School Work and Cute Ali

Okay, one more quick post. These are some of the things that Nathan brought home from school his first couple of weeks. He is learning and having a great time, although he says his hand and wrist get tired from coloring so much. 
 

This just a couple of pictures of Ali with a ponytail. I think she is about the cutest things I've seen. I'm so happy she's my daughter and in our family!

FHE playing Simon Says

A couple of weeks ago for Family Home Evening we played Simon Says for the activity. The kids had a lot of fun and Nathan and Aaron are getting pretty good at playing it. When Aaron gets to be Simon, he gets pretty silly. I have some of his antics on video, but can't figure out how to get it from my camera to the computer and then to the blog, so for now I'll just post the pictures of three cute Simon Says-ers.
 

Simon Says touch your knees

Simon Says touch your elbow

Simon Says touch your ear

Aaron is 4!

Our cute little Aaron is 4 years old! He is getting to be such a big boy. We had a fun dinner with our family, Grandma and Grandpa Taylor and Uncle Todd. He got a lot of "really cool toys." He also got a cool Cars 2 puzzle from his primary teacher. He felt pretty special all day and all weekend. I'm grateful for such a sweet-tempered, happy, enthusiastic boy! He keeps us laughing and happy.
 

First Day of School

Nathan's first day of school was August 22. Ryan was home because it was a Monday, and Grandpa Taylor came over to stay with Aaron and Ali while Ryan and I both got to go with Nathan the first day. It was kind of like a back-to-school for parents as well. The kids found their chairs and then listened to a story, said their names so the whole class could meet them, and then they got to go out and play on the playground. That was Nathan's favorite part. While the kids were playing Nathan's teacher, Mrs. King, talked to all the parents about what to expect and how kindergarten worked. Then we signed up for a time to bring him back some time during the week for testing and that was it. He went back officially the next Monday, August 29. 

Aaron and Ali wanted to get their pictures taken, too. Ali wanted to put on a backpack as well. I think she thought she was going to go to school right along with Nathan.

Aaron's first day of preschool was on September 6. He was so cute and very excited to go. We got to go to his "school" and find the backyard playground, where he puts his shoes, where he can go to the bathroom, where he finds his apple with his name on it when he comes in, and his spot on the circle in the classroom. He did so well and has been happy to go every time.

These are just some cute pictures of Aaron reading the comics after we have put the newspaper in the recycling box and Ali eating a lemon. They are like their parents in some ways :).

August Fun

August was full of some fun times. The weather was warm, the kids love being outside, and they were pretty creative in their play. It's fun to seem them all interact and learn and experience new things. Aaron still loves his cars. One day he lined them all up on the chair - not sure why, but it kept him entertained and happy for awhile.

The boys ran in the South Weber Kid K this year. Nathan did it last year and Aaron was old enough this year. I got to run with Aaron. He was so cute and they both really enjoyed it. It was fun to see them running and doing their best.

 
Nathan and Aaron took swimming lessons this summer. Nathan did fantastic! He can swim on his own, jump off the diving board and get completely underwater. He loved it. Aaron liked kicking in the pool, but prefers our little backyard pool still. 

 
On the mornings when Ryan leaves for work a little later, the kids like to ride in the car down to the corner and run back-up. It's cute to see them piling out of the car and then racing back up the cul-de-sac. I can hear their little voices float back to me saying, "Bye Daddy!" It makes me happy to watch them.  
 

 
I put Ali's hair in a ponytail for the first time. It didn't stay in too long, but it sure looked cute! Ali is a delight! She is really developing a personality and is fun - most of the time. She likes lemons, wearing shoes and her tutu, and being outside and doing whatever the boys do.
 

 
Aaron still loves to read - everything. The kids were playing outside and I went out to check on them. Aaron had gone through the old newspapers in the recycling bin (spread them all out, unfortunately) and was reading the comics. It was classic Aaron.

 
Ali and Aaron play well together. I think this was one morning when they didn't get dressed in time to ride in the car to the corner, so they watched from the door.

Pendleton Family Reunion

To round off our incredibly busy July, we went to Star Valley at the end of July for a Pendleton family reunion. We had a great time at Val & Shelley's house. We had a cookout with lots of yummy food, then karaoke for entertainment. Even Nathan and Aaron got up and sang a George Strait song, "Heartland" and "Scripture Power" (from Primary). It was wonderful to see family and see all the little great-grandchildren of Grandma and Grandpa. We played until late at night and the kids crashed!

We are so grateful for Grandma and Grandpa and their example. I really enjoyed hearing them sing a couple of songs together and for Grandma to tell a story or two. Whenever I spend time with family I always come away feeling good and grateful and wishing we can be around everybody more. It was great!