Jackson, WY

Last weekend we braved the smoky, forest-fire ravaged Jackson Hole area to visit for the weekend. We went up Friday night , met my brother Courtney and stayed until Sunday morning. It was so much fun to get away from the worries in Rexburg for a weekend. Unfortunately, my math worries came along, but Courtney helped me through a homework assignment while we were there. Too bad I can't bring him with me when I take the tests!

We walked through downtown, played at the park, visited "Mormon Row", collected every map we saw, pet every dog available and OF COURSE went to Yippee-I-O Candy Shop. The kids picked out five candies each, and I walked out $15 poorer. I completely understand why my mom hated that shop when we were kids. Amelia and Cooper were relatively calm in the store, and we quickly went back to the condo so we could indulge in the expensive yummy candy.

Here are a few pictures from our fabulous trip:

Racing to the top of the rock wall.

Jumping out of swings.

The Tetons view from Mormon Row. It was still pretty hazy. Cooper was concerned the planes flying into the airport would hit the mountains. My biggest concern was keeping Cooper out of the nearby creek. Amelia's biggest concern was the buffalo would stampede us when we weren't looking.

One of the puppies Cooper pet. They were both happy with the arrangement. Cooper walked up to the owners of the dog and said, "Hello, ladies, can I pet your dog?"

Amelia was in heaven. This being Jackson, there were sculptures and pictures of horses everywhere.

Cooper at Mormon Row.

Mormon Row, inside the barn. Cooper was fearless, walking all over explaining where the horses would've been. Amelia was more of a Nervous Nelly, and stuck by me.

Courtney took us to a park downtown. This fun toy spun like a merry go round. They kids loved it. Here they are up and spinning.

Then they're down.

Amelia would spank Cooper as he swung by. Don't you worry, he retaliated.

Not a flattering picture of me, but I had to try it. If you'll notice, Cooper is on the ground. He had just fallen and I was twisting, trying to use lower body strength I didn't have to avoid kicking him in the head.

Courtney didn't want to be left out either. He was a tad tall, however, and dragged a bit.

When their arms were exhausted, they hit the COLD creek.

We had a great time, and are looking forward to next year!

Harvest Fest 2012

Last weekend, because of my newly unemployed status, I was able to take the kids to Harvestfest in Idaho Falls. They had a good time and blew through their allowances like a teenager in a clothing store. Some of the things we did were:

Had balloon animals made. Amelia and Cooper both got a puppy. Cooper's picture was too large of a file to download, but it looks just like Amelia's, but with Cooper.

Got lost and found in a straw maze.

Raced pinewood derby cars (Cooper won).

Played on the inflatable toys.

Finished off with lunch at Arctic Circle.

We also decorated sugar cookies and consumed them before 10:30am. Super good idea, really. It made it SO MUCH easier to keep rein on the kids when they were all sugared-up right from the start. (If you missed my sarcasm, please go back and re-read the last two sentences with a healthy dose of it.)

After we left Idaho Falls we continued on to Blackfoot to hang out with a very empty-nest-ed Nana and Bompa, where I promptly fell ill and laid in bed the remainder of the weekend! It was a fun Saturday and I'm grateful we could go!

First Day of Unemployment

Well, I've made it through my first day of unemployment for the first time in17 years. I wish I could say the sky was bluer, the air was fresher and the bird were chirping a happy song wherever I went.....but it was kinda just like any other day! Maybe this means I don't need to ever be employed again, perhaps? I can live a life a leisure for the rest of my days? Alas, I know I will see a difference when I must pay next month's bills! Gotta love that savings account--and for the next nine months we will!!

After I got home last night from my final shift, I will admit I had a small moment of anxiety and apprehension. It was quickly squelched by massive doses of chocolate, however, and all is well again. Here are a few pictures of our family waiting to pick up the baby-sitter for the LAST TIME on a Thursday!

No, that's not a yawn. It's what Cooper did when I told him to smile.

Ah Amelia, thank you. So photogenic.

Overloaded week!

Hello my 5 faithful readers! I'm updating tonight while I have a moment because I don't know when I will have another spare one.  That's right---BYU-I is back in session! I am currently overwhelmed with Math, Science, Foundations Capstone (kind of a critical thinking/using common sense required class), and Family Foundations...and its just the first day! That may not sound like a lot, but Math alone is a big stress. Add in the kids' activities, their homework, volunteering at their school, church callings, etc. I'm pooped.

One thing you may have noticed I did not put down is "work". Yes, yes, the rumors are true. I gave my notice last week; this Thursday is my last day working at the hospital I've been employed at for seven years. Its was decision I had agonized over for almost a year, and I believe the time was finally right to stop working. My class load is getting harder and more intense, I have two children now in school and activities, I've received a new calling that requires more time and effort and frankly, I couldn't find any babysitters! I know that sounds silly, but I've always found wonderful, kind, patient people who love my children. The past month I haven't found a soul, or at least someone I felt good about. So, after much thinking, planning, praying, wondering, figuring, hoping and finally deciding, I felt letting go of my job was the best decision for me and my family.

