Everyday Pics

Bryan has a new camera and is capturing more day to day pics with it. I think they're some of my favorite pictures. Hopefully he keeps it up, because I've been rather lacking in the picture-taking department lately!

1st Day!

The kids were all smiles on their first day back-to-school. We have a few families in the neighborhood that we walk with to school. Quite the great childhood and life for all of us! I barely got a hug in before Luke ran into the school. Emma is in afternoon kindergarten. It is proving to be a good thing as our sleeping beauty is getting up well after 8 AM. We walked to the school again for her drop off at 12:30. She kept telling me she wasn't nervous at all. I almost believed her until we walked into the school. As we walked down the hallway to her classroom, her grip tightened on my hand and she scooted in closer to me. However, with a brief reassurance from me, she walked in confidently to the classroom and jumped right into the puzzles. It helps having one of her good friends, Milly, in her class.

Heading to pick up the kids. Myles thinks he is too cool for school.

The best part of the first day of school?? Receiving a copy of the picture below from Emma's teacher. I could not quit giggling. When I asked Emma why she wasn't smiling, she responded, they didn't tell me to smile! Ha! Oh Emma...despite this picture, she told me she had a GREAT first day! :)

End of Summer Bash

Cramers held their annual water party. We love this tradition and are grateful they continue it each summer!

Back to School Feast

How is it already time for this tradition again? What a fun, fast Summer we enjoyed! The kids get so excited when they find out it's our feast. Our family theme for this school year is Choose the Right. We gave each of the kids CTR rings. I was pleasantly surprised how excited they were about them. Sometimes, you never know. We discussed what it means to choose the right and times when it might be hard to choose the right. I love Pres. Monson's quote, "May we ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong." The highlight is usually chocolate fondue for dessert. The kids (well, all of us!) love it. Following dinner, Bryan gave each of them, including Myles, a Father's blessing. I couldn't believe that Myles sat perfectly still with his arms folded during the blessing.  Luke has such a tender and sensitive heart. Emma's heart is filled with service and kindness. I pray that these characteristics will serve each of them well. I'm hopeful for Luke and Emma that they will grow in many ways this school year. As excited as we all are for the new school year (especially my sanity), a piece of my heart feels like it's going right out the door with them. How quickly time goes.

We finished the night off with a round of "Slammer." Proud to report that no one lost any fingers!