In the Forest

Cyrena was SO happy to go camping in the 'forest' A fun time was had by all. It was probably the most relaxing ward campout we've ever been to since there were only about 4 families! Here are some of the highlights:

Can't get between Cyrena and her s'mores. It's serious business.

I love me some cute girls!

Cyrena enjoys taking pictures, this is me about to put on 'my face'

While the guys finished getting things packed up, I sat down with Natalie. Within minutes of watching David and Ethan, she fell fast asleep on me. Camping wore her out!

Natalie's scrunchy face. All she wanted to do was eat rocks, bugs, pretty much anything she could pick up.

We had so much fun camping and visiting with other ward members. I loved just sitting and relaxing by the fire. It was so nice to get out of the heat. The weather was perfect, a little overcast then we got a slight sprinkle at bedtime.

The most memorable moment for me was right after we got into bed I heard some mysterious rustling outside. I thought maybe the Bluths were letting their dog out for a minute, but I didn't see any movement by their trailer. Pretty soon, my questions were answered as I saw a HUGE skunk walk straight toward our tent. I quickly made David check it out. It walked right by us and went on its merry way. It was kind of cool and David and I had a hard time settling into sleep after that.

I have so many books!!

ABC & 123: A Learning Cooperative is hosting a children's giveaway sponsored by AllChildrensFurniture.com, who carries everything from kids chairs to toys.Giveaway ends September 6th! There is an awesome book display shelf I would love!

Easy yet effective

I wasn't very good about doing organized, regular learning activities with Cyrena over the summer. I needed a break after teaching preschool. But I tried to set up a few here and there for her. This was one.

Summers in Arizona bring BUGS, BUGS and more BUGS. We see a lot of bugs in the bathroom and I've explained to Cyrena that they are thirsty and like to be close to water. So when I dug out these rubber bugs (I purchased them at the $ store a few years ago) I knew I could set up a fun and easy activity for her.

Each bug has a # written on it. Her job was to give the bugs that many 'drops of water' which were really flat floral marbles. She enjoyed this activity and it was easy to set up and clean up.

Preschool

So granted I am Cyrena's preschool teacher.....and it's in our home.....but STILL this is her first official week in preschool!

Tuesday was the first day and it was so fun. She has been so excited all summer to have preschool friends come to our house. She was all ready with her backpack, folder and such.

I asked David a few days previous about when he wanted to start doing 'beginning of the school year' priesthood blessings. I told him it was completely up to him when he wanted to start. He decided to start now. So on Monday he told Cyrena he would like to give her a blessing. He explained how this is a "Father's" blessing and was different from a blessing when she's sick. She was SO excited to have this attention from her beloved daddy. She sat completely still the entire time and when it was finished she said "Daddy, why do you have drips on your cheeks?" He just couldn't hold the tears back, poor guy. He's a sucker when it comes to his special girls.

Ok, I am too.

I am super excited to be Cyrena's preschool teacher. She loves to learn and is so eager to help....and try to be the teacher as well. :) In fact she's 'playing' preschool right now with her as the teacher of course. I'm looking forward to a wonderful year with a great group of kids!

My little student

Can you say adorable? Just looking at this makes my heart melt.

Bathroom Humor

It seems we have yet another Daddy's girl on our hands. Didn't I call this when I found out I was having a girl? I believe I did. Natalie wants her Dad's undivided attention when he's home. She follows him around whining until he picks her up.

Last Saturday when David came home from playing basketball and helping a family move the girls were all over him. He wanted to take a shower but Natalie was NOT happy about it. She followed him over to the shower, sat on the rug and watched him, crying, the entire time he was in the shower.

That's devotion.

And he loved every minute of it. When he finally got out and picked her up, she immediately stopped crying. Oh she's a sneaky little thing. She has all of us right where she wants us.

Look at those red eyes, poor thing (yeah right!)

And here's a cute bathtub video David took while I was gone one night last week. Natalie worships Cyrena, even more than she worships David. I love seeing my girls have so much fun together.

Storytime Felt

*Sigh* Another giveaway I really want. I have always been a fan of storytime felt but have yet to purchase my own sets. Now there's a giveaway on another of my favorite sites and I would love to win!

Great books

Check out the giveaway on one of my favorite sites. There are many giveaways that you may be interested in. I'm hoping to win the preschool book one!