Sunday best family photos (minus the mom)

Samantha is seven months old already. Hard to believe!!

Funny Story

Last night for Family Home Evening we had a lesson on the Holy Ghost. We read a story from The Friend magazine about a boy who avoided getting seriously injured because he heeded a prompting of the Spirit. We talked about the importance of trusting our feelings and listening to the still, small voice. So last night after the boys were tucked in bed, Aaron emerges from his room. We were wondering why he was out of bed. He whispered in my ear something like, "A voice told me to leave my room!" Nice try Aaron! :) (At least he was paying attention during the lesson though.) ;)

I love this quote: "We cannot afford to neglect this heaven-inspired program [FHE]. It can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family, helping him or her to withstand the temptations which are everywhere. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest.”

~Thomas S. Monson

 

Fun in Utah

We had such a wonderful trip to Utah and created so many great, lasting memories! We started the trip with a stop in Cedar City to see my brother, his family, and my parents. We were there one night and had a really fun time! A special thanks to Jon and Kathryn for graciously hosting our gang :)

Then we traveled up north to attend a Stathis Family Reunion. It was great fun to spend time with the extended Stathis family and enjoy the amazing food spread that was there! The Greeks know how to have fun and how to eat well!

While in the Salt Lake area, Mike was able to connect with his good friend and former bike buddy Jay Lewandowski. They had a great time reminiscing and catching up. We also saw our good friends the Ambroses. I was also able to stop and see my dear friend Mindy briefly.

Up north we also attended another family get together on my mom's side, which was wonderful! Then we headed to Price to spend three-and-a-half weeks with Mike's parents at their beautiful new home. (Mike was only able to stay one of those weeks.) We had a really great time doing all the things the kids love! Activities included swimming, bike riding, playing outside, going to parks, visiting the dinosaur museum, spending time with extended family, camping in the backyard, gardening with Nina, and just generally having a great time! Oh, and regular trips to Wal-Mart. ;) The boys also got to ride horses and ride on a zip line at Uncle Boyd and Aunt Mary's house, which they loved. Oh, Nina and Papa also took the boys to the rodeo one night! We had a great time and enjoyed attending their ward there. The weather was awesome, and it felt like a relaxing trip. Thank you so much to Wayne and Dianne for such a wonderful stay. We really enjoyed it and greatly appreciated their hospitality and help with the children. Thank you again!

Here's Aaron with a grasshopper that he caught!

The boys -- and men!

We visited the grave stone of Aaron Mathis, Michael's younger brother who passed away and after whom our Aaron is named.

We also saw Jonathan's family (minus Jonathan) who happened to be in Price at the same time as us visiting Kathryn's mom. It was great fun to see them!

When it was time to leave we decided to stop in Sedona, Arizona, to break up the drive home. It really was SO beautiful there, and it was fun to have some family time all together before Mike had to return to work.

Those are real mountains in the background -- that's not a picture! We had an amazing view at dinner (well I did anyway!) Mike was gracious and gave me the good seat! :)

We couldn't resist these tourist photo opps, especially with a family full of cowboys and now a little cowgirl ;)

Fun trip indeed!

Our Goodwill Find ...

An astronaut costume ... what else?! When you have a son who is in love with costumes/badges/anything "dress-up" related, finding an astronaut costume for 7 bucks is like striking gold. He's already planning to wear it for Halloween (now to find a space helmet.) Of course Grant wanted to don the firefighter costume. Just a typical Thursday afternoon! :) Let kids be kids. Love these boys!

Aaron's First Day

This was taken yesterday, the day before school started.

Well, the first day of kindergarten wasn't as terrible as I thought it would be! Aaron was sooo ready (3 years of preschool will do that to a kid!) We have year-round school here, hence starting in the middle of July. As he walked away and into his classroom, I kept calling out, "Aaron, I love you! Have a good day! Bye!" He didn't turn around once :) I followed him into the classroom, we found his seat, and he immediately started on his first assignment, which was to draw a picture of his family.

We feel so blessed to have Aaron in our family. I really feel like he's growing up. I am proud of him and a little sad at the same time. He's no longer "under my wing." He's now being influenced by many other people (the public school system) -- for better or worse. We hope we have taught him well. We love that boy, and I know he's going to accomplish amazing things in his life! I can feel it :)

I am having the time of my life raising these kids. It really is such a joy and such a blessing -- nothing could surpass it!

Here's the handsome boy on his first day!

Hopefully these two will be best friends forever!

Walking to class. (He's the one with the backpack, not the mohawk) ;)

 

Sitting next to his classmate, who we found out is in another ward!

There you have it. We are starting a new chapter, & we hope it is a good one!

Look-Alikes?

Many have commented that Samantha looks "just like Grant!" What do you think??

Pics to come from our trip to Utah! Stay tuned :)