It's the most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - No, not Christmas it's back to school time. One of the local radio stations has dubbed next week as the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and some days I coudn't agree more. While of love the carefree summer schedule I am ready for a more structured schedule even if it means not lounging in bed till 9:00 watching the Today Show.

On Friday we toured the new school and met the boys teachers. Very nice ladies. Zach's teacher explained that she we were welcome to bring the kids to class but not to linger and that if were having a hard time we were welcome to go to the Boo Hoo breakfast in the cafeteria. I about burst out laughing as after our morning I wanted to shout Yipee that school was starting. I was positive Alex would not be voting for me in the Mother of Year contest anytime soon (thankfully we have since made up). I am sure when the reality hits Monday morning and I am leaving my two boys in the care of basically strangers I will doing some Boo Hooing of my own. Thankfully, I still have Syd to care for me and keep me occupied. I asked her what we were going to do during our 3 hours together and she said PLAY, paint nails, play. Good Times. Hopefully they got the school finished over the weekend. It is brand new and as of Friday the gym and playground equipment weren't ready for kids and they needed to add the Boys/Girls signs to the restrooms. That could be scary! It is a beautiful school and just a half a mile away. We are going to walk as long as the weather allows.

This afternoon we attended the dedicatory session for the Twin Falls Temple. Alex came with us and was very good and patient since we got their way early to assure us a cushy seat. It was a wonderful meeting and great opportunity to hear Pres. Monson and other leaders speak. Definately lucky to have so many Temples close by. Thanks Steph and Jake for babysitting and having dinner ready when we got home!

Obsessed

I LOVE the olyimpics and yes sometimes obsessed. I love watching the competitions and learning more about each atheletes rise to fame. My kids have really enjoyed this olyimpics and when we go swimming we have to have races. Alex of course is Micheal Phelps and who wouldn't want to be him. We we get to the end of our race Syd is loudly yelling, "Go USA, Go USA." They have also been practicing their Gymnastics on the couches and trampoline. I prefer their practice be reserved for the trampoline. I remember dreaming of being Mary Lou Rettin but sadly my lack of flexibilty blew my Olymipic Dream. So for now I will settle with being inspired by all of the athletes determination, endurance, and extreme dedicaton to the sport they love.

Catch Up Time

So it is catch up time for our blog. My computer time has been spent reading everyone else's blog. Our summer is winding down and for that I am thankful. Only one week till school starts - but whose counting. Well, Zach is. He cannot wait for the first day of school. He is in AM Kindergarten. Almost three hours alone with Syd. Sigh!! I have many projects on my to do list and am anxious to get them checked off.

We enjoyed a weekend with nothing on the calendar. That hadn't happened in a long while and it was great to get a few things done but mostly have unscheduled fun. Friday night - dinner with friends. Saturday - bike ride and time at the park, a few chores, swimming and playing with our favorite 1 year old Mason. Last weekend we floated the Boise River. It is a must if you are a local. The boys loved it. I think white water rafting might be in our future. The boys also got to go spend a couple days at Grandpa and Grandma Wood's. The had fun going to the Burley Fair, seeing all the animals, watching the parade and eating all the good fair food. Zach said he would bring me a scone and well I am still waiting. I guess I'll have to wait till next year. It was a fun break for me. Syd and I had some good bonding time. Although I did sneak in some alone time to finish school shopping, see a movie with Steph amd enjoy an uninterrupted dinner. We saw Mamma Mia. Laugh out loud funny and cheesy at the same time. I dare to you take your significant other.

We had a blast with my brother's family. My kids were so bored the day after they left and the house was unusually quiet. We spent a day at the Water park and the older kids had a blast riding all of the big rides. Zach and Cristin were inseparable and loved playing together. I think we were successful in showing Scott and Carely that Boise/Meridian is a great place to live. Time will tell and we are all anxious to see what happens. I created a slide show with some pics of our good times.

Let the Good Times Roll

The past couple of weeks have been jammed packed and fun. We finished the birthday celebrations and then prepared to go to Burley for Alex and Sarah's baptism (Sarah is my niece). They were baptized on July 26th in Oakley, Idaho surrounded by lots of family and friends. We are so grateful to all who came and supported them. They were both nervous but did great. All the young kids sang I am a Child of God and it was so sweet. We had a great dinner afterwards and got to visit with the family. The night ended not as we had planned with a car accident involving a couple of my aunts. Thankfully, the cars were damaged way more than the passengers with only my cousin needing stitches. We were definitely counting our blessings that night.

