a month in photos. AUG 2013.

August 2013

August was a busy month for us!

Lyla turned 2!

Sophie had a birthday as well and turned 9!

 Ruby learned how to ride a two wheeler

We visited the Davis County Fair 

where we rode ponies, visited the petting zoo, +

enjoyed some rides!

Sophie and Collin started school!

Collin is in second grade +

Sophie is in 4th!

September 2, 2013. York's Birthday!

We don't know exactly when York was born, we only know he was eight weeks old when we got him. Sophie decided he was born on September 1st. For a while now she has been talking about his birthday and what she wanted to do. So when the day came, I convinced her to have his party on the 2nd so we would have enough time for the preparations. I made this cute cake, and Sophie put together quite the party. We had all the neighborhood boys over and played some fun puppy games and then we all enjoyed some of York's birthday cake! It ended up being pretty fun! Happy birthday York! May you start to mellow out some this year! love the pictures of Soph with her pup!

September 3, 2013. Ruby's First Day of Pre-K!

Ruby had her first day of her second year of preschool! She was so excited. Since the big kids went back to school last week, she has been dying for her turn to go back too! On the way there I asked her if she was nervous, and she told me she wasn't. She however ask me to walk her in and she took tiny, timid steps all the way into her classroom. She was happy to be greeted by a neighborhood friend that is in her class this year. The first thing she did was practice writing her name and she was excited to tell her teacher that she already knew how! I think it is going to be a great year! Love your Ruby Jane!

August 25, 2013. Happy Birthday Sophie!

Sophie turned 9! She is growing up so quickly. She had a great birthday. Her celebrating was spread out through the Summer. She got to go on a fun one-on-one trip with her Grandma to Seattle where she was spoiled rotten. Then the week of her birthday she chose to go the a trampoline park and out to eat at Sizzler. On her actual birthday both sets of Grandparents came over to celebrate with cake and ice cream! I sure do love this girl! Happy Birthday Sopher Bug!

For Sophie

Dear Sophie,

Happy Birthday to you! I can't believe you are nine! How can it be that I have been a mom for nine whole years. Crazy! You are sweet, and sensitive. Funny, and smart! Life is so much better because you are in it!

Sophie you have grown up so much in the last year. I am so proud of the girl you are becoming! Collin, Ruby, and Lyla think the world of you. They look up to you and love being with you. They miss you so much when you are not here with us. I am grateful for the example you set for them, and I'm so grateful that you guys are such good friends. It is so fun to hear the three (and sometimes four) of you busy in play! Such a special bond you have with one another.

You are an animal lover. If it were up to you our home would be swarming with pets. You recently told us you wanted to live on a farm when you grow up. York is your pal. And he loves so much. You always say you are his favorite person in the family, and you are right! You insisted that he be a part of you birthday pictures.  I love the way he brought out your personality. You have to pet every animal we pass by. And you remember all of their names. Earlier this Spring, you wanted a chick, and just recently you begged for a bunny. You stomped your foot and threw a little fit when your Dad and I told you no way!

Along with real animals, you have a love for stuffed animals. They are by far your favorite toy to play with. You have so many. Each one of them holds a special memory or place in your heart. You can't stand the thought of getting rid of just a few. Sometimes Mom puts a few in the basement to free up some space in your room, but it isn't too long before they are all back up in your room.

Sophie you are so much fun to be around! You have the greatest laugh. One can't help but to laugh right along with you. You love to be silly and to tell jokes. You love to listen to music and sing along. You love to read. You love to shop. And you love to eat yummy treats. You love to play with friends and get lost in imaginary play. You love to cuddle and you give the best hugs!

Love you so much sweet girl! I'm grateful you are mine. You are such a blessing.
XOXO
Mom

August 26, 2013. First Day of School.

Sophie and Collin had their first day of school today. Such a bittersweet day for me. On the one hand I hate to see them go, but on the other hand I am ready for the routine and the structure that comes with the school year. My kids are getting so big. Sophie started 4th grade and Collin started 2nd. Can't believe I have a fourth grader! Both kids had a great day! Here's to a great year!!!

August 18, 2013. Lyla's Happy Day!

During Collin's birthday, Lyla picked up 'Happy Day' instead of 'Happy Birthday.' She has been randomly singing "Happy Day to You!" ever since then. So when we told her it was her 'Happy Day' she knew just what we were talking about. The day before her actual birthday she was happy and excited about it. However on her birthday, she repeatedly told us "No!" everytime we would sing it to her. Luckily though, she was all for it during her party and enjoyed us celebrating her. And believe me, she is worth celebrating!!!

We had a little party with both sets of Grandparents and even Aunt Amy! We had pizza, presents and cake! Lyla doesn't like cake so I went with a donut cake instead. I thought it turned out so cute and it was so easy I think I might just try to convince all my kids they want donut cakes every year for their birthdays! She loved opening presents but was quickly distracted with the neat things she had already opened and then she wanted nothing to do with opening any more! The bigger kids were pretty pleased that they were able to help her open them. She loved all her gifts but by far her favorites have been her baby and stroller and her bubble blower princess carriage.

^^^Lyla couldn't help but sneak some tastes of her donut cake and I was putting it together and taking pictures^^^

 Love her little hands in that shot

^^^I love how her eyes are slightly crossed looking at her candles^^^

Such a special day celebrating such a special girl!

Love you Lyla!

Happy Day!