Back to School 2016

Haylie and Zander went back to school this past Wednesday.  They grumbled a little bit about having to go back, but when it came down to the night before they were both bouncing off the walls with excitement.  Haylie is in 5th grade this year.  It is weird to think she will be in middle school next year!  Also strange because she is in the classroom that I taught in when I taught 5th grade.  Her teacher is Mrs, Labrum, who she also had in 3rd grade.  That has made for a smooth transition so far.  Zander is in 3rd grade this year.  He got Mrs. Thayn.  I don't know her well but so far it seems like a good fit. Zander didn't exactly love his teacher last year and his teacher this year has a completely different style so hopefully we will have a good year all around.  I have been busy most every day since they have been back so I haven't even had much time to soak in the empty house.  I am so grateful for Castle Heights Elementary and the good experiences my kids have had there.

Grandma and Grandpa's visit from Wyoming

Grandma Patti and Grandpa Art came for a visit during the first week in August.  This time they brought Alexa.  She is Haylie and Zander's only cousin on the Holzer side.  It was a great opportunity for them to get to know each other better since we don't get to see her very much.  We kept her busy the whole time with all kinds of activities.  I didn't get many pictures of a lot of things, but we took her to a sidewalk jamboree in Castledale, to the Castle Valley Pageant, and swimming at the Helper pool!  It was her first time in a swimming pool and she had a wonderful time.  The kids also played all kinds of things at the house in our down time.  I am glad that they took the time to travel 10+ hours to come for a visit.  Next year it is our turn to visit them in Wyoming! I did catch one shot of the horse and buggy right the kids took before the pageant.  I may have to steal a few more pictures from Grandma Patti!

Lemonade Stand

It seems like once a summer Haylie gets the urge to run a lemonade stand.  This year she invited her friend, Kalli, to join her business.  They had a great time making the sign and the lemonade and setting everything up.  They did pretty good business thanks to a few generous neighbors!  I am glad the kids have such great friends in the neighborhood!

Kayaking Fun

We have been able to take the Kayak out a few times over the summer for some fun times.  On one occasion we camped at Joe's Valley Reservoir and spent quite a bit of time on at on the kayak and around the water.  Everyone, including Charlotte has a great time swimming and riding the kayak.

Lunatic Triathlon and Swimming

In the past few years, there has been a triathlon held in Price called the Lunatic Triathlon.  They also have a kids division as part of it.  Haylie decided to compete in it this year and did awesome.  She killed everyone on the swimming part of it, and held her own during the rest, even though she was pretty spent by the time she got to the final running portion of the race.  Dave even ran alongside her to keep her going even though she wanted to quit.  I am so proud of her for trying new and hard things!!  Way to go Haylie!! 

Last summer Haylie joined the swim team and she has continued with that as well.  I guarantee she is a better swimmer than me!  She competed in several meets over the summer in various events.  Her favorites are pretty much anything but the backstroke!  Here are a couple of shots of her competing in meets.