School Bags

I know, we're a week into school already here, but I just finished the girls new school bags. In my defense, I thought they could use their backpacks from last year, but they had holes in the bottom that went undiscovered until day two.

So we went to the fabric stash and Sadie and Ella designed their own bags. I was quite surprised at the fabrics they chose for their main fabric but then I helped them chose some accent fabrics.
They were excited to have their new bags. And yes, Sadie dressed herself and Ella cut her eye, so they do look like two pirates.

The floral fabric and the blue and red polka dot are Bubblegum Basics from Quilt Soup. The animal fabric is a Japanese import. The solid fabrics are from Ikea. The pattern is a modified version of this.

Back to School

When did this happen?

When did they get so big?
When did I become old enough to have a second and third grader?

Shoshone Falls

We ventured north to see Evan's sister and her family. And made a quick stop at Shoshone Falls on the way. Up until we were right above the canyon Evan wasn't sure it would be very impressive, But then the seen change from flat grasses to staring down a deep canyon before you even know it exists. We drove down through the canyon to find the falls, it was beautiful.

The kids were grateful to get out and stretch their legs, and impressed by the view.
One of my favorite things about family vacation is that Sadie and Ella get along so well.
I would love to go back and do some hiking around the canyon. It is amazing to see this massive canyon that has been carved by the Snake River. Definitely worth the stop.

In the beginning

When I was little I loved to visit the school where my parents went to college. We would shop in the bookstore and eat in the cafeteria. I loved walking around campus and seeing all the students. My dad would always say, "Here is where it all began."

Since we are a short drive from Evan's alma mater (undergraduate) we took the day and went to visit. On the way there Sadie asked if we would meet any real students and we assured her that we would see some if not meet them. We went to the bookstore and got t-shirts.

We got ice cream in the cafeteria and sat in the shade to people watch and eat ice cream.
I think Ella felt a bit sophisticated to be at college.
We went to the science building to see the hands-on exhibits.
And then strolled around campus.
It was fun to be there, even though I didn't go to school there. (Maybe some day we'll make it up north.) Sometimes I miss the energy of those days, but I don't miss the insecurity.
Evan was going to school here when we met. So I guys you could say this is where it all began.

A Circus/Carnival

Between trips and work, we had delayed Ella's birthday party until almost a month after her birthday. Who knew we would have to worry about the weather in August. Unfortunately it started to rain just as we were setting up.

We moved the photo booth inside...
and I loved the pictures we got.
Ella was a lovely tightrope walker.
Even Evan got in on the action.
We had some games inside
and some games had to stay outside.
There was face painting (we decided they had to stop eating their popcorn when they got their face painted, whoops)
And a pinata.
So in spite of the off and on rain it turned out great. Happy birthday princess.

Jack is three

Jack was very much aware of his birthday this year. As we got home from church he said, "Hurry. Unbuckle me, I hab to see my cake." We had a family party for his birthday. He loves Thomas the Tank Engine right now so everyone got him tracks and trains to make Sodor Island. I'm not sure he slept much since. The highlight of the day was the cake-tastrophe; as my mom started to frost the cake I had baked the night before and it began to crumble and collapse.

We put Nelson on top, called it a Thomas mountain cake, and Jack loved it. It tasted much better than it looked.
Mostly we enjoyed each other's company, watched the kids build the train, and visited.
Ella enjoyed the cake this time, so that was good.
And I have to throw in this photo of Evan and Ezra. I can't believe the size difference between our babies and my brother's babies. I never had the pleasure of a sweet fat baby. So when this little guy comes over I just want to squeeze him.
Its always nice to have family over for dinner. Luckily we get to have most of my family and Evan's brother and his wife over every other Sunday. And its nice that my kids get to celebrate birthdays with some of their cousins.

Daddy's Boo Boo

Evan went in for arthroscopic surgery on Thursday and it turned out there was a ridge of cartilage that needed to be removed. Something he painfully discovered in training for this and this.

Unfortunately, this is how you convalesce at our house. Every time he sits down to ice it he gets mauled.
Hopefully work is more relaxing than home. At least he is close to physical therapy.

Getting Ready for School

We held our annual new school clothes fashion show.

I think the highlight was Jack modeling his back-to-school ensemble.
I promise, he owns pants.

The North Pole

Up in the mountains, above Manitou Springs, is a little amusement park called the North Pole. My kids can ride pretty much every ride, if not by themselves, then with an adult, so, kid heaven.

While we geared ourselves for the inevitable spinning, we decided to take the train around the park.

Aunt Jocelyn and Autumn happily waiting.
The girls on the train.
Maisy on the train.
Sadie need to ride a reindeer on the carousel, we were in the North Pole after all.
This is the highest ferris wheel in the US, not the tallest, but because of the altitude, the highest.

The little lady bugs wiped out most of the adults. Something about sitting backwards and going in circles agrees better with kids than parents.

Jack and Grandpa Christensen drove the car.
I thought this ride would do me in.
Turned out it was this one that did the trick.
I think Evan might have had a little more fun than he wanted us to believe.
Besides Santa (whom we missed seeing this year) this frozen pole gives the park its name.

Water Fun

While some of the adults went off on a day rafting trip, we decided to have a little water fun of our own.

A crazy sprinkler, a trampoline, and lots of kids. I'm surprised no one was hurt.
Ella and Audrey.
Ella making Maisy laugh.
Hula Hooping.
Until a storm rolled in over Pike's Peak and everyone scurried inside.