September

 After a wonderful weekend of camping, the kids started school. Alora had a great first day in her new 1st grade classroom. Her teacher, Mrs. Beam is very warm and welcoming and gave each of the kids a little baggie at the end of the day. Alora was so excited to share it with us.

 Elijah started three full days of preschool. I will be working on two of these days and enjoying Wednesdays to myself (even if it means cleaning the garage or painting.... things get done so much faster by  myself!) Elijah made a good friend on the first day and has been very happy to attend a preschool at Alora's elementary school. (The most excitement from the day came from bringing his new Transformers lunch box to school). At the end of preschool last year, Elijah brought home some green bean seeds that we grew in our garden. We harvested them a week before preschool. They remind me how much my little boy has grown and matured in so little time.

 Alora and I enjoyed making a dragon fly garden for our yard out of maple seeds. It was a science/ art project in one!!

Steve has always wanted to run a Warrior Dash, which is a race with obstacles such as fire, rope ladders, etc. We went as a family as we thought it would be a good introduction for the kids to racing. It is important for us that they know we have a commitment to try to make healthier choices (both food and activities)

 The kids loved the warrior hat Steve got.

 Steve after jumping over the fire. The kids were able to see him climb through mud, slide down a mud ramp, and jump over fire.

 The final mud slide (it was a very fast slide and Steve's favorite part).

 Don't touch me daddy.....

 Warrior poses.

 Dad's medal. Alora will be earning one soon when she run's the Gorge Kid's Marathon (1.2 miles). By seeing her dad, we hope she will have an easier time running it alone).

 Alora in her first grade class. Her school gives out paw power awards if kids show respect, safety, responsibility, or kindness. She is very proud of the four that she has received.

If the kids in her class have an exceptionally good day at school, Mrs. Beam sends them home with a little note. As little as it is, Alora is SO PROUD when she gets one.

 This year Steve's company Sterling Savings was voted one of the best companies to work for; Steve would agree! Our family enjoyed a very fun day at their family picnic at Oak's park.

 We ate hamburgers, won prizes, went on many rides, played carnival games, and had a great time together as a family.

 Babysitting the O'Connell kids.

 The kids took Taekwondo all summer and have enjoyed finally getting their uniforms.

 Elijah and Isaac playing angry birds. Elijah loves his inventive friend.

 The girls playing beauty salon.

 The boys making a mud hole out of the backyard.

 The Gorge Kid's Triathlon was a fundraiser for the local PE programs. Alora was old enough this year to participate.

 Alora and her friend Sydney.

 The first part was swimming. For the younger kids they just waded through the water at the river.

 The next part was biking; Alora insisted on using her scooter.

 Finally, there was a running section. The local fire department was there to shout and cheer the kids on at the end; it was such a great experience for her.