So far I have continued to feel good (and relieved) about that choice, so I hope it was the correct one. However, if any of you are worried about my decision, feel free to send $20 and a note of concern to me at any time! :-) 

Looking into the future, I plan on graduating with my associates in generals with an elementary cluster in July 2013, which will help me get a job with the school district for next year. I will also begin classes full time in the fall of 2013, with a graduation date of April 2015. Wish me luck. I'll need it.

Well, if you are still with me after that long-winded explanation and jaunt through my insecurities, here are a few pictures of Amelia and Cooper in their "autumn jackets". Those differ from "summer jackets" in thickness, for those of you who may be confused.



Waiting for the bus!

 

Waiting with Cooper and I for the bus before riding to school on her bike.

Amelia and Cooper are enjoying school so far. Amelia has even more friends that she planned on (her words) and a full social calendar. Cooper has made a tentative friend named Hunter. Hunter apparently is "a nice boy who does mean things" sometimes, including calling Cooper a baby on the first day of school. Where does Hunter sit at school you might ask? Oh yes....RIGHT NEXT TO COOPER. Cooper isn't worried, however. He assured me Hunter would be punished for his mean actions. Santa will only bring him "snow poop" instead of gifts for Christmas this year. Because, you know, coal is sooooooo 2011.

Eastern Idaho State Fair 2012

It's that time of year again. I love the fair. When I was in high school I loved going with friends, hoping to see "that boy" and riding the carnival rides. In college I loved the food and working in the booths. Well, this year I have a new love in the fair.....the U.S. Marine's booth! Luckily, it was near the petting zoo, so as my children fed and pet goats, chickens, turkeys and bunnies, I had a nice view of the Marines in snug t-shirts doing pull-ups! Truly a win-win situation. 

Here are some of the things we did (although personally I think they pale in comparison to watching our countries heroes exercise):

Amelia entered her cookies and won an honorable mention!

Cooper saw this roll of chicken wire in one of the barns and said, "Look, Mom! It's the leaning tower of Pisa!"

Rode some rides, including a tall slide that Cooper had to "get courage" to climb.

But he was glad he did!

Cooper feeding the goats.

Amelia feeding the goats.

Amelia on the big swings.

Amelia and her friend Madeline. We met up with my friend Janelle and her family and hung out together.

"Royalty Cooper". He had a balloon septer  too, and would request the royal password before allowing any commoners to pass him.

Lynnli at the petting zoo. She loved the goats.

Amelia and Cooper playing in Andy's duck blind.

I also love the fair because to me it signifies the beginning of autumn, which is my favorite time of year! I'm looking forward to apple picking, pumpkin patches, cool weather, sweaters, Halloween and straw mazes!

Andy's Farewell

Yesterday Andy, my mom and dad spoke in church for his "farewell". Everyone did really well and it was fun to have the whole family (minus David and Katie) together. We will sure miss Andy; he's the best baby-sitter, uncle, brother, son, great entertainment and dinner-run buddy a person could have. We love you, Andy! 

He also makes a good couch to read a book on.

Isn't he handsome? Some missionaries look like little boys playing dress-up with their dad's clothes. Andy looks like a MAN rockin' a SUIT.

With suspenders!

Everyone together, "Awwwww!"

Andy with Aunt MaryAnn.

Katie, Andy would like to apologize for snapping off Sampson's branch. If you will notice, though, he did try to mend it with toothpicks and Scotch tape.

Poor plant. Just an FYI, the nail clippers are in the plant so Andy can always find them. The Easter egg I have no story for.

First Day of School!!

What's that sound? I don't recognize it....oh wait, it's QUIET! Today Amelia and Cooper starting school. They woke up at 6am ready to go. We got to their school and Amelia assured me she didn't need me to walk her to her door and took off to socialize and play. I walked Cooper to his new classroom and introduced him to his teacher. We found the spot to hang his backpack and his seat. He happily sat down and started playing with the play doh while the other kids came in. After leaving him with a few last- minute do's and don't's (the sacrament meeting incident still fresh in my mind) I told him good-bye. He barely looked up when I walked away. I did stay in the hall awhile to make sure he wouldn't wander out, but he stayed so I left.

I feel a little sad that both children are in school, but I'm also giddy about all the free time I'll have, even after my fall semester starts. I do worry about Cooper's behavior in school, especially with a brand-new, straight-out-of-school teacher. Oh well. At the very least she'll have Cooper her first year and wonder why all the students after him are so much calmer/quieter/better behaved/not quite as cute!

Here are some first day pictures. They are great because the kids were antsy to go!