Speaking Larsen

Well it's that time of year again! And this is kind of a special year for us because Catelyn, Landon, Jocelyn, and Brooklyn are all attending the same school! This is the only year magic on this level will happen. The first day has come and gone, and while other moms are flooding Facebook with 'back to school' and 'first day' photos, I'm trying to balance getting my kids to the fair! Everyone's gotta have a turn helping grandpa at 5 am! Also worth noting, we didn't buy a single article of new clothing for anyone and not one of my kids complained this morning about not having anything to wear. Granted, they all need some new stuff, but I decided it really could wait. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Catelyn has Mrs. Haynes. She said she had the best day, and the most eventful thing to happen was when one of her classmates threw up on another classmate. Poor kids! I know that nerves were running high in our home, but thankfully no one puked--we had a near vomit, though...

The kids have a chance to get to know Kevin's stepdaughters and Kiara more this year than any other year before. It's been super fun for them and they are loving the time they get to spend with each other. Miles away, it does make it tough, but they take full advantage of every minute they get when the girls come to visit Grandma and Grandpa Larsen.

We really try to get together every year. Amber and I have been friends for years now, and our cute kids seem to like each other well enough. This time when we went for a visit everyone seemed to pair up and go play like they were long lost besties. It was rather adorable. When it was time to go, they were asking when we were going to see each other again. In fact, they ask me every once in a while when we'll see them, and while we didn't get to see each other this 2015 summer, we really do plan to make it happen next year.

So Catelyn went to Pine Basin and didn't die. ☺ Really, she had so much fun. We were so proud of her because it was a little scary to send her on her own. She'd never done that before and she's had little experience with 'roughing it.' In fact, I think it's the first time she's ever been away from home, on her own, without family.  She didn't have anyone with her in the beginning, but she came home with 40 new friends. On parent's night, when we arrive, she spotted us and came running up and hugged me so tight. Then she started bawling. It made me cry. Kyle got a little choked up, too, but he mostly laughed at us. We listened to Darrin (The Headmaster) tell us all about what the kids had been learning and doing, from water purification to the history of the Jackson Hole valley. We watched their skits and listened to their silly/catchy/annoying songs and each counselor took a minute to tell us about what he or she had been responsible...

Our Ward Campout is a chance for us to all hangout with friends and visit and we absolutely love going. This year it was up near Heise again and the kids got to do a little rock climbing again.  Landon refused to be in the photos, but what can you do? He spent most of his time playing catch with the football and kickball. Catelyn held babies and talked with her friends and the little girls giggled. Non-stop giggled. They were so silly.

We hit Chad's house on Sunday, and had all day Monday to play. We took the kids for a hike, and while we weren't quite prepared for it, we had a great time! They all jhung out on Tuesday while I met with my editor, and then when I finished we hit the Bean Museum in Provo. After two years of renovations, it was like new again. Dana took us to the most amazing park while we were in Utah, the second week of June. Even Catelyn and Landon were entertained! And that's saying something, because they are outgrowing the park, fast. Then we made a quick stop in at Costco. Our first visit, ever! They all had to try on glasses, and then they discovered the SAMPLES.   I'd turn around to see where they'd all gone, and it was to the next sample station. We started loosing track of them a little bit and were slightly embarrassed as they ran from treat to treat, but oh well. I"m sure they're not the first group of kids to do that. ...

The first grade Year End Party was a HUGE hit! I didn't take very many photos and I didn't get a single one of the bouncy obstacle jump house. Oh well.   Jocelyn's class and the other two first grade classes spent several house playing outside. We had all kinds of games, and then they had hot dogs, sno cones, cotton candy and water.   But this morning, when it was time to go to school for the very last day? Jocelyn was so upset. She was grumpy and crying. She didnt' want to go. WHY? Because she didn't want to say goodbye.   This mom teared up. it's hard to say goodbye to your friends and teacher when you're young like this. Those people are your LIFE at this age. But she went, and she made her teacher cry a little when it was time to go, but I think she's going to be fine!   Jocelyn's Other Mother for 1st grade! Mrs. Patience!