September~

Sending Miley off to first grade was so much harder than I thought it would be. I miss her tremendously, and feel her presence missing all the hours she is away.

I have wondered.. is she prepared to be away from our home for that long each day? Is she going to have enough energy, will she be kind, will others be kind to her, will she do well? And so on. 

However, we both know she is ready, and so, we give it all we've got!

Since she has been away we have felt that large void. Scotlin has been absolutely board to tears, and not knowing what to do with his life. I have come to realize how much energy, spirit, and action Miley brings to the table each and every day. We have all had to go through the adjustment of not quite knowing what to do with ourselves, because Miley ran the show! 

While the weather is nice we have chosen to bike/walk to and from school each day. It is a huge chore getting out the door each morning, but we are getting better at it. Miley looks forward to this outdoor time to ride on her way to school. I think it helps her prepare for her day. 

~Dropping her off on her first day with a big thumbs up! I can hardly believe my baby girl is in school all day long! She was brave, and I was very proud of her. ~ 

Justin and I had hand selected Miley's teacher for this year, so I was feeling great about the classroom she is joining.  With all set in place, she is ready to roll!

Away she goes. My heart and soul goes into that building each day. 

If you need me, I'll be home doing 'I think I can' chants!

I have a close friend from my childhood named Tara. Tara's parents moved to Sandpoint, ID.. and during the summer time, Tara will come to spend a few weeks there with them. The kids and I were invited to visit, and out for lunch. With Sandpoint only 45 minutes away, and the opportunity to see my friend, I was thrilled to be traveling for the afternoon. 

We had this amazing view at lunch!~~

Honestly, Sandpoint was like nothing I have ever seen!

The kids played in the sand and water with their clothes on. We left sandy, wet and cold, but it was worth it! Great memory made with a great friend that day in the hidden treasures of Northern Idaho. 

We don't always have time to walk home at the end of Miley's school day, but she insists on riding her bike or scooter home. So, I'll just follow behind to make sure she gets across streets and home safely. Don't worry. The creepy white van following these kids home.... It's just me. 

Made another trek down to SL. This time for Uncle Jordan's wedding. Does it seem like we were just there? That is because we were! This was a quicker trip, which meant mom and I had to sacrifice our sleep in order to catch up. Such an occasion calls for a midnight brownie fest. One of the things we do best! 

Scotlin and I love making traditions. We recently added a new tradition called field trip friday. One day, at the end of a long week we were walking home from taking Miley to school. He asked me 'what are we going to do today?' I spouted off a lift of chores that we usually do each morning... and the sound of my own voice and my own list sounded like the most boring thing I had ever heard! ha! Right then and there I decided that we were going to jump in the car the second we got home and go on an adventure! We have so many new places to explore, and even more memories to make!

We started with a pit stop at Maverick... another new favorite tradition.. ;) 

We ended up hiking Tubs Hill that morning. It took us a long time to go all the way around the 3 mile loop with two little people.

 Loren did well for about the first Mile, and then I ended up carrying her the rest of the way. 

Scotlin did great! I think he is a lot like me.. nothing to complain about if he's out enjoying the mountains and fresh air. He hiked the entire time without a single complaint. I usually hear a LOT of complaints at home, so I complimented him on his great attitude and hard work.  

He responded 'I love hiking with you!'  

The tall pine trees along the hike were marked with trail markers 1 through 25. We turned our morning into a number lesson as we searched for the hidden numbers in the trees.  

 Based on his enthusiasm for our game, I think he was having a great time. 

May our new tradition live long with wonderful memories to take home. 

Miley's 6th Birthday~

We all know our Miley loves a party. 

And just as one birthday ends... the planning for next year beings. Miley loves birthday's ~ her own especially! ;) 

This year she dreamt up the idea of a 'rainbow' colored birthday. 

Everything bright and colorful ~ Just like our girl!

Miley woke up with excitement, and was greeted by her birthday surprises. 

There was some talk over only having 'two' presents this year... to set things strait, there were more than two, one of which was an entire barbi dream house, and another was an entire day devoted to fun at a theme park. 

Miley might have had her birthday confused with christmas, but mom and dad sure gave it our best shot! 

We also had to celebrate her birthday on Saturday in order to do all these fun things.. on her actual birthday we were traveling home from Salt Lake. She was more than a good sport that day.. but as time passes I still hear about how unfair it is to not celebrate her birthday on the day she was born! 

This is a smile in Miley's book..

Yes, this one is too...

(Showing off her new necklace and shoes she picked out)

This is just baby being cute. 

Another gigantic smile for her favorite birthday breakfast! ~ Peanut butter and Jelly Pancakes.

This smile is a little more my style! Happy to be going to the theme park! (Even though this is the worst day of her life ;)...) 

We may not have made ALL of Miley's dreams come true in one day.. but today was full of joy, entertainment, laughter and fun. 

We did rides, swimming, more rides, more swimming, and more fun - 

Scotlin...

Oh the joy!

Rollar coaster rides with my dooey~

Baby being silly!

 Miley was rockin this water fight...

After our day of running in the sun, we came home for birthday dinner, cake and ice cream. 

We sang happy birthday to our favorite girl, and delighted in the chance we had to celebrate our sweetheart. 

Loving it!

Happy Birthday to my six year old sweetheart. My heart might explode today with how much I love you. At six precious years old you are a better person than most. You are very special to me and so many. I love you~ 

August~

Always a party~~

Our view at dinner of Lake Couer d'Alene. Out together celebrating my 29th birthday.

You know we indulged in, and fully enjoyed this dessert!!!

Had to document a rare and wonderful night out together... it was a wonderful date.

Always a charade~~

Always a disaster~~

The Leeco girls sending birthday love for Miley. I love these girls and miss them dearly!

Welp. I guess we are ready for halloween. Costco... gets me every time. At least we will be prepared!

I decided to venture out one afternoon to take the kids to the state fair. 

The look on Scotlin's face...

My brave Miley girl doing the zip line!!

My baby angle love.. being happy, sweet, silly and fun.

I could melt away in those eyes...

Miley and her backyard gang.
She plans the party, tells everyone where and where, everyone shows up, and play all afternoon. 

After seeing all the games at the fair, Miley decided we needed a fair of our own. She set up stations, tournaments and prizes -All on her own. Our kids, and neighborhood kids talked about this day for a while. I think they all really had fun and it carried with them. Fun memories. Our Miley makes it happen around here!

Baby wants to be so big.. 

Scotlin being the sweetest brother the world has ever known. When Loren gets out of sorts, he sweetly says to her, 'come with me I'll read you a story.'

I love having him home with me!

A first .. seeing a fire engine boat out on the lake.

Goggles on. Goggles off. All day long. And, 'I do it myself.' 

She's becoming a character!

Trying to be a more 'fresh, warm, homemade cookies when you get home from school' kind of mom. 

I'm not sure it's happening very gracefully~~

We actually had visitors! Paul and Melinda Buma came through on their way to Washington, and it was such a joy to see them and spend the afternoon together. 

We toured around the city and had dinner together on the lake. It was so wonderful and enjoyable. Paul and Melinda are wonderful people, and we are grateful to associate with them.