"Almost" sleepover party!

Ressa finally turned 6 years old on October 3rd! She is the youngest in her class at school, so it was a relief for her to now be 6 years old like everyone else! I asked Ressa what kind of party she wanted to have, and after a minute of thinking, she said "how about a pajama party?" What a relief! I had no idea what to do and was not in the celebrating spirit, my creative juices all dried up. But a pajama party had so many possibilities without being obnoxious. I started to get excited about the upcoming event and Ressa notice the change. "Mom, how come you are so excited about my party NOW?"

Ressa invited her usual suspects: Audrie, Auralee, Addy, Isabelle, Lauren & Payton S. A new friend, Salma, was also able to come. She is in Ressa's class and her mom, Tina, was able to come and help me throughout the 3 hour celebration. Chad took the boys and Lauren to Pizza Hut, but came back after only 1 1/2 hours and asked if we were almost done! Not quite, buddy! So they hid out in our bedroom but Lauren joined the party, of course.

Here are the girls all together with their eye masks!

.We all had such a great time! I couldn't ask for a sweeter daughter in Ressa. I am so proud of the girl she is becoming; so good to her friends, enthusiastic about life, and ready for any adventure! Happy birthday, sweety!

 

New Obsession Part 2

A new obsession

Pictures say a thousand words, right? Or in my case, a thousand flower hair clips.

Lauren's 1st Field Trip

Sarah C., this blog is for you!!!! And you were right! Pictures DO upload to so much faster!!! And thank you for the picures! However, I don't appreciate the strange woman who snuck herself into our photo! :)

Sarah C. & Cora invited Lauren and I to come along with them on their preschool field trip to the AZ Southwest Museum. In my new attempts to take Lauren out on adventures, I accepted the invitation. Poor 4th child gets ripped off by mom burnt out on zoos, parks, and museums. Anyways, Ressa went on this same trip when she was in preschool a couple years ago, so I knew Lauren would love the dinosaurs.

Lauren was enjoying her little dress that day and wanted to show me how pretty it spun around. As for the pink boots, there was a period of 2 weeks where all she wanted to wear was her boots. She has 2 pair of pink ones that were hand-me-downs from a friend.

Here I am trying to get a picture with Cora and Lauren. Cora is always ready to give a sweet smile. She is such a doll! Nice face, Lauren. I LOVE taking pictures of these two buddies, 'cause you can't help but find humor in the size difference.

Let's try that again, shall we? Ahhh, that's much better...

I wish I had this kind of set up in my house for time-out.

Two of my favorite things

1. My birthday

2. Camping

Of course I don't LOVE getting older, but I do enjoy having a birthday and making reference to it throughout the entire month of August. I like to think of August as my "birthmonth" really, not just one single birth "day". And I am not talking about presents or parties. I just like to mention it every once in a while to solicite help taking out the garbage, emptying the dishwasher, or getting me a bowl of ice cream. One of my "birthday wishes" was to go camping and get out of this heat, and my wish was granted!

We camped up at Airplane Flat with the Sharps, Larsens, and the Starrs. It was a great group, adults and kids alike. All the children got along famously and except for Bruce taking an impromptu swim in the freezing cold creek, no mishaps.

Of course, horshoes were involved...

A little hiking...

Some biking... (It was easy to tell our kids from o

thers in the campground. None of ours had helmets. Oops!)

This is totally out of order, but here is Carson Starr with a yummy birthday cupcake.




Carson and Jocelyn Starr

Ressa




Eating...

Guys. Just because I brought 2 spatulas, does not mean the you BOTH need to be stirring the fajitas mix. It's pretty much a one man job.

Necia, Jennifer, LeaAnn, myself (with guest appearances by Jocelyn, Derek & Van)

The big party! We were tempted to invite the other campers over to our party to share in the bounty of cupcakes, but we didn't. Yes, Jen had those cupcakes made in the shape of a horse, just for my special day. Very touching!

Not the best picture in the world, but I had to show off "Buddy", my new little camping pal. He holds the garbage sack, utinsels, paper towels, spices, and a lantern! And only just $15.88! What a steal!

Chad: "Sarah, where is the salt and pepper?

Me: "Over by Buddy."

Chad: "Hey, Sarah. Where did that other spatula go?"

Me: "Oh. It's hanging on Buddy."

You get the idea.

Walt with Ian and Van

Canyon Creek


A major attraction for the kids is the rope swing. Here is Jeff helping the kids get on. (And Lauren possibly picking her nose.)

Who needs big fancy playground equipment when all you need is a big log and a long skinny pole. Instant teeter totter, free of charge.

Van IS Superman

Ian Loves to get his picture taken

Are you sure these two are just 6 months apart?

Best buds! Audrie and Ressa have handled not being in the same school class very well. It was great to have them play together the whole time.

Umm. Jen took this picture. What a couple of posers!














Oh. I guess that's all the pictures. Sorry!

We had a fun time, but too short as usual. It was the perfect way to spend my birthday. I even got another birthday wish when it rained a little both days. Perfect!