When the family gets together....

Summer time is full of reunions and this summer was no exception. We started with our Mikesell reunion in Lava Hot Springs where we camped, swam, ate, relaxed, and got a tan. (For the record, Tiffany and I jumped off the highest platform too, except nobody took a picture to document the event.) The next day, we headed into local Chesterfield which was founded by Quinn's great uncle, and where many of his ancestors had homes that are still standing today. I thought my kids would get bored, but they loved every minute of it. And I have to say, I found myself rather intrigued and wanting to learn more of our family history and stories. I am continually amazed at their hard work and inginuity and all that they accomplished even that many years ago. There is some rich blood running through my kids veins and I am so grateful for the examples of our ancestors that they can look to.

Mikesell Family Reunion 2009 -- Lava Hot Springs, ID

Last week was the Herbst family Reunion at the Dent's cabin in Heber Canyon. We had such a great time boating, playing bingo, doing crafts, riding 4 wheelers, shopping in Park City, eating yummy food, and laughing way into the night. Thanks Mike and Camille for a great time and for planning such a wonderful reunion. It was a great way to end the summer!

Herbst Family Reunion 2009 --Heber Canyon, UT

The FaBUloUs First Day!!!

A welcome day for a mother, an unsure day for a kindergartner, a "NOT YET" (whine included) day for a second grader and a fashion show for a fifth grader....I wish I were one of those moms who hates to see the summer end, and granted, I do miss my kids when they go back to school, but I admit it. I really enjoy the peace and quiet of the first day back. I got all my bathrooms cleaned, floors mopped, cookies made, and still had vacuum lines in my carpet when the kids arrived home on the bus! Kate was an angel all day and we even sat down and talked about the letter A. And though I teared up as they stepped onto the bus this morning, it was a FaBulOus day!


I cannot believe how grown up this girl is getting. I absolutely adore her and can't wait to see what this year has in store for her. She was such a huge help to Allie, making sure she found her classroom okay and had someone to sit by on the bus. Such a great big sister.

Layton was not quite sure he was ready to start school yet, but he was the one who had the most to say when he got home! He was also a great help to Allie, watching out for her in the hall and helping her find the right bus line.

And cute little Allie. What a big day for her. They changed the kindergarten schedule this year, so she goes all day, every other day. I could tell she was pretty spent when she got home. She did great though, only getting lost once, and finding Morgan at just the right time to help her find her way. (a little tender mercy for mom, who was home praying for her all day!)

I love these kids. They really are eachother's best friends. Don't get me wrong, they do have thier moments of teasing and tattling (which is why this is a welcome day for mom), but when it comes right down to it, they truly love eachother, and it makes me smile.

A few pics of the morning...


Our neighbor is a police officer and I thought it was funny that her kids were getting out of a squad car at the bus stop...

Waiting in the bus line

Allie getting on the bus for the first time (right about the time I teared up)

And they're off....