We Have A Kindergartener???

I guess Mikaela thought she was heading to school too.

Okay, Eric and I have both had five years to prepare for this day, but I can tell you, it definitely snuck up on us. I really cannot fathom that fact that I have a child in school. It's just so unbelievable sometimes.

Haylie was so excited. She has been ready to go to school for quite some time now and she's a smart little cookie so I really don't worry about her fitting in. I worry about her not shutting up. The girl can talk. Seriously! I told her teacher to keep an eye on her, otherwise, Haylie might just end up taking over the class.


Haylie didn't want us to bring her to school the first day. She wanted to ride the bus with the rest of the kids. We were a little disappointed, but then decided she'd have to figure it out sometime so why not get it over with on the first day.

She's ready to learn!
While I admit I did get a little teary eyed as I walked out of the school building, I didn't exactly have a melt down (thank goodness). I guess I was more prepared than I had originally anticipated. Eric held it together too. I think he was just as excited as Haylie was. While I'm happy that she's enjoying something new, I'm not so sure I'm ready to start doing homework again. Now THAT is going to be an adventure.

Random Summer Photo Ops

They're totally cool!

Downtown 25th Street. They have all these horse statues painted by different artists with various themes. Of course, my kids want to be photographed by the one that looks like it has money plastered all over it. Haylie asked me where our "money horse" was. I told her to look in the mirror when she got home. She gave me a blank stare. Figures!

Child Prodigy?

At least she's taking an interest. You can't really tell by these pic's, but the book is upside down. I guess prodigy is kind of a stretch! :)

Nothing Spells Fun Like Lagoon!

Madi, Gavin and Haylie-ready to ride!

Grandma Ginger and Grandpa Ernie treated the entire family to a day at Lagoon. The girls were so excited because it meant spending the day with their cousins. We had a great time with the family, riding all the attractions, eating hamburgers, and watching the kids have a grand old time. Thanks mom and dad for a fun day full of great memories.

Gavin and Haylie sharing a ride!


Mikaela and Grandpa smile for the camera after Grandpa successfully blocked her attempt to ride "Bulgy the Whale" for the 15th time in a row. Yay, Grandpa!

Grandma Ginger trying to round up all the kids.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Eric and I loaded up the girls and met my family down in Salt Lake to watch the Bees play baseball. We've tried to make this a family tradition, and for the most part we have. I personally hate watching baseball on television, but when I go to the ballpark, it is really a fun time. There's so much to see and do and the girls get quality time outdoors doing something fun and spending time with family. Grandma Grace came with us which is always fun, we enjoy having her with us. We can't wait until next year for more Chicago dogs and peanuts!

Mikaela found "Bumble" the Bees mascot and got him to autograph her cheek. She was thrilled.

Eric and Darby, happy to be at the game.

Haylie clowning around with Aunt Ewee and Grandma Sue.

Hula Haylie!

Really, I have no words....this is Haylie's idea of being "dressed". Don't you just love the underwear sticking out of her modest grass skirt?

Annual Miller Family Party

The first weekend in August was Eric's family's annual party. We always look forward to this since it's the only time we get to see a good portion of this side of the family. We also get to see how much all the cousins have grown. Time seems to be moving in fast-forward because all the kids seem so much bigger. It's hard to keep up. The girls love visiting with their cousins and chasing around the pool house, but it's definitely the swimming that they most look forward to. In true Haylie and Mikaela form, they were the last ones out of the pool at the end of the day. I think they're part fish!


Grandma Ginger came up with some clever games for the cousins to play, this one involved "shaving" a balloon without popping it. Haylie and Mikaela were covered in shaving cream, but they had a ball(oon).


Grandma Ginger and Grandpa Ernie doing the "Hokey Pokey" with all the little kids.

Hoop Lake 2009

Eric and I took the girls camping at our favorite spot in the Uintahs-Hoop Lake! The 24th of July marks our annual trek up the mountains for fun, fishing, family and friends. We had all of it in spades this year. Not only did our good friends the Kelly family make it up to stay, but so did my little sisters, and Eric's sister and her husband even came up for the day to visit! The more the merrier! We had a great time, caught lots of fish, played tons of cards (mostly because the weather wasn't all that cooperative) and became semi-professional Yahtzee players. We can't wait until next year!



Mikaela looks so silly, I couldn't resist taking her picture.

Dallin, Monica, Darby and Sarah, the cardsharks!

Haylie and Jenna, the biker babes.

Haylie and Jenna spent hours making these "cupcakes" out of leaves and rocks. They're so creative!