It's that time again.

We've had a wonderful summer full of fun (hopefully I'll get around to blogging it) and are sad to see the long sunny days disappear. But at the same time it is nice to get back to schedules and all the fun activities that go along with school. This year is especially exciting because Colin starts Kindergarten and Sienna starts preschool.

So excited to start preschool at Miss Cindy's. She knows almost all the kids in her class and wasn't even nervous about leaving mom.

Colin in front of his new school.


The best part of his first day he said was riding the bus home.

Rylie is looking so grown up and starting the 4th grade.

Lunch at McDonald's to celebrate the 1st day of school.

Whoops, no pictures of Austin. That would be because he leaves at 6:50 in the morning. I'll have to get one of him and add later.

The potty makes me happy!

A few weeks ago Sienna decided that she wanted to wear her big girl underwear. She put it on and since that day she has only had a few accidents. It has been amazing how easy it has been with her. I feel very deserving of this since she is my fourth and I was really dreading the process.

Of course when she "goes" we do the potty dance and give her a potty treat so one day she said, "Mom, the potty makes me happy." So cute!! Even though being almost done with diapers (she still wears one at night) is wonderful, a small part of me is sad because it means my baby girl is one step closer to growing up. Great job Sienna, I know you are going to love this picture when you are older.





She also decided that naps where no longer necessary. I was happy to just get her through the school year. We also decided to not bring any binky's on our trip to Lake Chelan and so she is done with those as well. All these changes in just a few weeks.

The first and the last

Colin was so excited when he found he had a loose tooth. Unfortunately it was loose for about a month before it finally came out. He wiggled that tooth everyday and I think he thought it would never fall out. But the day arrived and he was so proud to show off his toothless smile.

June brings about the end of many things. The end of school, the end of soccer and the end of peace for mom. What are we going to do to fill all our summer days?

The end of another great soccer season for Rylie and Colin.

Colin's last day of preschool was at a bouncy place with all his preschool friends. This is the morning and afternoon class together.

Colin is going to miss Miss Cindy but he is very excited to move on to Kindergarten.

At the end of year assembly Rylie received an award for Academic Improvement. With her dyslexia she has to work extra hard at school and we are so proud of her and all she has accomplished this year. Way to go Rylie!

Rylie and her teacher Mrs. Brewer


Rylie with some of her class friends. Alyson, America and Hope. Goodbye 3rd grade.



We made it through Austin's first year of middle school and are looking forward to 7th grade. It's amazing how much he has changed and grown up this year.

A little bit of color

We have spent the last 4 Memorial Day weekends camping but this year we decided to forgo the camping and paint our house. We have had white, ugly walls for 5 years and it was time for a change. Luckily it was a nice weekend so the kids spent most of the time outside playing with all the neighborhood kids. Of course they all wanted to help paint so they each got a turn and then we were kicking them out the door.

We painted the kitchen a terra cotta color, the family room a light tan color and the dining room a yellow. The dining room is my favorite but I do like all the colors. Three rooms down and many more to go....

Nine and lookin' fine

Happy Birthday Rylie!

Rylie's birthday was a few weeks ago and we started the morning off with pancakes which was her request for breakfast. I can't belive she is 9 years old!

Rylie loved the cool "peace" purse she got from Nana.

Here's the birthday girl.

It's always fun to have your actual birthday fall on a school day. Nana was able to go eat lunch with Rylie at school.

The class is singing happy birthday to her.

Now, the best part...donghnuts for everyone.

It happened to be a very busy day after school with soccer tryouts and an orchestra concert so we went out after for ice cream.

Here are a few pictures of Rylie at Chuck E Cheese the weekend before. She was so excited to have Nana here to help her celebrate.

We are so blessed to have you in our family Rylie. We love you!

Seussical Jr.

Last weekend Rylie performed in her school play, Seussical Jr. It was a wonderful play. All the kids did a great job. Rylie was a Who in the play and had a great time performing.

Getting ready for the big night.

Great job Rylie! We can't wait to see you in next year's play.

A Little R & R

Last weekend my sister and I were able to go down to Phoenix to visit our two brothers and their families. We had such a great time. Lots of sunshine, great food and best of all hanging out with my family. I'm already wondering when I can go back!

The Larsen kids.

We went out to lunch, got a pedicure (the best massage chair I have ever sat in), did a little shopping and best of all relaxed in the sun.

It seems like we always take pictures of the kids so this time it is the adults turn.

Me and my sis ( I love having a sister)!

Jeff and his wonderful wife Jen.

Justin and his wonderful wife Amber.

Presley, the newest addition to the family.

Our tropical paradise.

Thank you so much Jeff and Jen for letting us come and stay with you. I had the best time ever!

I miss and love you all!