Shane has been busy this summer. He started out working on the fence, sprinkler system, and sod at the rentals. Then he finished some projects in our yard. He built a shed and a pergola. Here's some pictures of the beginning stages and then the finished product. I was wondering why we only camped once this year during June through July. These projects may have something to do with that. It sure is nice having them finished. Maybe next year we can focus our energy on growing a better garden and greener grass. Our garden looks okay but so far hasn't produced much. There may still be some hope for it.

Back to School

First Day of School - Sadie came home full of all kinds information to tell me. One thing she was excited about was when you lose a tooth you get to put a sticker on a chart and you get a sticker to wear. On the second day of school Sadie came out with her 5th missing tooth. I was a little surprised because I didn't even know it was loose and she usually gives me an update daily on her loose teeth. I was a little suspicious at first because she was so excited on the 1st day about the chart the teacher has. I wondered if she wanted to be the first one to loose a tooth. But I found out she wasn't first, 2 little boys lost teeth the first day. She hasn't been able to eat corn on the cob this summer. Oh how we love Sadie! Tyler and Olivia miss her so much. They cried for a week last year when she left for school. This year they pouted and then made a huge mess while I was doing laundry. This is not typical for them. Tyler did most of it. But his sister didn't do anything to stop. Below are pictures of the mess they made in less then 15 minutes.

They've done this everyday since school has strated. I didn't even take a picture of the books they dropped over the banister. Today I restructed our mornings and my house is still clean. YEAH!!! I love to have a clean house. I get a little bit grumpy when it isn't. Probably something I should relax about. I do have to say my kids feelings are more important then a clean house so I didn't get mad at them for making such a big mess.

Random Summer Fun

Here's some pictures of some random summer activities. I can't believe school starts this week. Tomorrow is our last day of summer vacation. It's been a great summer.

Camping

This was one of those dirty camping trips. By dirty I mean - just look at Sadie's face and Olivia's hands. The kids had a blast. We went up past Kelly canyon with the Woods. Kira Wood and Sadie hiked up the hill a bunch. It was a last second idea but turned out to be way fun. The next day we took the rhino and found some beautiful trails to ride on. They twisted through the forest then came out to this amazing view on top of the mountain.

Lagoon

In July we went on our annual Lagoon trip with our good friends the Humphries. Sadie and Brinley haven't lived by each other for 3 years. But both of them still tell everyone they are each others best friends. Tyler loved the rides this year. He'd get off a ride and race to another one just like the big kids. The next day we wanted to go back it was so much fun.

Duck Races

This weekend we went down to the duck races on the river by the temple. We saw some crazy people. By crazy I mean the man with a giant snake around his neck. My kids were scared to death. They had projects for the kids to make, a car show, and plays. It was our first time watching the race. The olympics is much more entertaining. The ducks swam a little slow for us. The night before we watched a modern dance company from California. They performed at the colonial theater. Tyler has been beat boxing since. They had a guy who did beat boxing while they danced the last number.

You know it's been too long since you've blogged when you can't remember your password. I'm going to get caught up this week. The 4th of July was so much fun. We went to the parade in the morning with the Wanlass family and then to G & G Wynn's. Grandma had a fish pond for the kids, licorice, and popcicles. It was heaven. Tyler had a rough time with the sparklers. He kept wanting to grab to close to the fire. At least he wasn't affraid of them. Shane put up a tent that night in his parents back yard and the girls and him slept in it. The tent wasn't big enough so Tyler and I slept inside. Or at least that was a good reason to sleep in a comfy bed.