rise and shout...

...for many reasons.

My cute sister, Adriene came all the way from Minnesota for a visit.

* she spoils my kids (as any good auntie does)

* buys misc craft projects (for a ridiculous amount) from Sam and absolutely made his day.

*gives Lizzie her lip gloss, and a pink sparkly pen (which I think belonged to you, Hanna...sorry)

*buys candy for Matt & Zach

...and brings delicious treats from the mid-west for me!!

It was parents week at BYU so we went to a football game!

Adriene and I

Mal & Nate

Evan & Jenni

I don't want to go to another college football game and not sit in the student section.
HILARIOUS.
This was my view for a good portion of the game.

...and last but not least...

...which means we sang the fight song at least 7 times.


GO COUGARS!!

this is what happens when...

...you leave your {somewhat new} glasses on the floor to get stepped on and dad gets a hold of them and does an AWESOME repair job with copper wire...

...the three year old sets the table...

(this is a big serving spoon...with spots on it...ahem)

...you are supposed to take a bite of your meatball (just ONE BITE!)...

...and you lick it instead.

Just another day at our happy homestead!

bag lady...

Lizzie is "in" to purses & bags these days.

It doesn't even matter if it is a cute purse or a plastic Target bag.

She likes to cram as much stuff into the bag of choice and take it EVERYWHERE we go.

If you've been lucky enough to run into us at the grocery store, the school, walking past our house...you have been lucky enough to see the treasures the bag of the day is holding.

I think it's cute (until she attempts to take 5 purses with her to church or preschool). The only problem is that now she sees the need to accessorize, as well.

She is taking on the role of bag lady quite nicely.

rules...

With each new school year and teacher comes a new set of rules.

...then there are the standard: be kind, no hats, keep your hands to yourself, etc.

The favorites of this year:

1. No bra snapping or wedgies.

2. Wear deodorant every day.

Welcome 6th grade!

first day...

...of preschool!!!

(sniff, sniff)

You gotta love any preschool that gets a visit from the missionaries!

She was happy to go, but she was happy to see her mom!!
YAY!!!

She had such a great time and can't wait to go back.

I'm trying to stay composed.

**she got new "school clothes" just like her brothers and has been telling me today that she wants to change back into her own clothes...and not wear school clothes. It's so funny how little ones process this stuff!