I had a birthday and I did not shout for joy...

...because, I turned 30 on September 10th. Now, I know some may say, "it's not a big deal." Well maybe you are still in your 20's. Thirty is when you start feeling old. I think when you are in your 20's you still feel the same as when you were sixteen. But now my body is feeling and looking older for sure. Boo. I miss being in my 20's. Now I will just get older.

For my Birthday, Daniel took me on a date the night before because Brittany, his sister, said she would babysit as a gift to me and I said, "heck yes!" We went to dinner and a movie which was all I wanted for my birthday. Then my birthday was on Saturday and I got to sleep in. While I slept in and showered, Daniel and the kids decorated, bought flowers and a cake mix, made a cake, did the dishes, and bought me a Dr. Pepper from my favorite gas station. He had bought me a refill mug too for my Dr. Peppers. And then I got to go out to lunch with some friends. And spent a nice evening at home with my little family. It was a great day. Thanks Daniel.

 My kids are cute!

And then after my birthday, Daniel made me go to the doctors, which I HATE doing. But I guess it would be nice to get this joint pain under control. I find out the results of my blood tests on Monday. It's great being old! :)

First Day of School 2011

Staucie started her first day of Kindergarten on Monday, August 22, 2011. It is ALL day Kindergarten. I just don't feel that these little ones need to be away from me ALL day. I wish it was half day for Kindergartners. But our miss Staucie has loved it. She was already a morning person and is usually awake when it is time to get ready. I feed her breakfast and pack her lunch. And then throw them all in the car at 7:15am and drive to the school. We get back at about 8:00am. She has school from 7:45am - 2:45pm. We leave at about 2:15 to go get her. We park nearby and walk to get her so we don't have to wait in the car line. We are tired of the car and it is only September. But we will do anything for our Staucie. We haven't been doing the bus because she would be on it for an hour each way. Maybe someday when she is older. We will see... She is a sweetheart and we miss her during the day.

 Parker started is second year of Preschool with Miss Candy on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. He loves it! In this picture, he shows how he does not like the sun. I did move him into the shade, but he is still squinting. Cutie. Hopefully he will do well this year and be ready to start Kindergarten next year! He goes twice a week. (which means more of being in the car.)

My babies are growing up. What a different life it is to have to be responsible now. I can't have lazy mornings. We have to get up and get someone to school now. The time has flown by and we are entering a new part of life. I am glad the kids are enjoying this school year so far. All I want is for them to be happy. That's what all "this" is for :)

California (Part 2)

After being at my parents' house for a week, Daniel/Daddy came! Daniel's parents picked him up at the airport and brought him to us. His parents stayed for a couple days to play with us. When Daniel came there were even more things to do, like dirt bikes, quads, etc. (things that my mom and I didn't know how to do.)

 Parker wanted to learn how to drive it himself...

 Grandma Lees and Staucie

 He figured it out pretty quickly.

 Little bike for Bensen.

 Bensen tried too...

 Grandpa Lees taking off.

 Big boy Parker. He loved it!

 Staucie learned how to ride it all by herself too.

 Grandpa Lees taking Bensen for a ride.

 Staucie.

 Bensen going for a ride with Daddy on the little dirt bike.

 The weather was Fab-u-lous.

Look at Addie's hair. She loved going for a ride on the Ranger. If she was grouchy we would take her for a ride and it would make her happy.

 Helping Grandpa Randall bring back the arrows he shot.

 Making smores.

 It looks like we are running from a bear!

 My dad.

 Daniel's parents.

I tried to get a picture of all of us. ha ha! You can see Daniel's parents following on the quad behind us.

 Playing "Pooh sticks" down at the river.

 Taking grouchy Addie for a walk up the road. She would throw a fit if I tried to steer her back to everyone else.

 They made me nervous leaning over the edge to look for their sticks coming under the road/bridge.

 Parking taking Bensen for a ride.

 My first time riding the mini dirt bike. I think I screamed the whole time and kept it in first gear. My brothers think I don't belong in the family...

 Daniel and Parker riding together.

 Shea and Daniel.

 Shea's bike was so loud. He came up both weekends I was there to hang out. It was really fun to hang out with him.

 Parker was so cute on the quad. He never wanted to get off.

 Shea giving Staucie a ride.

 I made my mom ride the little quad.

 Addie loved going for rides on the Power Wheel, if you can't tell. They are both adorable!

 More "Pooh Sticks."

 Target practice. Daniel and Shea.

 Checking out what they hit.

 Then Shea made me shoot the .22, I had never shot a hand gun before. He is giving me instructions.

Believe it or not, there were other things we did that I did not get pictures of :)

It was so fun to go to my parents' in the summer. It had been a long time. The weather was perfect and we spent a lot of time outside. I hope we can visit both Daniel's parents and my parents next summer.

It was also nice to not be pregnant or to have a new baby.

Happy Summer! Too bad it is over...