We spent the next few days playing with cousins, attending the Twin Falls Temple open house, fishing and eating lots of good food. We headed back to Boise did laundry, cleaned the house and now my brother's family and their 5 kids are playing with us for 5 days. So far the kids have been great and love playing together. We went to Roaring Springs Water Park yesterday and had a blast. Definitely a great way to spend a hot summer day.

Here are some pictures from the baptism. I wanted to get a good family photo but it just didn't happen. However, I do love these candid shots of the kids. My boys being GQ and Syd being deliriously tired.

My baby boy is 5

It is birthday week at our house and today it is Zach's turn. He has been counting down to this day since his last birthday. He is my funny little guy and is a thinker. His last primary teacher asked me if he was always so goofy. I smiled and happily said yes. He is always asking great questions or making funny statements. One of our recent favorite questions is this; "Dad why is there still snow at the top of the mountains?" Cris explained the higher elevation and so forth. Zach pondering for a moment said, "Oh, then heaven must be freezing." Or when he proudly announced he knew what Cris' shirt said, "G A P, that spells gymnastics." One of his favorite words is "whatever." for when he just doesn't want to believe your explanations.

He is so excited to be starting kindergarten this fall and LOVES to learn. Hopefully, his phonics will improve. He will be making his athletic debut in the fall playing soccer. He is very excited and has been practicing with his brother and sister. He is our little peacemaker often letting Alex make the final call on things and is a great helper and playmate to his little sister. We love you Zachary McKay Richardson!

Happy Birthday to my Boyfriend

Cris woke up this morning and said I'm old (37 today), I'm bald, and my back hurts. I said all true, but I still love you!

For his birthday he has been searching Craig's List for a bike. He hopes to do a triathlon sometime soon so the training begins. Our recent dinner with the Renchers has him excited about competing. I think this is his way of trying to stay young!

Top ten things I admire about my Husband (in no particular order)

10. Works really hard so I can stay home with my kids.
9. Gives the kids baths every night.
8. Gets up and runs almost every morning.
7. Is very witty and funny. Jerry Seinfeld like!
6. Plays with the kids - sports, tea parties, etc.
5. Positive. Always sees things with the glass half full.
4. Doesn't mind the occasional mac and cheese for dinner.
3. Gives me my time alone with or night with the girls.
2. Has a strong testimony and honors his Priesthood.
1. Loves me even with all my faults!

Happy Birthday Babe! Here is too another 37 years.

Aloha

Time flies when you are having fun and just really busy. Cris and I decided this June and July have been the busiest June and July on record for our family. Two big trips, swim lessons, company visiting, hosting get togethers with friends and family and the day to day happenings. I am so excited to see a blank calendar next week other than celebrating two of my favorite people's birthdays (Cris and Zach) we are carefree. I am sure the boys will come up with some grand plans to keep life interesting.

We spent the last few days of June and the first week of July in Maui with Grandpa and Grandma Richardson. Some serious good times! We took the boys and left sweet Syd with Bamma and Papa Wood. While we felt bad about leaving Syd at home, we know she had a great time creating special memories with the grandparents and we didn't have to deal with a two year old's drama!

Here are some highlights of our trip. Lots of photos I know -- but so many great things to see and do.

Stolen Moments in Maui


Places visited: Ocean Aquarium, Banyon Tree, Kapalua Golf course, Old Town Lahaina, Luau, Boat ride to see the fish through the glass windows and the lava fields.


We spent a lot of time in the pool. The kids practiced snorkeling in the pool but didn't want to snorkel in the ocean. However, Cris and I snorkeled in the ocean and swam with the Sea Turtles and other amazing fish. So peaceful and surreal. We enjoyed many a pina colada. The last day we spent the day at the Marriot and enjoyed their fun water slides.


Of course their was plenty of beach time. The timeshare overlooked the ocean and the boys loved playing in the sand. It took a couple of days for them enjoy the ocean. Towards the end, Alex was body surfing. Zach was in awe of the surfers and wants a surf board for his birthday. Too bad there is no ocean front property in Boise.


Up at Napili Bay there is a great spot to come and watch the turtles eat the algae off the rocks. We could have sat their for hours.


These are photos from the 'Ioa Needle and 'Ioa Valley -- the Rain Forest in Maui. I love all the different colors of green.


Beautiful snapshots along the coast of Maui.


We gave the boys each $20 to spend however they wanted. We went to a little swapmeet and they both picked out Ukelalees. We thought it was a waist of money but we were wrong. They LOVED them and played many concerts for us. Zach carries his with him everywhere he goes and wants a pick so his finger doesn't hurt so much.




Mahalo again to Grandpa & Grandma Richardson for inviting us to spend some time in paradise.