New Updates

For those of you that didn't know...

We are the new managers of our complex. We are starting our reign with 2 evictions and lots of changes. The residents are sure to love us:) Honestely I think this is going to be a great experience for us. We are learning a lot and looking forward to getting to know our neighbors.


School starts on Aug 4th. We are way excited as the kids are getting more bored every day. Zach will be in 1st, Adam will be in kindergarten and Elayna will attend preschool. I am a little nervous about it. This school is called the Accelerated Learning Laboratory, with a lot of focus on math and sciences. It is a charter school and they are fantastic. We met with the headmaster one day to discuss the appropriateness of our children attending. We walked away amazed by what they offer and the many things our kids can learn. Zach will be in a mainstream classroom, which has us a little nervous. I really think he will benefit from it. The school policy of open door to parents is one I haven't seen before and I am excited that they encourage parents to show up and help out. I have a better peace of mind with Zach being that I can be there whenever I want to make sure he is ok. Public schools aren't that easy and it was actually more difficult in the SpEd programs. Adam will be starting the kinder program. For those of you saying "wait, he is still 4 and won't be 5 until September, a couple days after the cutoff" we were able to get special permission to have him start a year early. We will be doing our placement tests this week to see where he falls. Some wonder if we are making the right decision but honestly he thrives when he is challenged and becomes a challenge when he is bored. I think this will work for him. Elayna will be in the full-time preschool program. I am struggling with sending my baby to school for the entire day, after all she just turned 3 but I would rather start her off high and then back off then the opposite. I really think she will do good and have a good time. The campus is 25 acres with each sections of grades in a different area. They are K-12 so it is all divided accordingly. All the kids will be in the same spot so it will be easy for transport and what not. I really am excited for them and they are excited to be going. Let school begin!!!

Elayna's Birthday Party

We had a great weekend. Our friends from Phoenix came in and we spent the weekend playing and enjoying all the festivities. Elayna's party was at the park where they have a splash playground. We invited a few of her friends and had a great time. Here are some of the 178 pictures that were taken. My friend Maria had charge of the camera so thank you's to her. For those that came thank you for helping us have a great time. For those who couldn't make it we hope to see you next time.

Elayna is excited to get going!

Shaunton and Owen

Elayna, Shirley, baby Owen, Ember, Zach



Felicity, Zach, Elayna, Shirley, Annie



Adam

Jaxen




Elayna in her new princess dress

My Big little 3 year old

Happy Birthday to Elayna! I can't believe my baby is 3. She turned 3 on Tuesday so I apologize it took me a couple of days to give everyone pictures. We had a very crazy and hectic day on Tuesday so we didn't really do much. All the craziness didn't stop her from being the center of attention. She had to wear her princess dress but since that was too dirty she chose out one of her church dresses to wear for the day. She told everyone she greeted that she was now 3 while holding up her fingers to show them. She got to spend time with Maria in the morning and then dad took her out for ice cream at cold stone. (lucky!) We had a small birthday celebration for her with just us and had some birthday brownies. She was very excited about all her presents and has become the most popular girl among the boys since then. They are eaten with envy that she made bank with all the new things. She got a jewelry box, play jewelry, a flashlight and a my little pony that talks and sings to you (it also shakes its bum when it dances). She was princess for the day and ate it all up. We are having a party for her at the park this weekend and she is very excited about it. I will definately share pictures from that. Until then...

Pedicures

Adam and Elayna did the typical drawing on the legs when they found a black marker. Nothing unusual. It wasn't until I was really looking that I realized they colored their toes too. They are very proud of them and said it was just like mine. Granted I do have painted toes but no they are not black. All in a days fun!

Bed Head

The reason its called bed head...

Adam's Rabbit

Adam loves to play Raving Rabids on the Wii. He moves the piano bench in front of the TV and puts his drink right next to him and away he plays. He is pretty good at this game. Today he brought me a picture and asked me what I thought. Originally I thought it was a kangaroo but he corrected me and told me it was his rabbit from the game. He drew this all by himself and was very proud. I think he did a good job considering he doesn't usually draw for me.