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.