first grade

This boy has been so excited for school to start! He is going to a new school this year, and he has been anxious to meet all of his new friends. He's going to the Montessori Academy charter school, so far (3 days) he's loved it. But really, he's just excited that he gets two recesses and snacks.

He didn't realize he would have to wear uniforms this year, until that morning (I tend to spring things on my kids, probably not my best parenting). He wasn't so sure about wearing 'church pants' everyday, but we now know he can also wear shorts. So he doesn't mind.

He gets to ride to school with his Dad in the mornings, so he was pretty excited. Me and the girls miss him during the day, but we get by... we've been out shopping every day since he's been at school. I feel liberated going out with only 3 kids. I don't know why, Luke's far easier to take shopping than the little girls.

Kent Jenkins family reunion 2011

I know... more reunions. This one was with my Dad's family. Most of his siblings and all their families. We had such a great time, we camped out for one night up in Peterson. I only got a few random pictures, because I was too busy eating delicious food, chasing kids, playing games, and having a good time.

Abigail and her little pal, Anna. Anna is my cousin, Jacob's, daughter.

sweet little Hayes

This was the most anticipated event... the snake hunt. When we got the itinerary for the reunion, I stuck it up on the fridge. Luke saw it and read that there was to be a snake hunt at 3:00. He was beyond excited. My cousin, Melissa, did the hunt... she can make any ordinary event, extra awesome. The kids painted guns, the wooden kind that shoot elastics, they were given recorders to lure the snakes, and then Melissa read a book about snakes to prepare them for the hunt.

Ready with their recorders (camp was SO noisy for the rest of the night, but the kids loved it)

On the trail they each found a big plastic snake.

resting after the big hunt

These two little girls are the best friends, and best little troublemakers. I love watching them together. They play so well together, except when they're fighting over sippy cups and Em's binki. Oh, to be one again, and having my biggest problem be sippy cups.

Love this little gal

1st annual Jay Jenkins family reunion

I was kinda on a family reunion kick this year, and I decided it was time for me and my siblings to start a reunion. This year we went up to Lava Hot Springs. We camped at the KOA, went to the pool, rafted down the river, played games, and spent time visiting with each other. Even though most of us see each other all the time, it was fun to be on a little trip together. All the kids had a great time and played and explored.

When we got to camp, my Mom gave each of the kids a 'camping backpack' that she made. It had a few activities and treats in it. Every so often when the kids ran out of something to do, she brought out another surprise to put in their bags. My kids are still carrying around their bags.

Hailey really loved playing in the dirt. She was SO dirty by the end of the trip

relaxing after coming back from the pool

She loved her tiny bath

coloring one of the many surprises, binoculars, to go exploring with.

getting ready to go down the river

waiting for some yummy dinner

Sheriff Darth Luke blowing bubbles

bedtime stories

The kids loved spending time in Grandma and Grandpa's trailer.

Matt and Jess

Uncle Jed and Adam

Aunt Shannie doing crafts with the kids

Hailey loved climbing the steps into the trailer, she hung out in there all the time.

The grandkids with their backpacks

All the excitement was just too much for Brent to handle.

summer stuff

Summer has been great so far! I feel like it's just started, but Luke goes back to school in 18 days! I can't believe it.

Hailey has an obsession with this little cart, and putting things in it, especially dirt. This always keeps her entertained while we do yard work.

We let Hailey have a candy necklace in the car the other day, I didn't realize how messy it would get.

Then of course everyone wanted their picture

During Harrisville days, we have a block party on our dead end street. One of my neighbors smokes brisket and BBQ pork for everyone. He starts smoking it at 4 a.m. and it goes all day. It's pretty dang fantastic.

We have a perfect view of the park, so we can watch the fireworks from our front yard.

p.s. if you want to come to our wonderful block party next year, you can buy my next door neighbor's house. They are moving and we are extremely sad. It would be so fun if someone awesome with kids would buy it :)

She's such a cheeser

On her new Barbie bike.

Luke and one of his best buds, Ethan. They play all day everyday together.

Every July 24th Ben's aunt and uncle invite everyone to their pool for a party. It was fun to catch up with family we only usually see twice a year.

Carly and Dawson enjoying a snack in the trees.

Hailey didn't want to be in the water, she was just happy to play with a snow cone cup and straw.