For Jill

I'll see your pie crust and raise you a pot pie

AND banana bread AND muffins. In the same afternoon. And my kitchen is clean. BAM.

Click here for a little background information.

Zoo Day

I used to take a couple of trips a month to the zoo, but it seems to get harder to find time. I had such a nice time with Cameron and Rex today. The weather was nice, it wasn't too crowded and this elephant was pretty entertaining. Someone remind me to keep making efforts to go to the zoo! I always enjoy that place.

Cam trying to climb over the glass and Rex flirting with a little girl.

This phase for the last time

We've enjoyed this phase four other times so it's not scary anymore or cute anymore. It's just annoying. Especially when he tries to hang from the light fixture in the dining room.

But at least less food is going to waste. There's always a bright side!

Back to school!

I think everyone except for Matt and the kids was ready for school to start. We were all able to wake up and be ready on time. Not bad if I do say so myself.

This year will be challenging for Matt. He is teaching 6 very large classes. He's a stud so I know he'll do great.

Donovan turned 11 earlier this month and is going into 5th grade. Every now and then he'll do something or say something that reminds me that he is definitely getting older and more mature. Sometimes that makes me feel proud, but sometimes it makes me sad.

Here is Donovan with his teacher, Mrs. Claus. He is excited to see his friends, but not too thrilled to be back in school. He looks forward to art and P.E.

Howie is going into 3rd grade. His sense of humor is pretty enjoyable. We hardly had to encourage Howie to read during the summer, but he wasn't as interested in working on other subjects. I guess he could be considered a normal kid.

Here is Howie with Mrs. Urbanek. He will also have Donovan's 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Gizzie, for math. Howie is excited that he gets to use laptops at school and do homework online. He is also looking forward to P.E.

Nina is starting 1st grade. There were some things she struggled with in kindergarten. Mostly her emotions. She got a short haircut over the summer which made her seem older immediately. Nina was more than happy to read and do "homework" over the summer. A difference between boys and girls? And I need to document that I tried to help her pick out an outfit for the first day, but my offer was declined. Pink is her signature color.

Here is Nina with her teacher, Mrs. Frye. Howie had her for 1st grade as well and we really like her. Nina is bummed out that she has to go away from home. Remember that her future plans include not going to college and living at home with Matt and me forever. Although I am flattered, I will be hoping for a different future. Nina is excited for when she gets to pick hot lunch, and that's all she'll admit to. Good luck Mrs. Frye.

Cameron has always seemed older than his years. He is more than ready to begin preschool. He's going to the same preschool that his older siblings went to. He will also play on his first soccer team. Matt volunteered to coach his team, so I bet I can make sure he gets lots of playing time.

Here is Cameron with Mrs. Kendall. She has had our older 3 kids and remembers when Cameron was just a baby. Cameron is excited to meet new friends and wear his backpack.

And dear little Rex. He still sucks his thumb and follows all the big kids around. He will conveniently be taking a nap during the time that Cameron is at preschool.

Our awesome kids

Rachelle endured a very painful photo shoot so that we could capture the love, the innocence and wonder of our beautiful children. Thank you Rachelle!

Free State Parks Day

We used to always buy State Parks passes and loved hiking and fishing, but we haven't gotten them the last few years. When we realized all the state parks were free today, we quickly made some plans to spend the evening at Chatfield.

Rex felt a little left out, but he eventually got over it. I am certain that Matt will have him out there fishing in no time. Then maybe I could sneak away and get a treat or something. The future is looking bright for everyone.

So about 4 minutes after Matt had them all set up, Cameron caught a fish. The only fish. And when fish aren't being caught, kids get bored, leave their rods and look for sticks and rocks. And Rex.

And even though fish aren't being caught, Matt doesn't gives up. And even though it's getting dark, Matt doesn't give up. And even though I remind Matt that if we're going to take the kids fishing, we have to be done when they are done, Matt doesn't give up.

But luckily there was some type of water spout to keep the kids entertained.

Donovan's 11!

Donovan has changed just a little bit since this picture:

And now our chubby little baby is a not-at-all chubby 11 year old.

Unfortunately we had a few house keeping items to take care of the morning of Donovan's birthday. I am a mean mom and scheduled a nice and early doctor's appointment. Only because I had taken Rex in the week before and his ears were borderline infected so my doctor told me to bring him in with Donovan the following week. We were leaving for Utah the day after Donovan's birthday so I didn't have much of a choice. And he had to get shots. But he was a huge sport and didn't complain once.

Matt baked a yummy monkey cake and put together a fun treasure hunt.

After spending the day having fun as a family, we headed downtown to catch a Rockies game.

Donovan loves the Rockies and had a great time. We are so happy to have Donovan in our family. We admire his love of life and his happy and forgiving personality. He makes friends any where he goes and tries very hard to be a helpful son and good example to his siblings. We love you Donovan!