Two Days Late

Because of our family reunion, Laurel started school two days late. We went back and forth about whether we should go and let her miss the first two days of school. Then we decided, it's only first grade, let's go!! And I think she is glad we did.

So, on the way home from the airport Sunday night, I asked Laurel what she wanted to wear. She said, " I want to wear the dress you just made." I told her that I had not sewn the ruffle on yet. She said, "well, I can stay up and splash water in your face!" So of course I had to get it done!

When I picked her up from school, I asked her how her day went. The first thing she said was, "the girl that sits beside me has the funniest laugh I have ever heard!" So, sounds like my little first grader will have a great year.

Family

I can't think of a better way to say goodbye to Summer. We got to take a really quick trip to Utah for a family reunion. Laurel and Savannah got to see cousins they had not seen in a really long time. I got to see cousins I had not seen in over 20 years. Landon got to meet people for the first time.

There was four wheeling, horse riding, trampoline jumping, lots of eating and lots of talking!

We celebrated Laurel's 7th birthday! We crossed over a creek, via a huge log to get family pictures. That was interesting! Whew, it was a fun trip and as always hard to say goodbye to family.

SEVEN

LAUREL turned 7 on August 8th! I can't believe how fast she is growing up. I tell her all the time that Heavenly Father knew I needed her first in our family. She keeps me laughing with her great sense of humor. She keeps me on my toes with her deep questions. She is just pure joy!

Fairy Tales, Magic Shows, and Concerts

This has been one hot summer.

If we have not been in the pool, we have been visiting our Birmingham Children's theater and our public libraries.

Have I ever bragged on our Birmingham libraries? I think they are some of the best! Even our little Chelsea library has offered some cute programs this summer.
Here are some pictures of us with some friends at the play, The Three Little Bears. The Children's Theater puts on the best plays for not a lot of money at all. We only spent $26 for Laurel, Savannah and me. It even held Landon's attention for a whole hour. When we left, I looked at my friend Dana and said, "I love Birmingham," and I do!

Check out Landon at the girl's feet! He did not know what to think about the big bears!

We also went to a great magic show at the Chelsea Library. The magicians were a husband and wife duo. They were amazing and I could not figure out how they did any of their tricks. And what makes a magic show even better? You and your friends getting picked to be hula girls!
Laurel was very excited! Today we went to the Roger Day concert at the Hoover library! He is a great singer and entertainer. He has made up some great, silly songs for children but at the same time they get the children to think. One of my favorites was Dream Big. I forgot my camera...UGH! But I did get this picture of Laurel and Savannah when we got home. These outfits are one of my favorites that I have made for them. Laurel will be a "cool" first grader this year, so I don't know how much longer she will wear what I sew.

I'm just so appreciative of the people who work so hard, for so little money, to entertain and educate my children. I love the library!

UP CLOSE WITH LANDON

The same thing happened with Laurel and Savannah. I get a panic feeeling everytime my babies turn one. The feeling that I might forget their squishy, adorable, drooling, little bodies. I know great and new experiences come as they grow and get older, but there is nothing better than a soft, doughy, baby!

Back To May

My mom, two sisters and I met in Las Vegas for a long girl's weekend over Memorial weekend! I will have to admit I broke down a little at the airport. I was a little anxious and nervous over leaving my sweet Landon. I knew Laurel and Savannah would be okay but my little baby had never been without his mommy.

It was such a relaxing vacation. I felt like the night lasted forever. Since Las Vegas is two hours behind Alabama time, I would wake up at 4:30 and realize how much time I still had left to sleep. We spent time laying out by the pool. I got to actually turn over on my stomach and not have to fear a child was drowning. We ate good food, and I will never disclose the amount one meal costs me!
We saw Donny and Marie! They were excellent and I really want Marie's legs!! Donny is still just as cute as he was when I had a crush on him back in the day.

We watched Mama Mia and I guess I was living under a rock when this movie came out, because I had never seen it. I really need to get out with girlfriends more. But it was so much fun watching it with my sisters and my mom. I really just wanted to go to that island and sing and dance! I mean, I probably would not sound any worse or look any more painful than Pierce Bronson, right?

Oh, it was so much fun but I was ready to get home to my sweet family. Landon survived and didn't even come close to giving me the homecoming I was expecting. Laurel and Savannah, on the other hand, jumped up and down and tackled me! Then Laurel told me, "you are being a sweet mommy!" So I guess the vacation did me some good!

I think we should make it a yearly tradition! Thanks to my sweet mother-in-law for coming to help with the children. Thanks to my sweet sister-in-law for bringing over gatorade to Seth, who got violently ill the first night I left. And a BIG thanks to my sister Audra for providing the time share in Las Vegas!

An extra Special Father's Day

A year ago on Father's Day weekend, we welcomed our sweet Landon into the world. What a fun year it has been! He loves his mommy, but he loves his daddy even more. There is an undeniable bond between the two. There was not only one proud dad that day, but there was one proud papa! Landon was the first "Clayton grandson!" So now that Clayton name will be carried on.

Happy Birthday Landon and Happy Father's Day Seth!