Jonah Starts Junior High

 My baby boy started junior high this year! It is always weird for me to have Jonah do something because while Laylah is the oldest, it's just normal for her to do new things. But for some reason it is weird for me when Jonah does new things, because he's not the oldest. I know, it doesn't make much sense, but that's how I feel.

The night before school stared we headed to the junior high open house to get Jonah his schedule and show him his locker and where to find his classes.

 He had to try 3 or 4 times before he opened it. And I had to sneak these photos because he was so embarrassed.

Success!

After walking around the school for a bit, we took him out to dinner (he chose Rubio's and I was not sad about that ;) and talked to him about the big changes coming his way. We talked about the changes people make in junior high and how he needs to always keep his standards high. We told him that lots of kids change and try to be "cool" and that kids he though how knew will be totally different. We talked about who he should be a light to others and a good example and a friend to all. He took it all in stride and did confide that he was pretty nervous about starting the next day. We reassured him and it made me happy that he still needed his mom and dad, even as a big 12 year old about to go into 7th grade.

 The next morning he was up bright and early, and ready to go in his new school duds. 7th grade starts the Friday before the rest of the district so they can get used to all of the huge changes without all of the scary 8th and 9th graders in the school as well. I may be biased but I think he is soooo handsome!

Pulling up and ready to go (schedule in hand :)

Bye, Jojo!

He had a great day and was happy to see familiar faces in his classes. He liked his teachers and thought it would be a great year. So proud of this jr high kid of mine!

Bear Lake and Lagoon for an End of Summer Hurrah!

 After Magnus' scan, we left straight from Primary Children's hospital, and we headed to Bear Lake for our End of Summer Hurrah! We stayed in Rachel's cabin at Bear Lake and I invited Cristan and her kiddos to come along too. If you're counting, that's 15 kids and 3 moms! Craziness Extraordinaire.

As soon as we arrived the kids headed to the beach and the water. Rachel and I got unpacked and settled (Cristan came up later that evening) and headed out to relax in the beautiful sunshine on the beach.

I headed out on a bike ride (still training) and it was absolutely gorgeous. I can't ever explain the feeling of peace and contentment I get from riding through amazing scenery, especially at sunset. It is indescribable.

After dinner, Jonah walked out to the beach with me in the fading sunlight. It was perfect.

S'mores time!

Cristan arrived and chaos ensued. As we tried to get all of the kids settled, everyone was running around, chasing each other, yelling, and just being crazy in general. We finally got them all settled and Cristan and I stayed up until all hours of the night talking. Just like our good old sleepover days.

In the morning we made breakfast and the kids occupied themselves with games. They all got ready and headed to the beach.

Cristan brought her gel nails stuff and did all of our toes. I did everyone's nails.

The beach day was marvelous. I love Bear Lake. Kids played, we ate yummy food, we canoed, we built sand castles, we chased each other, we swam, we relaxed. Perfect. 

Cristan and I laughed. Way too much.

We decided to do a photoshoot in this sandcastle the kids dug out.

At the end of the day after most of the kids had headed up to the cabin, the girls left took a million jumping photos. So fun and FUNNY.

We headed to LaBeau's after dinner (naturally!) for shakes. So yum!

We got all the kids to bed when we got home and all of us moms fell into bed exhausted. It was a successful day at Bear Lake. 

The next morning we were up early to pack and clean up. It took a couple hours, but we got it all done and headed to Lagoon for the day! Cristan actually headed home, but Don and Andy met Rachel and me there for a day of fun. A million photos to follow!

SOAKED!

Almost dry and then soaked again!

I sure LOVE this sister of mine. It was such a fun few days together with our kids. She is one of my most favorite people in the universe and I adore her completely. I'm so glad we can do these fun things together!

It was the perfect ending to what I dubbed the best summer ever. And it really was. Because as soon as school started and I started my new job, life changed in a big way. But I will always remember this summer and our Last Hurrah at Bear Lake and Lagoon the perfect ending to this perfect summer.