First Day of School 2014

They are all in school.  This will be the only year that  they'll all be in the same school and the last time Laura will be in a school with one of her sisters.

We were super excited to not be in uniforms.  My folks were awesome and took the girls (while J was on business in NYC) so I could take them one at a time to shop for their back to school outfits.  Aren't they cute?

The big girls started at their new school and have done great!  They say they are so glad they made the choice to change.  Laura has Leinweber this year and Rosie has Young.

Eliza started Kindergarten a week later and has adjusted beautifully.  She has Hurst.  She's tired, but doing so great!

I am loving my 2.5 hrs each day with Eliza in Kindergarten...oh wait, I'm volunteering at the school 3 days a week during that time.  I love seeing the girls at school and it's wonderful I can be a part of their lives at school.

Teton Yellowstone Vacation 2014

We took a week and went to the Tetons and to Yellowstone with Andy and Marie's family.

We went river rafting, hiking, and shopping around Jackson and in the Tetons.  We saw a play and ate yummy food.  The girls were thrilled to add a new Jr. Ranger badge to their collection here.  I'm glad we went, but they were so much like our backyard Uinta's that we probably won't ever return.

Then it was on to Yellowstone.  My goodness it was rainy and wet there even though it was August.  But, we braved the weather and had a great time anyways.

Here's the list of our favorites:
Laura's: Milky colored pools at Norris, Geyser basin with Castle and Grand
Melinda's: Geyser basin with Castle and Grand, West Thumb Geyser basin on the lake, Taking the tram to the top of the mountain in the Tetons
Sara Rosie's:  Mud pots, crested pool, Old Faithful, Big waterfall (upper falls) we hiked to
Jason's: Castle Geyser, West Thumb, Mesa Falls
Eliza's: Waterfalls everywhere!

Jason's Birthday 2014

Jason got home from business the night before his birthday.  We were all prepped and ready.  The girls had fun helping me.

We did our traditional early morning presents.  The girls each picked out a candy for their dad to go along with their presents.

I got him a few other things.  We went out for lunch at Tucanos.  I made him cream puffs, his favorite dessert, for his candles instead of cake.

How we love Jason!

Laura's Summer Recitals

Laura did a few little performances this summer. After doing jazzy stuff in Seussical, Laura wanted to learn to sing Jazz so her teacher selected , "Hit Me With a Hot Note."  I think she sounds awesome and could not be more adorable!

Vocal recital fell on an insanely busy day!  Jason and I had to divide and conquer to do dance team and the recital, but we were both able to watch her sing. My folks came as well as Grandma B.  (Oh, I had to make her a fabulous skirt for the occasion.  I think it works perfectly and will get lots of use.)

 Laura also did a theater camp at Echo this summer.  And yes, it was the same week as both her sisters had dance camp and team auditions.  She loved it and was thrilled to learn about Shakespeare as she already had a role in Macbeth.  She was Hermia in Midsummer Night's Dream for the little performance at the end.  My folks came to support her and it was tons of fun to watch!  Well done, Laura!

Park City Trip

Jason had a coworker in town from London without a car.  We took pity on him and took him on a tour.

Olympic torch!

Fun in Park City!

With purely American West food of smoked ribs and slurpees!

Eliza's Birthday Celebrations

Eliza's birthday was tricky this year, because it was happening while we were on vacation.  So, we started with a little party at the Planetarium.  When I asked her what she wanted, she wanted to have a party with Makayla and Grandma and Grandpa.  So, that's what we did.  We had lunch at her favorite: Sweet Tomatoes.  Then on to the planetarium for two shows.  We finished by taking she and Makayla to Seussical that night.

We opened her presents a few days before we left on vacation so she would have time to play with her toys. Of course we opened them first thing in the morning!

My parents took her out for her favorite lunch (Olive garden for noodles, grapes, and raspberry lemonade) and to Build a Bear!  She loved her time with them and being spoiled!

Then we did cake and a candle while on vacation.  Happy Birthday, Eliza!!

Eliza at 5 Years Old

Spunky and sassy Eliza is 5 years old!

Here are the results of her birthday interview: 
Favorite Color:  Pinkish Purplish
Best Friend: Makayla, Jersey (dance)
Favorite toy:  Dressups, stuffed animals
Favorite place to be: At home with all of my family, and Disneyland
Favorite movie: The Croods
Favorite book: Press Here, Fancy Nancy, The Day the Crayons Quit
Favorite food: Noodles, Tomatoes
Favorite treat: Cookies
Favorite activity: Dance, Dress up, Put on Performances
Favorite TV show: Sherriff Callie's Wild West, Doc McStuffins, American Ninja Warrior

Her big news this year is that she got on dance team (Pee Wee Company) at our studio.  She is a quick study and super persistent.  Can you believe she'll be starting Kindergarten in just a little bit?

Most days you will find her wearing a skirt.  I have to pull her out of dress up dresses and shoes to get out the door.  She is determined to keep up with her big sisters in every way - so she sings and dances beautifully as well as hiking, exploring, and coloring.  She is growing up so quickly, but fortunately still puts her little arms around my neck!  How I love Miss E!