Our Family

After celebrating, the big day came.  The OFFICIAL first day of school came BRIGHT & EARLY.  Natali was excited...we had whole wheat pancakes with berries.  Isaac had his first day of preschool the next day.

I have to be honest...I have been dreading back to school.  Maybe it's because of the INSANELY early start time here in TX (she has to be there 7:45).  Maybe it's because I start feeling more like a shuttle bus between school, preschool, tumbling, ballet, etc.  Maybe it's because my kids kind of turn into little gremlins when they come home (all of the sudden talking back, sour attitudes, and melt downs are much more prevalent).  But maybe it's because I truly miss them.  This summer Natali and Isaac have really learned how to play together really well.  Even allowing Mr. Fudge to join in on their together time.  It's one of those things that melts your heart as a mom.

But despite all that, school was coming and it was time to get ready.  We had a back to school dinner.  Totally the most unhealthy thing I have ever feed my kids...donuts and their choice of sugary cold cereal (mother of the year award...yes please!).

I introduced the new theme for the year.....HAPPINESS/BE HAPPY.

And we concluded the evening with a back to school FASHION SHOW.  Everyone loved it.







The last thing we did was back to school blessings.  It was a very sweet moment.  After Natali and Isaac, Spencer didn't even hesitate as he jumped off the couch and climbed up into the chair.  Pretty cute stuff!  I also asked for as well, it brought a lot of much needed comfort and peace.

So I guess...READY OR NOT...another school year...here we come!

It's tradition that for part of the family reunion we rent a GIANT inflatable WATER SLIDE.  It's something that the kids...and adults look forward to.  This year didn't disappoint.  I even got persuaded to go down the slide.  I was also given strict guidelines to keep my mouth shut...apparently Weber Water isn't "drinking" water.

The weekend of the 24th we had a family reunion.  We started off with a dinner down on main street in Bountiful with just all the adults.  Sometimes you just need adult time.  We actually celebrated the 40th wedding anniversary of Mom & Dad Fluhman.  Mom handed out to each of us one of their original wedding napkins.  It was so cute!  We also were celebrating Dad's retirement from working for the Church for 45 years.  I think he needs some much deserved rest.

Since we are in Utah we took advantage of having cousins around and had a little gathering for Isaac on his birthday.  He woke up to presents, balloons, and special birthday pancakes made by Grandma.

While out here in Utah my mom came up to Park City.  Every year my mom, grandma, and aunts come up and stay in a time share for a week.  I haven't been up there in a few years.  Living thousands of miles away tends to hinder things like that.  BUT, this year we were all in Utah at the same time.  We took full advantage and went up on Tuesday and Thrusday, spending as much time in the great outdoors as possible (plus shopping)!

On Tuesday we went down the park near main street and played for a few hours.  The kids made friends and loved being surrounded by the mountains.  We ate lunch and then headed out the new splash pad.

 It get a little over cast and chilly but the kids (really just Isaac) didn't let that stop him from getting soaked!

We shopped some of our favorite stores at the outlet and finsihed the day with a trip to McDonalds, the kids request.  It was great to just sit and talk with my mom while my kids were completely engaged in their happy meal toys.

THURSDAY, we came back and road the bus over to Silver Lake where took the kids on the chair lift up and over into Deer Valley.  At first I told my mom NO WAY was I taking Isaac and Spencer on a chair lift.  But in the end I did.  Isaac was terrified at first and then delcared, "Mom, this fun!  Don't let go of me, okay!"  Spencer just hung onto my for the most part like a little koala bear.




Then we were treated to some Cafe Rio and went back to the condo for swimming.  Again it was a little cold, but we swam until lips started turning blue.

Thanks Mom, Grandma, and Aunt Susan for your help with the kids and the great time!