Buddy and Hannah made up a cute song that they sing all of the time to Esme. It goes something like this: Esme, Lollipop! Do, do ,do, do, do, do, doooo! Esme, Lollipop! Do, do, do, do, do, do, doooo! It gets her attention wherever she is. She turns and bounces up and down, dancing to it!
I haven't been this excited in a long time! I love this choice. I haven't seen someone so good standing on the political podium in so long. I was so down about McCain, but my spirits are high again. If only I could crop him out of the big picture. Anyway, back to Sarah. I really like what this woman is about. She represents all of my values. Okay, the fact that she is a woman and has five kids is pretty cool too! What do you have to say?
We have had some struggles at home this first week of school. Having the other kids gone all day has been a little hard for Maremaid. No playmates! She has gotten into a little mischief needless to say. Monday was dumping out half of the laundry detergent onto the floor. Tuesday was dumping half of the cocoa onto the kitchen counter (bulk from Costco). Wednesday was spilling all of her fish onto the floor and then stomping on them. Today was taking all of the bandaids out of their wrappers and sticking them all over the kitchen. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. You may ask where was mom during all of this. (Nursing, changing diapers, or doing a little laundry. I definitely wasn't blogging, my latest passion.)
I decided that we needed to do something a little creative. So for lunch we had pb&j heart sandwhiches. Maremaid ate more than I have ever seen her eat. We had to keep making more. Maybe she is making up for being sick. 
This is for Hermana Whitney! She wanted to see Jonas toothless!
Jonas had a great first day. He sits by all of his friends for the moment. His teacher let them pick their own desks the first day. Cuckoo!!
Everyone likes the swing except for Esme! Maren watches T.V. in it and I think Cloud was being torchered in it! I would love it if I could fit in it. The leather rocker will have to do!
Today was Kelsie's first day of High School and Hannah's first day of 4th grade. Jonas will start tomorrow, so look forward to pictures of him.
Kelsie just got her bangs cut. This is the only time she has had bangs other than when she was in KG. She looks great!
Hannah also got a new hair cut. She looks adorable!
They both had a great day. They love their teachers and are looking forward to a great year.
12 years ago, today, Josh and I were married in the Manti, Utah temple. We look so young here. Probably because we are!
Kelsie was three years old!
So, Maremaid has been very sick this week. She has had a fever for two days. We keep her medicated well!
I really don't know who was snapping these photos, but I got my camera out the other day and had these few with the shutter somewhat closed on Maren and a bunch of Edward!
Maybe someone will fess up when they see my blog!
On Tuesday, Shelley had the brilliant idea of going to the gardens at Thanksgiving Point. Something I have been wanting to do all summer. So, four adults and seven kids loaded up and went down. There is a big Noah's Ark at the opening (which I didn't get a picture of, maybe someone else got one) gate. The kids ran right in and got wet! They needed one of these at the end, you will see why!
Esme and Leah wading in the water.
Gabes and Maremaid standing on the leaping water.
Buddy and Maremaid doing the same!
Having a snack in the Secret Garden! Essie's snack was a dried flower she picked off of the plant next to her.
The garden's were amazing. Lot's of ooh's and aah's at every turn of a corner.
This is Kels at the top of one of the waterfalls. She ran all the way up and we didn't know where she had gone. Then we picked her out at the top waving to us.
Buddy on the rock hill!
Kelsie and Maremaid showing their super climbing strength.
Esme eating the flowers, and Leah being goofy!
Gang at the columns.
Angel Face in the secret garden!
Maremaid scared of the bees on the flowers.
Buddy and Gabes were the only one's to roll down the hill!
At the end of our exploration we found this little couch to hang out on by the water fountains.
You can see how tired and glistening we were. It was a fantastic day seeing all the beautiful foliage. We topped it all off at Iceberg for supper and icecream. Thanks for taking all of us Shelley!!
Esme in the Bird's Nest (or the fruit bowl). Opening Ceremonies Night!
Raging Waters at home. Sara, Morgan, and Andrew took the three oldest kids to Raging Waters and Maren needed to go too! So we designed one in the back yard.
Essie lounging about!
Maremaid in the wave pool!
Hannah hard at work!
Whether it's snow or shine, Andrew can be found building some sort of fort!
I like all of the digging behinds!
