Labor Day Vacation

We planned a little family getaway for Labor Day weekend.

Since we were going to be in the car for hours we rigged up the iPads so the boys could play some games and watch movies. 

 Alex found the camera and loved making faces at himself.

 The first night we drove as far as we could down south and found a primitive camp spot and set up camp for the night.  We had a blast that night.  With no one around it was so peaceful.

 It was fun watching the boys enjoy the fire.

 We set up camp, yes the tesnt was on a hill but only for one night.

 We roasted marshmallows

 The next morning we made some breakfast and then broke down camp to head to our next destination that we would be staying at for a couple of nights.

 Such a cute little bum!

 The boys LOVE helping daddy with anything!

 We roasted little weenies in the morning because they were so good the night before.

 Helping daddy roll up the tent.

 Then we surprised the boys with hiking in Goblin Valley for a couple of hours.

 Yes, I am that mom that can't resist taking a cute bum picture!

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I love this picture because these two really do love each other so much!  They would do anything for each other.

 We found a good spot to eat lunch.  (and take pictures)

 This place is just so amazing and beautiful!

 What a little stud muffin!

 It was a perfect day to explore this wonderful part of Utah.

 After Goblin Valley we headed to Four Corners.

 It was fun seeing the boys get in all four states at one time.

 We got to Cortez, Colorado and found the tepee that we would be staying in.

Daddy made a great breakfast before our big adventure for the day.

 We headed out to Mesa Verde National Park.

 I have been looking froward to this vacation for awhile because it is such an amazing thought that these ancient people created these amazing houses that are still here today.

We stopped in the Museum first because we were told that the boys could become Jr. Rangers and that was a must!  Next to the museum is Spruce Tree House and it is self guided and a short walk.  We headed down to see it and it is just so impresive!

Spruce Tree House at a distance 

 After seeing our first ruins we were able to complete the Jr. Ranger requirements.  We headed back to the museum and the boys were officially sworn in as Jr. Rangers.

They got a pin that is now permanently on there water packs.

 We were able to go in a Kiva.

 It was fascinating being inside and experiencing more of their lives.

Can you believe they made a three story house?

 We went up to Balcony house.  This is so impressive!!!  There house is literally on the side of a mountain below a cliff.  We had to climb several ladders to get through the house.  What an experience! 

 The boys did amazing climbing all of the ladders!  This was a tiny one, the others were at least a story tall.

 Alex photo bombing DJ's picture.

 We had an amazing time on our trip and it was so great to spend some quality time together learning about people of the past.  I am so grateful for my little family!

Tis the Season

I bet you all thought this post was going to be about something else... well, you were wrong!  Football season has officially kicked off.  

 We love seeing the boys of fall run through the U at the beginning of each home game.

 It was a great night enjoying a game of football, and the Utes kicked butt!

We are so excited that the season has started!  Of course watching it live isn't good enough for Jason he has to go home and watch the whole thing again.

First Day of Preschool

Where has the time gone?  These boys are ready for their last year of preschool.

 Yep, they are seriously little men!

 We are ready for a great year!!!

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

We were nominated to do the this challenge to promote awareness for ALS.  In the beginning I thought it was a silly thing that if I was nominated I didn't think I would follow through but after watching a certain videos about ALS and why they have the challenge I knew my mind had been changed.  Last night my mom took the challenge and nominated me and I knew the time had come for me to follow through, so here it is.

Back to School

I can't believe it is this time of the year again, time for school to start!  I have been working a lot in my classroom to get it set up and nice for when the first day comes.

I decided to do a superhero theme this year so me and an amazing friend spent some time during the summer to get some cute things put together.

Job Chart

 Front of the class

 View as you walk into the classroom, behind the curtain is a small cubby containing my filing cabinets.

 I am a new classroom this year with one computer for two students to share.  It will be a big change but I think I will like it.

 View from the back corner

Outside the classroom door there are the signs of the top ten things to help you succeed in school.

 A sign that shows where the class is if we aren't in the room.

 I made a superhero city and am going to have the kids design themselves as a super hero to hang around in the city.  (The desk in front is for back to school night)

 I did a lot to get ready for back to school night this year.  I set up a table with water for all of the parents (only one water is shown) and a glow stick for the students saying this year is going to be bright.  I set out some 'helping hands' for the parents to take to help with supplies in the classroom. 

 My desk area

This is the wall as you come in the door of the classroom. 

 I think it came together nicely and will be a great environment for students to learn.  I have enjoyed putting my classroom together this year because of all of the fun superhero signs to liven it up.  I still am in shock that school is starting but I am as ready as I can be.