I have lots to catch up on! The last of our summer was wonderful, the kids were ready to get back to school and see their friends. Our last small trip was camping up to Rocky Mountain National Park with our great friends - the Woelhaffs. Our girls get along so well with their two boys - Mitchell and Blake. We went for two days (which is my absolute limit when it comes to camping). We had an awesome set-up thanks to our Scout leader husbands. They got really good and putting up and taking down because we had to switch campsites each night - but it gave them something to do while Ashley and I chatted away! We did some hiking, lots of eating and making smores. The kids loved playing in the hammocks (note to self - bring one for each child next time). I honestly could NOT believe how dirty they got - but I let it go and they didn't seem to notice or mind. The kids folded oragami, played some games and did plenty of exploring. The adults stayed up way late and talked each night. We were sandwiched between two campsites - one with a barge of man snoring his life away and on the other side a crying baby. I don't get much sleep camping anyway - so I suppose this was fitting! We really did have the best time - perhaps a double family tradition each summer!
BACK TO SCHOOL
We did some school shopping, bought some new backpacks and packed some lunches! Madison started 4th grade, Bella 1st and Hadley her first year of Preschool. Madison had some hard news shen she found out her best friend woudln't be in her class this year. After lots of tears we were able to pep her back up and she's making the best of a hard situation. We met the girls teachers and they seem wonderful. When Hadley is gone at preschool (2 1/2 hours, 3 says per week), I find myself ALONE! I'm enjoying the time running errands and having doctor/dentist appointments wihtout having to find sitters. The girls have enjoyed getting back into a schedule with school, soccer, violin and church activities. I've enjoyed feeling better and getting lots of projects done around the house (can't wait to do a project post soon). Baby is doing great - I'm getting larger with each day - and still trying to absorb the whole little boy idea. I've had fun finding a few cute boy outfits here and there. It's definetely harder shopping for a boy, but the cute stuff is out there!
Ooh! CUTE lil' Chickies! So sad about Madison's bestest friend--growing up is so hard sometimes! But it does make you stronger right? Give her and all the girlies a HUGE HUG from Auntie Tang. Loves to you sister!
Posted by: Tangie | September 08, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Definately looks like you guys had fun in the rockies. Sure miss you guys. See you guys soon.
Posted by: Dave | September 08, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Okay, first comment: That a pregnant woman, sleeping on the ground, finds snoring to be the most difficult aspect of the evening, I think said pregnant woman is incredibly hardy and way beyond me in patience and any measure of physical capabilities.
Secondly, your girls are darling and I love their clothes.
Posted by: Hadley Duncan Howard | September 08, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Ali,
Your sentence, "We were sandwiched between two campsites - one with a barge of man snoring his life away and on the other side a crying baby." was absolutely true and hillarious. I could hardly read it I was laughing so hard! We were hoping you'd be willing to do another service project next year!
Posted by: Wayne Woellhaf | September 08, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Glad to see you posting! Your girls look to cute on there first day of school. Miss you guys! glad you are finding cute boy clothes, can't wait to meet him :)
Posted by: Molly | September 12, 2008 at 03:24 PM