Back to school time!

It's always a bag of mixed emotions at back to school time. I didn't cry at Kroger after dropping the kids off this year so that was better.

The freedom of summer is so refreshing and fun. We made a lot of memories together. We traveled quite a bit, played with friends, visited family and relaxed. 

The kids are ready to see friends again and I'm ready to get back to a schedule before this momma loses her mind. We've had a lot of fun. But I'm exhausted.

We took the kids to Bahama Bucks for one last hoorah. Luckily Jackson's tongue was restored to a normal color before day 1 of 4th grade.

Addie's in 1st grade this year! She has Mrs. Aldrich for homeroom - doesn't she look super fun?! 

I have a feeling Addie is going to love her.

First day excitement! Looking so good! Love you both so much!

School starts at 7:30 sharp! 

That is just super duper early after the hours we've been keeping. yikes

This is Jacksons' last year at elementary! 

Next year is 5th grade at middle school! 

Oh my heart! 

And my sanity! 

Next year all the kiddos will be at different schools. 

Crosswalk with Dad

Top dog this year!

 Addie will miss Jackson next year. He is an awesome brother and watches out for her.

⇆⇆⇆

Meanwhile...

Kaitlyn is starting 7th grade this year! Yikes!!

Meeting teachers and checking schedules

The first day!

You look great KP!! love you

Our summer tour of Utah

We were fresh here. Early first day. 

It's 22 hours of driving which makes for a really long 2 days. But the kids are amazing little road warriors and take it in stride.

Lots of windmills and no mountains in sight. Even though we are in northeast Texas it still takes around 8 hours to get out. Texas is just so huge. 

 i love Colorado!! 

We were so happy to be back in the mountains again. We drove through Denver which is a little longer route but so so beautiful. Totally worth it.

We have missed camping so much that we had planned to camp in Colorado Springs. As we got closer the sky got darker and darker and then the rain started.  Suffice it to say we were forced to get a hotel. Which was a bummer. We were looking forward to doing a little hiking and the kids always love sleeping in a tent. 

It was probably for the best though. I don't share in the tent affection, especially after traveling for 12+ hours. Haha. I forgot how exhausting driving is and wonderful a hot shower feels.

 Our first stop was in Lehi to visit Matt and Emma and the cousins.  Uncle Matt grilled up some delicious burgers and Aunt Emma fed us cake for dessert. Our time in Utah was off to a great start!

 The next day we headed to Logan to revisit the motherland where Markham and I met. 

Seriously love that place. 

First stop was The Bluebird for lunch, a heavy dose of memories and a few chocolates.

 I hope it stays there forever. It encapsulates so many happy pastimes during our time in Logan.

 The kids loved the Bookstore and walking around campus. Addie fell in love with Big Blue. 

Sorry Addie we don't have room in the van.

 The A on Old Main Hill 💙

 Big trees could entertain these boys forever.

 Aggie Ice cream!

 It's the best! This sign even says so!

 Baby Knox got lots of love from all the kids

 Cafe Rio in St. George!

Out of all the restaurants we used to go to we miss Cafe Rio the most hands down.

 Jackson is a big fan of Baby Knox. He is always saying how sad he is that we live so far away and baby Knox grows so fast. 

 Kaitlyn and Parker working on a puzzle together. They have always been besties.

 We hit Starbucks to beat the heat. It has replaced our drink stops we used to make to FIIZ, and 7-11 Slurpee runs of course. Not having a FIIZ left a big hole in our lives. haha

poolside cuddles xoxox

Soda Crazy with my girlfriends. 

I didn't get a picture. Dang it. It was super fun to catch up with them and this was absolutely delicious.

Oakley and Knox. 

It was fun to just chill at Aunt Lindsey's house again. 

Fun at Grandma and Grandpa's house

 The river can entertain forever

Grandpa took Addie, Grandma took the boys, Aunt Lindsey took the girls and I took this picture. lol. I went out for rides with the kids too. No one got thrown off although it was close a few times! It was a perfect day and the kids had a blast.

 The boy spent a lot of time on the kayak together.

 Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!  💗

 The geese weren't pleased with us on their turf. They have really taken advantage of this usually quiet spot.

 A fun afternoon at the barn meant horse rides, cat friends and exploring.

 Checking out Grandpa's shop and his latest projects. 

 He said, "This one's for Grandma."

 It's a pretty special spot for Grandma and Grandpa.

 #alwaysdancing 

So fun! We loved our visit! ♥♥♥