Summer Sparkles...

School started yesterday :( As much as Bianca thought she wasn't ready to go back they were bouncing around the house, the excitement more than our homey walls could offer at the moment. The day before the children were able to meet their teachers. I am very pleased and feel so blessed with their teachers this year. Bianca's teacher has art kits for each of their students (woo-hoo) and they have a classroom store where they will be learning about economies and earning/saving/spending relationships. Cannon's teacher has a pet bird named Lulu and has gone green by having most things online. She is getting her masters in Educational Curriculum & Instruction and took some fantastic classes this summer. Christian's teacher has a wonderful last name, Jones. She actually has a really good first name too, Melissa :) Cannon had her for kindergarten and she was in the Primary Presidency when we first moved here, so we know her quite well. This is what I love about living here. The teachers are so amazing!

But with the start of school I guess that means summer is officially over. The signs were there... the apples are ripening, the soccer ball is calling subtly, the swimsuits look worn. My snuggles were becoming more frequent and I persistently called to them to climb in my lap, pjs and all, just to hold my little ones a little longer; they seem to be more calm in the morning hours than at nights. Although, even Christian is starting to crush my legs a bit... can they really be growing up?

Yesterday was a doubly special day. Along with school starting Paul and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. I sure love that man! He woke up early, bought a beautiful bouquet of tiger lilies (that was what my wedding bouquet was made of), some Jones soda (we first discovered our namesake merchandise on our honeymoon), and made some heart shaped biscuits. The children and I made a special dinner for Paul and I complete with our little table and pillows to kneel on (like at an Asian restaurant). We had romantic music playing in the background, candlelight, china, and the children served us. Bianca was so grown up, had the children all get dressed nice, and made the list of what to serve in what order and who was serving it. Cannon, the little gentleman, took our napkins out of our goblets and placed them on our laps. All the children were adorable! It was fun to say "Oh, waiter!"

Anyways, here are a few pictures from the summer and the first day of school!

Love,
Candace

Bianca with bangs

Genevieve's monkey named Mumsie

Hanging out in the shade before attempting JCPenney's for back-to-school shopping :)