplishments

So, should I mention that McKenna is missing? No? Okay.

But I should mention I failed to charge my camera battery, and so shot no video, and just these few pictures. sigh.

The Dancing Duo

Tessa and Maia both decided they wanted to try dancing.

So we signed them up - Tessa in Jazz, and Maia in tap/ballet.

Here's a peek at their first recital - after just three months of lessons!

I wasn't able to upload the video clips, but, believe me, they're cute!



Some September Snapshots

I'm her loudest cheerleader - and biggest all-around fan!

Matching uniform colors and numbers!
Playing with Aunt Sandy - she came to visit our mom.

We were able to bring Mom to my house each afternoon from the rehab center.

It's so good to see her smile.  She and McKenna are very close.



Reading



Lookin' spiffy in her birthday outfit from Grandma & Grandpa

Team One for the Pizza Faceoff

Goofy Grandpa

Joy and Scott Newey came to visit Mom and Dad, as they were in town for General Conference.
They lived in Fair Oaks with us and have been friends with my parents for more than 40 years.



Daddy and His Daughters

Obviously I wasn't there to take pictures.  The ward had a campout for dads and their daughters - and there is not a single picture of the DAD AND HIS DAUGHTERS.  Richard did send me a picture of all the pancakes he cooked (the High Priests were in charge).  Luckily, some nice soul took some snapshots of my girls having fun at the "camp."  They all remarked what a fun place (in Alpine) it was.

McKenna and Tessa (and Maiya) still like playing in the sand.

Ella, Ellie, Maddie, and Ivy.  They love the sand too.

And Maia, swinging away.

The Tinkling of Keys

I added up, just once, how much we will have spent by the time Ivy finishes piano lessons (at the end of her senior year).  Six children spread over 24 years. It's a hefty amount that could buy me lots of nice things.  But luckily I remember that "things" are not the most important.  Watching my children develop a talent, learn self-discipline, gain confidence, and achieve goals - to name only a few - are.  I will purposefully ignore the unpleasantries that also come along with piano practice.

Their recent recital:

Playing on a premier piano.  Wish it were in my home!

Posing for me before she starts.

A tad nervous . . . but ready!

PLEASE appreciate the dress shirt and tie.  A lot of weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth went into that!

I tried uploading a video of each of them playing, but that brought on more wailing and gnashing.  Just imagine Cooper tapping his foot (in the air, because it didn't reach the floor) to his lively music.  Charming.

Home Theater

I spent most of this month (and all summer really), very sick with mono.  But luckily I was entertained as I occupied the couch for weeks on end.

PRESENTING . . . The Princess and the Frog

Directed by the Evil Witch - Tessa May 

The Beautiful Princess, played by Miss Maia

The Dragon Slayer, aka the Prince, played by Cooper

And the cute Ribbit, played by Ivy Sarah



Random Moments

Our 22nd wedding anniversary was on August 1.  We had a nice dinner and then wandered about Thanksgiving Point for a bit.  We didn't have time to go through the gardens, but we stood on the balcony and enjoyed the view.  Maybe next year?

Tessa went to Maddie M.'s birthday party at our neighbor's pool.  Always a fun day when the mix includes water, giggly girls, and birthday cake.

Only Three Little Ones Left

Tessa graduated from elementary school.  Before we left for Boston, she was in elementary.  Then, in Boston her grade was part of the middle school.  Then, back in Utah, she was in elementary again.  This time she's done for good.  She'll go on to junior high next year - and get to wear makeup.  She's been looking forward to that for a long time . . . since she was about three.

It's strange to have another one grow up, although I guess I should be/get used to it. 

Watching the excitement.  Unaware that mommy is worrying it will be her turn all too soon.

With Miss Menlove

It's official

Get Your Groove On

Freedom Elementary celebrates the end of each school year with a Dance Festival.  Each grade learns a different dance, and the children come in appropriate costumes.  It's always outside, rain or shine, and causes parents to scurry around the field trying to get the best shots of their children.  Cooper was particularly excited for the Festival, as this was the first year he was able to participate. 

Now Ivy's the one looking forward to dancing on the grass!