Payson Rodeo

We thought it would be fun to go to the rodeo. There were bucking horses and steers, kids that rode on bucking sheep, barrel races, bull riding, roping, etc. It was fun to go to a rodeo!

Side Bangs

Marley was so excited to get side bangs.

First Day of School 2011

Marley is in third grade this year and Miles is in 2nd grade. We are all excited for the new school year!

Slide Rock/Sedona

We decided to take a day trip to Sedona and Slide Rock a few weeks ago. It was so fun to be out in nature. Some of the highlights of the trip were Miles jumping off his first cliffs, Brad jumping off a very high scary cliff, a hike up the river, playing in the water and on the rock slides, watching Miles build up enough courage to try to slide on the rocks, and Marley chasing big butterflies. We had a fun day together.

Tortoise

I am teaching with Ms. Hollie this year. It has been a lot of fun getting to know her better the past couple of weeks. She has a love for animals just as I do. Our poor little Otis didn't make it through the summer. However, this year we did get a new classroom pet tortoise named Taylor. Marley and Miles have enjoyed visiting Taylor in my classroom!

Piano

M and M have had 3 official piano lessons so far with their new piano teacher. She lives just down the street so it is easy for the kids to walk over to her house for their lessons. It is amazing how quickly they are learning how to play the piano. I have really enjoyed listening to them practice.

Chef Marley

Marley has always loved cooking with me in the kitchen. It is fun to see her learning how to follow recipes and cook on her own. On this particular morning she decided to make us her favorite cinnamon strudel muffins for breakfast. I can't believe how quickly Mars is growing up!

MCC Planetarium

Every first Friday of the month MCC has a free show at the planetarium. The show this time was set to Pink Floyd music. It was amazing looking at the moon through the telescope, coloring space pictures, and watching the show. Afterwards we had to make a stop at DQ to end our fun night!

Dallas

Brad told me a couple of months ago that a guy he works with was getting two Blackmouth Curr puppies from Texas and that they'd be ready in August. We didn't know if there would be one available for us, but sure enough there was one extra puppy in the litter and so we were able to have one. Brad drove to Texas with two other guys and picked up the puppies last weekend. Marley and Miles were so surprised when they got home to see our new family pet. I thought it would be fun to name the puppy a name associated with Texas...not only because Dallas was born there, but because I was born there too. I have a soft spot in my heart for Texas. Dallas is adorable and we are having so much fun with her!

Tea Party with Dallas

Marley planned a little tea party for Dallas and served water and puppy chow. Marley enjoyed dressing Dallas up in some of her American Girl doll clothes. The little dress Dallas is wearing Mars and I made during spring break for one of her dolls. We invited Grant and Miles to come join the party.

Puppies

Miles loves puppies. He has so many stuffed animal puppies that he keeps on his bed. My mom found one of my old pound puppies a year or so ago and it has been fun to pass it down to Miles. Miles introduced Dallas to his bed of puppies to play with.