Fun with the O'Connell Kids - Steve was the one babysitting!


Steve went to California by  himself to spend sometime with his family over the summer. The kids give him big hugs before he leaves for the airport.

Steve and his sister Becky go on a drive down memory lane. They visit their highschool: Canyon High.

The twins with their dad.

Steve and Grandpa Bob went whale watching. Sadly they did not see any whales or dolphins. They will have to give it another try!

Steve, Bob, and Alma.

The people mover at the airport is the kid's favorite part.

Elijah continues to love Superheros.

Alora is practicing her speech for school about owls. She made her own prop to include in the speech.

Steve and I continue to work on our bucket list: we wanted to do a 5k as a family. We chose to start with the color run.

Our white shirts before the race.

We love our funky sun glasses.

These kids aren't afraid of a little mess.

Dancing along to the mobile D.J.

Rolling in the purple....

We wanted to keep teaching the kids during the summer and chose a curriculum of learning about different countries. When learning about Mexico, we made homemade pinatas.

Steve did a beginner's triathlon this summer at Blue Lake Park. Despite his fever, Elijah joined Mom and Alora in making a sign for dad when he crossed the finish line.

There were some great parks to play at as we waited.

Elijah's big day -Preschool Graduation 2013

Elijah wrote on his graduation paper that he wants to be an astronaut when he grows up.

Elijah's teacher, Teacher Teresa, made a huge impact on Elijah. She worked hard to build his confidence. By the end of her class, Elijah would take the longest of all the kids to write his letters because he took pride in his work. Teacher Teresa made him feel so good about his accomplishments. She was exactly what Elijah needed to prepare him for Kindergarten. We are so thankful for her no nonsense attitude. Elijah had to do his school work (unlike previous schools where he just played), he had to eat his lunch that was provided by the school (it really helped with his pickiness), and she encouraged him not to fuss when Dad dropped him off. We are so thankful for teachers that truly invest in each child as an individual. She was instrumental in "growing" and stretching Elijah.

Elijah's Best Friend Austin Blevins. These two are inseparable. Austin is the kind of friend that parents are thankful for. He is sweet, polite, honest, and a ton of fun too! We are thankful that Elijah has made a solid friendship so quickly.

Mom went to Elijah's preschool graduation and then had to return to work. Dad had the day off and took Elijah to his favorite place in the world - McDonald's!!

Our end of the year t-ball party.

The kid's received their first trophy.

Elijah gives the dunk tank a try... I have to sign Steve up for this next year!