First day of School

No matter how many bricks I put on my kids' head, they just keep growing! They were really excited to get back to school and see their friends and meet their teachers. I am happy with each of their teachers this year, and it is already a great year. Preston is in 5th, Jason is in 3rd, and my Bryce is in 1st grade!

Jenna started school the week after Labor day and she is officially in pre-school. She loves Miss Heidi's class and wishes that school was everyday, not just Tues. and Thurs. Matson misses her when she is gone and so he is glad that it is only two days a week. She comes home singing and loves to tell both Matson and I everything she did.

Summer fun....2008

We had such a great summer this year. We enjoyed a beautiful camping trip with cousins up to Flaming Gorge where we camped and floated down the Green River. The cool air was such a nice break from the summer heat! We ate good food and even played "No Bears are Out Tonight!"

The older boy cousins enjoying Grammy's cupcakes!

Ben & Mykin squeeze and enjoy the fresh air!

Two weeks later the whole family enjoyed a week up at Bear Lake! We love Bear Lake! The kids loved the pool and the wave runners, the games on the grass in the evenings, and of course the mini golf!

Jason in mid-air, thanks to Uncle Marcus!

Bryce and Issac blowing bubbles on the grass...

All the kids at the pool...

And Matson giving himself pointers on his golf game...

We had such a wonderful summer it was hard to let it go and have the kids start back to school again. Already looking forward to next summer!

We Have Grass!

Last week we got 21,000 square yards of sod delivered on two huge semi trucks. It was a glorious site! We...okay, so I guess it is really me...I am so glad to not have dirt everywhere! It has been tracked into the house and all over clothes in mass quantities over the last few months.

The building out back is almost done...the walls are painted and outside is finished, and the wood floor is going to be installed this week. This is a project that is sure a lot bigger now than it was on paper!

It has been really fun to live here, and I feel that I don't deserve it! We have great neighbors, a beautiful view, and wonderful house. We are truly blessed...that is for sure!

Jason gets baptized!

Jason was baptized with his cousin Rachel on May 4th. It was such a beautiful day, and so special for Jason. He was very excited and even a little hopeful that he might have to get dunked twice! He is growing up so fast and we are so proud of his good choices...

"This just in...Mykin Higbee sets New World Record in the 5K"

Monica came to visit and we girls(Monica, Megan and I) decided to run a 5K together. There were not many options in Utah county and so we went with the Utah Valley Marathon and 5K. Mindy had hurt her back the previous week and couldn't run with us this time (you're in like flynn next time, Min). The race started at 7 am, and needless to say, we barely made it to the start line on time. After some dynamic stretching exercises...the race started. I knew immediately this was going to be quite an experience. We were laughing before the race even started, and I have never had such a fun time running in all my life(despite the fact that they had advertised porta potties along the way...and there were NONE). Anyway, it was a cold but beautiful morning. We all sprinted to the finish line and Meg led us in. I beat Monica by one second which officially made we WINNER of the women's 30-34 age group! Woo Hoo! I even got a plaque! We've decided to make running a 5K an annual event, with all invited. The only 2 things that will make this even more fun are...more family members running with us...and BLADDER SURGERY...aagh!

Could it be more FUN???

So we took our kids out of school and went to S. Cali. for a vacation. We have a little family tradition that when a child turns 8, then we have an extra special family birthday celebration and we go somewhere fun. The kids have been saving their "Mom & Dad" dollars to pay for tickets to Disneyland. Against Ben's advice, we bought 2-day hopper passes. The drive down was fun (thanks Aikens in St. George) and short compared to our long trips from Dallas to Utah. Ben flew down and met us (after dominating in the BYU intersquad-decathlon). We spent two fun filled days watching our kids feel the magic. From Disney princesses to Jedi Training and Darth Vader...it was an amazing experience...that we can't wait to repeat!

Wow Walt...who knew that a goofy looking mouse could lead to all of this!

Where's my Hairspray??

So our wonderful family (Mom, Megan, Nate & Tami) watched our kids so that I could go to New York with Ben and the BYU Track team. It was a fun get-a-way, and I am already looking forward to next February! We got to see Hairspray and Wicked on Broadway and we got to visit the Statue of Liberty...unfortunately they don't let you climb to the top of her crown anymore...but I got the t-shirt! Then we rented wave runners and rode all around the Hudson river in wetsuits...oh wait, jk that was on Hitch...oops! Anyway, it was a blast. Happy 13th Anniversary Smooch! I love you!