First Day of School 2010-2011

August 30, 2010 started a new school year for us.  This year marks a new stage in our life.  We now have kids in all three stages of school.  Tyler is a freshman at Bonneville High School, Alexia is in the 7th grade at Rocky Mountain Middle School, and Lacey is in the 5th grade at Ucon Elementary.  For the next two years, my kids will be on their own in their own schools.  Alexia can no longer make Lacey take her lunch money to school for her and get her homework for her.  They each are responsible for their own lunch and homework.
Our highway has also been reconstructed to a four lane highway instead of two, which has brought changes to the busing situation.  The kids are no longer allowed to cross the highway (THANKS GOODNESS).  They have to be picked up and dropped off on the same side of the road that they live on.
It was pouring rain that morning and I was so worried about the bus stop that I forgot to get any First Day of School pictures.  I will have to get some taken soon before they grow too much!

Funeral's

I took Alexia and Lacey to the funeral of Wanda Harris.  I was her visiting teacher for a while when they were in our ward and we became close friends with her only grandson, Nate Rasmussen, and his wife Brooke.  Nate and Brooke moved to Oregon about the same time that our ward was split and we were no longer in the same ward as the Harris's.  We have gone to visit Brooke and Nate once in Oregon and keep telling the kids we will go back and visit them again.  They have had to come back to Idaho four times for funerals!  Wanda's husband, Bud passed away in January and Brooke and Nate told us how sad they were that hardly anyone came to his funeral.  Wanda's funeral was on Saturday, so I decided ahead of time that I needed to go.  Kelly and Tyler were gone with the Teacher's and Priest to float Hoback Junction.
I didn't want to go through the line for the viewing so I just took the girls into the chapel and sat down to wait.  I didn't give it much thought that this was the first funeral the girls had ever been to.  About half way through the talks, Lacey turned to me and asked,"Mom, what is that long box up there?"  I just turned to her and told her it was the casket.  Then after a few more minutes she asked, "Is she in there?"  I told her "Yes" and didn't say much more. (I had been crying and continued to cry through the whole thing).  As I have thought about this over the last few days, I am glad I took them to a funeral of someone they weren't really connected to before they have to attend a funeral of a loved family member.  I know it is only a matter of time now before we will be having one of our own.  I know I have more explaining to do, but it helps just a little bit, knowing they kind of know what to expect. 
I hate funerals!  I was crying harder than the family members were and ended up with a headache because of it.  I guess I have been given the gift of being able to "mourn with those who mourn".

Lacey's tenth birthday continued

Lacey and Kalli Harris at Ross Park in Pocatello for her 10th birthday

This year Lacey really wanted a Pogo Stick. I still don't understand why, but she got it anyway.

Ten years goes by so fast--Lacey

In the NICU at Portneuf

I honestly can't believe how fast ten years goes by.  Today is Lacey's tenth birthday!  I can still remember the day she was born like it was just yesterday.  I was so close to her even before she was born.  We both fought so hard to get her here, and then she had to fight to stay here.  We know she has a special mission to perform here on this earth.  She will always be our angel baby.

ULTIMATE WATER PARTY

Ucon, Idaho StakeYoung Men/Young Women Annual Water Party

Our Stake knows how to throw a water party.  I couldn't believe it the first time I saw it!  They flood the field; and by flood I mean a couple of feet of water.

Alexia

They bring out a tank from Rain for Rent, a dunking booth, tubes, volleyball nets, almost anything you can think of doing in the water.

Tyler

Don't think for a second you don't want to get wet.  You will, whether or not you want to.  They even get inside the car wet if you aren't careful!

Under Construction

Old road next to new road--see that huge gap!

Blue Angels come to Idaho Falls

All six Blue Angels flying together

We finished off our week long vacation with the ultimate show---
THE BLUE ANGELS!!  The stealth bomber was supposed to fly over at 11:00, but made an early appearance at around 10:15.  We were able to see it as we were driving, but couldn't get any really good photos of it.  It was amazing!  You can hardly hear it and it is soooo thin.
We drove out along one of the county roads in Osgood that Kelly knew from growing up out there and parked to watch the show.  It was free--we didn't have to pay the $20 per person entry.  We had an awesome view, as we were just at the end of the runway.  The couples next to us were retired military personnel and they had someone that was directly at the airport relaying information to them.  The best part was that we didn't have to stand in line for hours and deal with the crowds.  It was estimated that there was over 38,000 people at the show.  We weren't prepared however with food and sunscreen.  I fried even though I tried to stay in the shade and covered up my bare arms with another shirt; and our bladders were pushed to the limits.  The kids really enjoyed it....and so did Kelly...he took over 200 photos.  No, I won't post them all.

Fat Albert

The stealth bomber

I found it fitting that the show was on July 24th--Pioneer Day.  I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate our heritage and our freedom that our ancestors and military personnel have made so many sacrifices for.  THANK YOU IS NOT ENOUGH!  I love our country and especially living in the State of Idaho.  We are truly blessed.