August 2015

 This month started off happily with the arrival of 2 new nieces!

Rachel Ella Swiss was born on July 28th; 7 lbs 8 oz, 20 inches long.  She joins Maria and Dallin's family as child #2.

Hazel Anne Wood came August 4th; 7 lbs 2 oz, 20 inches long.  She joins Wendy and Dan's family as child #4.

We've enjoyed visiting with these sweet babies, only one week apart!

We celebrated Grandpa Matt's birthday on August 7th.

We added "The Girls" to our fish tank.  Called 'Kissing Gouramis', they have been fun to watch.  An old man at the pet store traded them in for cat food for his other pet.  When we noticed how large they were, about 6 inches and 7 inches, we snatched them up right away. Large fish are a rare find at pet stores.

Makayla created this cake for Gizmo's first birthday.  Both cats are doing well. They loved it!

The cats are loving the salamanders, which had to be secured in a container with a large rock so they would stop tipping them over.  I feel like I live on a farm lately!

Dad helped the kids crack open their own personal geodes.

We oohed and aahed at the pretty crystals.

Our cousins came to visit!  Sterling and Hudson were cheerfully matching.

This picture cracks me up!  It is a very wild scene indeed.

Mud pies and water balloons were a must for summer fun!

Lowe's building project of Thor's chariot.

Sand castle creations without the mess.

Attended the groundbreaking of our new police station and city offices.  It should be completed Fall 2016 and is right up the street from us.

We found a great new splash-pad in Sandy.  We will be back!

Saw a pretty cool show about colonizing Mars in the next 10 years.

Had to sneak a few sleepovers in before summer's end.

And played at the park.

Uncle Dallin helped the kids put on a fashion show.

Firehouse Cafe!

Ventured out to the drive-in with our fam.  It was a double feature of "Minions" and "Pixels."

End of summer party at Pizza Factory and Nickelmania.

Enjoyed a visit with my parent's neighbor, Bob.  He has a wonderful garden and is so nice to share his produce with us.

Enjoyed many warm evenings outside.

This is the scenic view from across the street.

Wrapped up the month with a back to school carnival and fireworks.

Speaking of school, holy cow did August 19th come fast.  This is the earliest we've ever gone back!

Makayla is in 3rd grade with Mrs. Cicero.  She seems to like it so far.  She dreams of being a school teacher someday.

Sterling is in 1st grade with Mrs. Wheatley.  He has transitioned to full day school so much better than expected.  It helps that his teacher reminds him of a grandma.  I love that he's comfortable.  He wants to work with computers like daddy when he grows up.

Off to school!

And Lincoln started an online preschool called Upstart.  He is really liking it and will also resume the Bengal Paw Preschool in September.  Lincoln claims he'd like to be a chef for his grown up job.

First day surprises for doing well.  Here's hoping to smooth sailing this year!