Gymnastics

Emily loves gymnastics. She took for about 2 years in Minnesota but I pulled her out because I was frustrated with the gym; I felt she wasn't progressing due to their lack of teaching (yes, I'm bitter).

So today Emily went to her first gymnastics class in Idaho. It was for 5 - 7 year olds and Emily had a good time. Despite being out of gymnastics since March, she performed really well on all the activities. After the class the teacher pulled me aside and told me Emily was too advanced for the class she was enrolled in and invited her to join the "by invitation only" class. I was really happy to find a gym that takes notice. Emily is thrilled that she will start learning new things. I'm thrilled that my monthly tuition will be put to some good.

The class is scheduled at the same time as one Sam can attend so I think I'll enroll Sam as well. It is in the evening and at first I was disappointed until I decided Brad can keep Ben home! Sam gets to try out next week for free. I wonder if he will be the only boy? It is described as a co-ed class but who knows. Sam and I were watching the Level 1 Boys class and he thought it looked fun. We will see how he likes the intro class. When I asked him which activities he wanted me to sign him up for he stated he wanted to take ballet classes. Maybe Sam spends too much time playing with Emily. (That is Ben crawling in the background wearing Emily's pajamas.)My mom is playing dress up with Emily and Sam. Any question why she is the great grandma ever!Poor kid. He is going to hate these when he is older.

Emily's First Day of First Grade

Today was Emily's first day of First Grade. I was afraid she would be too tired to wake up. Despite my best efforts to gradually move up bedtime, we still have been going to bed and waking up late. But she woke up and was eager to go. I took a few pictures and unfortunately none of them really turn out well. Here's the best of the worst.

I worry that First Grade will not be a challenge for Emily. We went to Back to School night and saw what they will be working on and Emily has been doing it since the beginning of Kindergarten. We mentioned our concerns to the teacher and she didn't seem to want to talk about it. She has been teaching 23 years and I get the feeling she is going to go with the "program" rather than what Emily needs. Oh, gee. Any advice?

I should be in bed....

I started to go to bed about 45 minutes ago but got lost in blogger land. I love being able to hear about what is happening with all my blogging friends. It does take time; but it is worth it! I am going to bed now....I promise.

Karissa

My sister just linked me to my niece's senior pictures. I thought they were amazing and just had to share. Check them out here.

I can't believe she is going to be a senior. I was a senior in high school when she was born. I was so happy to see her this summer. Emily adores her and Karissa was so sweet to play with her.

Wall Drug, South Dakota

On our drive from Minnesota to Idaho, we stopped at one the of ultimate in tourist traps: Wall Drug, South Dakota. It was a quaint stop full of overpriced souvenirs and tempting treats, even on old fashioned soda counter. Out back they have a fun place for kids to play and parents to take several dozen pictures. Here are a few shots assembled in my first Pisaca collage. I'm glad that drive is over.

Family Pictures

Imagine gathering 15 adults and 13 children for a family picture. It was utter chaos. In fact it was so difficult we decided to eliminate 6 of the adults. Well, not really but we just couldn't find a time to fit everyone's schedule so we let the in-laws off the hook.

While my sister Rona was in town we decided it was time to update the family photo. The last family photo my family took was when Emily was a baby. Now we have added 10 new babies to the family. It was definitely time for a new picture.

Family photos are one of the top stresses in life (in my book anyway). Trying to find something for everyone to wear, getting everyone's hair done and looking good is way too much stress.

But we tried and here are the results.

Here are all 13 of the grandkids. Karissa is the oldest at 17 and baby Duncan (in her arms) is the youngest at 7? weeks. Can you imagine how difficult it was taking a picture of this many kids. Unfortunately, Ben was the worst! He would not sit still! (Bottom L - R Sam, Kara, Tobyn, Ryken, Ian, Brayden, Emily, Ben and Missy. Top L-R Felicity, Duncan, Karissa, and Brinley)Here is my Mom and Dad will all their grandkids. My dad's yard is every kids dream. He has built an amazing place for the grandkids to play. It is no wonder my kids LOVE going to Grandma Eva's and Grandpa Zee's.

Here are all my siblings. I love each one of the them!We are never serious for long!Here are all my siblings and my mom and dad. Hopefully we can get one with the in-laws next time.We had to take one showing our birth order (the serious one didn't turn out). Oldest to youngest: Rona, Jenni, Traci, Tiffany, Rhett, Vicki, and ShaunLastly, I had to get one of me and my wonderful Mom and Dad. I have fabulous parents.