more first day of school photos

Just a few more pictures from our back to school bash.  Somehow, Sam escaped, and the missionaries didn't want to show off their eyewear.  But, school is off and running.  It has already been a much better year than last year.  A little less crazy without football and adventures all around Missouri.  So, hopefully the good will continue and the bad will stay away for a really long time.

5K freedom run

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Jo, Hannah, SueAnn, Trevor, Sam, and Ron braved the fourth of July 5K in Provo.  They were all awesome!  The 2012 Challenge has already been issued and is marked on our calendar.  We all loved watching the race and celebrating the freedom of America.

"HIking" in Utah

One day in Utah, Miranda, Jo, Zach, Maggie, Casey, Jill, Anna, and I went on a leisurely walk through the mountains.  It was beautiful and the water was raging from all of the snow melt.  We found giant dandelions and super cool rocks.  Wish days like that came along a little more often.

Jill flash {dance?}

With Anna approaching the age that Jill was when we moved to Missouri, we wanted to see when Jill got her curls.  We thought we had decided that Anna wouldn't have any curls, but, after looking at pictures, the jury is still out.  The curls don't seem to appear until after Jill turned two. So, here is a quick flashback.

 

 

  Even before we moved, Jill wanted to jump with the big kids. 

 Yes, she still sucks her thumb and picks at her belly button.  Not attractive.

 Love the clinging fingers . . .

and the cool green grass.  I can remember cringing at the thought of chiggers when she did this.  

We love our Jill.

Park City

While in Utah, the kids and I went to Park City with Hannah, Miranda, and Jo.  Nana kept Anna so that we could frolic more freely.  Everyone agreed the rollercoaster was the best.  Because of the heat, we endured a tad bit of whining from a girl that starts with M and ends in iranda, but it was one of our favorite memories from a summer filled with fun.

First Day of School 2011

The first day always brings a few jitters, but being more familiar with teachers and the routine seemed to help this year.  We dropped them all off without a hitch and now it's three o'clock and Jill and I are ready for them to come home.  But, I have to say Jill did enjoy having control of the TV today.  No compromising.  Tonight our back to school bash is scheduled.  I pressured Ron into moving the table to the entry again.  I find it fun, not so sure about him.  So, here we go with another year hoping to learn and hoping to grow.

2 years later

Two years later and a new toddler on the front porch.  Anna loves to help me water the flowers in the front.  As I snapped pictures, I couldn't help but remember a little Jill on the front porch two years ago when we moved into our house.