Janessa's SURPRISE 14th Birthday party...

We threw a HUGE surprise party for Janessa's 14th Birthday! It was the first year that her birthday didn't land smack-dab in the middle of the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, so we felt it was a perfect time to celebrate!

Her good friend Lizzie helped me arrange the whole thing and so many friends showed up (even more after the pictures were taken!). They all came to our park across the street and played games, ate cake & ice cream and watched "The Princess Bride." Well, "watched" is being used very loosely in this case. (Since boys were invited, there was a lot of throwing grass during the movie!)

I think it was worth it... last night her Facebook status read, "Janessa had the best birthday ever!"

We took her out to dinner first and then as we drove up, all of her friends came up from the park, screaming and yelling!







This was an attempt at trying to take a picture of Janessa and some of the boys!

Finally, a little free time...

Summer went by faster than it ever has. The kids were swamped, as were Rick and I. There wasn't a second to blog or work on my Project 365.

The kids have finally all started school... Janessa & Andrew started last Thursday and Harrison & Nathan started today. Although I don't love being all alone during the day, I have to admit that the peace and quiet is nice for a change. I have a million things to get caught up on (the majority of it being housework and laundry), but I'm hoping blogging can be a top priority. Today is a new day and to celebrate I am posting the "Back to School" photos.

At American Heritage, the kids all gather around the front of the school on the first day for a flag ceremony. The flag is raised, the kids all sing the Star Spangled Banner and a cannon (that belongs to Harrison's new teacher, Mr. Cornell) is shot off at the end. It is a fun tradition that I have loved attending for years.

Darling kittens need a home...

Nathan's kitten Sally had a batch of kittens almost 8 weeks ago. We were planning on having her "fixed" right away, but Nathan (and the other kids) begged and begged to let her have just one batch of kittens. Having grown up with baby animals, I think it's a very wonderful experience to enjoy. So, we said "yes" to the begging, crying kids... with ONE CONDITION. They could NOT keep any of the kittens and could NOT cry about giving them away. It is a very hard thing to do, but the kittens are now litter box trained, eating dry cat food, used to the great outdoors and ready for good homes. They have been loved and cared for 24/7 by Sally and a lot of help from the kids. They are playful, cuddly, and really adorable. These pictures don't even do them justice... so come by and see them in person and you will be hooked!