Another year of school

School has begun once again (it seems like it starts earlier every year!) Ethan had his open house Thursday evening and started on Friday. The seventh graders had one day by themselves and then they got Monday (today) off. The 7th, 8th and 9th graders all go together tomorrow. Maddie and Nate met their teachers at the open house on Friday and started today. So, it didn't really feel like a school day since Ethan had three friends over all day playing Xbox. Tomorrow will be MUCH quieter!

Amelia's 3 months old!

It seems like just yesterday that I posted Amelia's 2-month pictures! Amelia is becoming a wiggle worm; always trying to move--she is rolling over now from her back to her stomach but then gets angry if you leave her on her tummy too long. I commented to Scott the other day how cute Amelia is and his reply was "you're welcome."

Minnesota Vacation

gas: $525
lodging: $250
souvenirs: $125
44 hours driving with 5 children: priceless!

We got to visit with all the Minnesota Smiths on this trip. The kids spent time with their cousins at Grandma and Grandpa's house, the lake, the Minnesota Zoo and the Minnesota Science Museum. Grandma Smith made Maddie a new quilt while we were there to replace her old one which has been well-loved (and it shows!) On the way home, we drove through South Dakota and visited Mount Rushmore, which is always fun. Harrison learned all the presidents names from his older siblings and had a particular way of saying them--Roosebelt, Jefferson, Washington, and Winkin. We enjoyed our time together as a family.

Park City Soccer Tournament

Ethan participated in the Park City Extreme Cup with his soccer team. Since it was a 3-day event, we stayed in Park City at The Canyons resort July 31-August 2. The hotel was beautiful and we had a 2 bedroom suite, so it had plenty of space for us. The kids swam in the pool for hours and did the alpine slide, which they all loved! Ethan and Scott went to see a movie (The Mummy) in between games. Ethan had one game Thursday and 2 games Friday. Since they won all three, they made it to the semi-finals, which they won in penalty kicks. The final game was a tough one for the team, but they won (also in penalty kicks.) It was a great weekend! I missed the final game because I had to get home and get repacked for our trip to Minnesota!

Idaho Vacation

We had 3 reunions in Idaho between July12 and July 20! The slide show is from that week. The main activity was Bear Lake, which was a blast. Scott drove the boat for 4 straight hours, and the kids all took turns on the banana and the paddle boat. Scott only dumped a few people into the lake. Scott and Grandpa took the kids to the Minnetonka caves one day and we had a picnic. The Munk and Higginson reunions were mainly at parks. Maddie did a hula dance at the Munk talent show--she did a great job. We didn't really know anyone at the Higginson reunion, which is usually the case.