Camping

Our Family's only escape over the past few years has been camping. Taking 6 kids anywhere has not been in the budget. Thanks to a friend of Todd's we have been given all access to a motorhome. Although sleeping 8 people can be a bit cramped at times, that thing has been a pleasure. Last week before leaving for Dinosaur Land in Vernal, Todds friend wanted to see him. We were concerned there was an issue with us taking the mo-ho. Much to our surprise he had purchased a newer, bigger, badder motorhome and was letting us take it. Okaaaaay... so who lets a family with 6 young kids trash their brand new mo-ho before using it themselves? My kids were in HEAVEN! Bunk beds, slide-outs, TV's, dvd players, shower, room to set up a pack-n-play for Cannon. This thing has everything.

This has been the greatest blessing for our family. My kids have become so close and have made tons of fun memories. Todd and I are even planning a little surprise over Thanksgiving. Can't wait! A few pictures of what we do to keep busy while camping (when we're just hanging out at the campsite, not swimming or visiting cool places.)

Mallory is modeling her nature bracelet and belt she made on our hike. I got this idea from a magazine years ago. We wrapped duct tape around our wrists sticky side out. Then the kids could stick all the cool things they found on it. They noticed so much more than they would have otherwise.

Brigham is contemplating the meaning of life (or something.)

I brought a bunch of google eyes and let the kids find things to put them on. We called them Camping Critters. Quin decided this was one of his favorite things to do.

The only thing more boring than fishing is pretend fishing, with sticks. Especially when the stream doesn't have any fish.

Smith's

My kids love riding their bikes to Smiths. It make them feel trusted and independent. Usually they just buy a drink and look around and the stuff they like. Brigham and Mallory also have bank accounts in the bank at the store. They love being able to deposit their allowance by themselves.

The other day they were bored and needed some exercise. So Brigham and Mallory decided to go to Smiths to look at the lego sets. My favorite part of their Smiths adventures is seeing what they bring home. Since we have a "you can spend your money on anything but candy" rule, they get a little creative. Brigham bought a disposable camera to use for scouts (he is the historian and it's his job to record activities.) My sweet girl put her arm around my waist and handed me something.

"What's this?" I asked."
"It's a Smith's card. You can put however much money you want on it."
"Wow. You really got this for me? Why?"
"I just wanted to." Mallory said with a big grin.
"You didn't need to spend your money on me. How much did you put on it?"
"43 cents."

My heart swelled. I didn't have the words to thank her. It was just the most precious act. Mallory notices when I'm frustrated or don't have enough hands to help everyone and steps in to help or gives me a hug. It immediately softens my heart and helps me to get through the trying moment with more tenderness.
I clicked this picture last May when Mallory was trying to do her homework and help with Cannon at the same time. She's already learning to multi-task!

More Firsts

This cute boy is my 4th child I've sent to kindergarten. Last week was pure TORTURE for him as the other kids got to go to school and he had to wait, and wait for his first day. Cole has been full of surprises over the past few months. Usually painfully shy he has started to come out of his shell and actually talk to people. Ironically he is our loudest child at home. We joke that Cole has no control over the volume of his voice. Everything he does; laugh, cry, play, talk, is LOUD.

On his first day of Kindergarten Cole changed his pants 4 times. He tried his shirt open with a t-shirt underneath, buttoned all the way up, buttoned half-way up, then unbuttoned again. This is the same boy who would grab any shirt and pant combo for pre-school often having at least one article of clothing inside-out or backward (or both). He finally admitted that he couldn't wear pants because it covered the z-strap on his new shoes. Only shorts would do. Ahhh. It's all so clear to me now.

The saddest part of the day was realizing how much Cole didn't need me anymore. He didn't want me to walk him to his class. Shoot, he didn't even want me to park the car. "Jus dwop me off. I know what to do." And that was it. All by himself he walked into the Kindergarten playground, without a look back.

These cute kids also started school.

Brigham is starting 5th grade and sooo excited to have a male teacher!

Mallory's in 3rd grade and Quin is in 1st. I love this picture them together.
They're best buds!!!