The Anne-Girl

Miss Anne is 9!

 Grandma Mai sent her this cute outfit. She loves it and calls it her ballerina outfit. Grandma Mai also sent her a rainbow loom which she has loved! And Grandma Evel gave her money that she spent on a new watch.

At school she got to be the VIP for the week and got the have a spot light on Friday. She took a poster with pictures of herself and got to answer the kids questions about her. She made sure to wear this outfit and she ate up the attention.  

 We had cake for her the weekend after up at my sisters house in Wellsville. She felt a bit under the weather but it was still fun. Also, for her present she requested to go miniature golfing, so Kellan took all the girls while we were there in Cache Valley. I meant to have him take the camera, but alas, I forgot. 

I know everyone says it, but I cannot believe how fast these kids of mine are growing! I really only get them for a few short years. Its actually kind of scary! Time just goes faster and faster with each year. Anne is such a great kid! She is a tough, resilient girl and I can see why Heavenly Father sent her to us first. She holds us all together and I don't know what we'd do without her!

Shool

Life sure has a way of surprising me. The one thing I don't prepare for or consider is usually what happens. 

Kellan had a great summer. He really enjoyed his internship and learned a lot. Then it ended and the company had a hiring freeze and even though they loved him they couldn't keep him. 

We really weren't too worried though, we knew something would work out and Kellan had a couple of good prospects for new jobs. I was sure something would happen before the new school year started. 

So we drove back the weekend of my sisters wedding and Kellan chased down his new leads and then nothing happened. The leads fizzled. We were staying with my parents and I was sure we'd only be there a couple of weeks. 7ish weeks later, we're still here. 

My parents have been so kind and patient to let us stay as long and we need. I had prepared to go anywhere, except moving in with my family. I know its not much, but for me its probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. 

That being said, we know this is were we're supposed to be right now and that something is going to work out eventually. Kellan was able to transfer his classes to the Price extension and is working on his last two classes. It seems like every few weeks he gets a new batch of good leads for jobs and chases them down. The kids are really loving living with the Grandparents. Especially after a hot, hot summer cooped up inside. The cool weather, sand-box, trampoline and ample space to run around outside have been a dream come true for them. I miss my kitchen and my privacy, but so does my mom. We're making it work and we have loads of blessings. 

Finally two days before school started I got over my denial enough to enroll my older girls in my old alma mater. Good old Cleveland Elementary. They have loved their teachers and I'm really gratefully they are thriving in spite of  that 7:10 bus stop. They also love being 2nd cousins with just about everyone in their class. Not really, but there are a lot of us in there. Its like a little Jonesie reunion. 

Sara's first day of 2nd grade.  

 Anne's first day of 3rd grade.

They're pretty good pals. 

This girlie did not go to Kindergarten. We've been going back and forth on that decision since January and finally decided to not. She couldn't be happier and is loving her extra year of running around naked with her boys. 

The grand Grand Canyon.

On our drive home we decided to swing around the Grand Canyon. It was a couple of hours out of the way but we figured we never know when we might get the chance again. It did not disappoint! We only had time to take a short hike along the South Rim, but was worth seeing. Anne was especially sad we couldn't take time to check out the visitor centers and learn all about it.  Hopefully we can plan a whole trip down there someday and really get to see it.  

Official family pic.

I'm pretty sure a couple of Asian girls were taking pictures of our red-heads as well.

                               

Somebody needed a Waaaambulence. "I haaaayyyyte hiking! I don't want to go for a walk! My legs hurt! I'm scared of looking over the edge!" Poor Libby, forced to spend time in nature and walk after 4 hours in the car. 

She didn't mind so much by the end though and had to admit it was pretty impressive!