Back to School

I can't believe summer is over. Kids started back to school today. Mason's first year at Mesa High School it's still so weird to think he's going to the same high school I went to. Noah is starting Jr. High, Callie and April both are at Franklin Elementary all day. (And yes I cried last night thinking about my little buddy not home with me. But I'm really proud of myself for not crying this morning dropping her off) Last night Ron gave all of us back to school blessings. Even me. I had an incredibly overwhelming feeling of gratitude and love. I'm so thankful we have Ron who holds an honors his priesthood. April was so sweet as we explained to her what a priesthood blessing was. After she got her blessing she hugged Ron really tight and said she wanted a blessing EVERYDAY!

I took the girls to school and walked April to her class. Then at lunch I got to surprise the girls and see them at school for a bit. April seemed so happy and totally fine she got to sit by her besties at lunch. She did seem a little confused why I was at school and asked me if I worked at the school Haha.

Colorado Trip

The last week of summer I took the kids to Colorado to play with cousins and hang out in the woods. We met up with Grandpa Faler and Uncle Nathan. We didn't plan much for the week just to hang out and a rafting trip. We went on a hike up Bear Creek trail that turned into a fun disaster. Haha Clear day at the start of the hike and halfway through it started pouring down rain, hail and lots of lightning. It was an adventure to say the least and very memorable. Thanks to Grandpa watching the younger kiddos Nathan and I were able to take the older boys rafting down the Animas River. It was fun and I'm glad we got to do that. 

I bought some rafts and the boys had fun floating down the Dolores river right by our camp and playing in the water. I wish I would have brought our river rafting tubes but they had lots of fun.

Nathan was able bring Josh down from Idaho to hang out with Mason. April just LOVED him and it was really fun to hang with him and have him around.

April was walking by the river just exploring a little and she screamed and yelled "a rock I was standing on moved!" Then she ran off. I saw it happen and squealed a little myself at the snake I saw slithering away. Well... we caught that "rock".

Mason and Noah Jr. Guarding

Both Mason and Noah participated in the city program for service learning hours by volunteering at the Mesa Aquatic Center as Jr Guards this summer. They learn how the pool runs, they had CPR training, help with swim lessons and good work ethic. I loved going to the pool while they were working. Now if I can just convince them how important sun screen and sun protection is... Next summer Mason will get to actually get paid to Life Guard I know he looks forward to that and I'm so grateful for the opportunities they had and the lessons they learned this summer. 

Lucky Noah got to Jr. Guard with his good friend Christian also. 

Noah was the assistant life guard during April's swim lessons and that was really fun for her.

Callie & Synchronized Swimming

SO so so proud of this girl. Stepping out of her comfort zone and trying something new. Callie participated in Synchronized swimming this summer through the city of Mesa Parks and Rec. I loved watching her dance in the water. Poor girl lost her nose plug jumping in the water during the Championship competition but she handled that like a champ. She wasn't super thrilled about joining the team but I think secretly she loved it. hehe She told me she wants to do Synchro club team so we will see if that works out in the Fall.

Such sweet girls Callie is blessed with wonderful friends.