Life has taken so many unexpected twists and turns for me. I never imagined I would be going back to school, but yesterday was my first day of class. I am working towards a masters in speech pathology.I sat in class yesterday just beaming because I was loving it! It's difficult to explain, but my heart just sings when I'm in school! It will be a challenge juggling all my different hats, but the challenge excites me!

First Day of School

I can't believe it, school started today! My kids were so excited they were up at 5:30 and by 7:25 too excited to stay home. So we walked very slowly to school.

Sweet, Emery so excited to finally be part of the group. I thought she might have a hard time this morning, but she was full of confidence. She played on the playground and wanted to be the first one in line to walk into her classroom. I even had an update from a friend that she saw Emery at lunch and Emery was happy, playing with new friends.

Emmet starting first grade and more excited than he'll admit. He has the same teacher and class as last year! So, I know it will be a great year.

Both were very proud of their backpacks!!

It's so crazy that I have the entire day to myself. I thought I would cry more than I did, but I planned a busy day for me. Thank goodness though I start school next week!

Summer Fun

In May I remember crying to my mom how I wasn't sure how I was going to make it through the summer, and know here I am with school starting in three days!! It turned out to be a wonderful summer. I love the sounds of summer. I love listening to Emery and her friends playing house or hearing the heard of boys (8 to be exact) playing a nerf war upstairs! I love, love that we can finally have friends over without any altercations! All the while I was sitting at my kitchen table studying for the GRE! I was amazed at how well I could retain new information even with the chaos that ensued. I did take the test last week and I'm happy to say I don't have to take it again, I got the score I wanted. Little miracles do happen. When you've been out of school for over 10 years, it's hard to get in the habit of studying.

Here are my favorite pics from this summer!

My mom and I took the kids to California for four days.

It would have been my 11th anniversary and California was Sam's favorite place. So we got out of AZ to enjoy some cooler weather.

We also took the kids to Lego Land and had a great time. The crowds were doable and the park only stayed open until 6pm!

In July we headed to Park City, Utah for a Hawkins family reunion.

It was beautiful and we had a wonderful time!!

Emery wore this vest almost everyday. She was never seen without accessories!

Emmet loved swimming with his cousins. They were constantly having chicken fights.

One evening we all wore matching shirts and enjoyed a great picnic. Emery loved the inflatable bowling.

Emmet loves his cousins.

Emmet also loved the giant bathtub in our hotel room. He taught himself to "bubble bend".

Another night we had relay races. Emmet was hilarious.

Emery loved playing with her baby cousin Emma.

Summer is winding down and a new chapter for our family begins Monday. Emery begins all-day kindergarten and I will no longer have her at home! Tears have already been shed, Monday could be rough.

It was the first swim meet of the season and to my relief Emmet took first place! He told me on our way to the meet that he really wanted a blue ribbon. As a mom you really hope their desires come true, but I was doubtful. What a fun surprise to see him so happy!!

Schools Out For Summer....

Today was Emmet's last day of kindergarten! I never believed it when moms would tell me that time flies once your kids are in school, but it does. Where did the school year go?

Emmet was so excited for today. Emery on the other hand wasn't too happy this morning! Emmet get's to "loop" with his teacher and entire class, so it wasn't really a sad day. I'm so excited to have his teacher for another year, she did wonders for Emmet.

Sweet Emery

What a fun month for Emery. At home she's quite loud, talkative, mothering, she love's to sing in front of the mirror, all the typical four year old stuff. But, when she's around others she tends to clam up! She is beginning to come out of her shell and it's been so fun to watch.

She had her pre-school graduation and she performed her Hula dance with ease!! She loved pre-school. I'm sad it's over, so is she!

Emery also completed another fun year of dance. She has loved going and for the first time she performed for the audience! One of my favorite parts about being a mom is watching your kids accomplish something that you know is hard for them. I loved Emery's determination!!

Cruisin With the Olson's

The kids and I got back from my favorite vacation ever. It was the first time I had been on a cruise and what a FANTASTIC 7 days! We flew into Miami and the kids did so well traveling on a plane all day.

The first night in Miami before we boarded the ship we celebrated my birthday. It's the first time in years that my family has been in one place to sing Happy Birthday to me. That was special.

We sailed on the Royal Carribean's Liberty of the Seas. I don't know what I was thinking but the ship was gigantic. I was so worried I would get sea sick, but because of how large the ship was I really had no problems. I could feel the ship moving at times, but I never got sick!!

We left Miami and headed towards Costa Maya. We had a day out at sea and all we did was swim!! The pools were amazing and there were at lest six hot tubs.

My kids were in heaven playing with their aunts and uncles. It's the first family vacation we've taken since Chance got married. We had non-stop fun.

Costa Maya!

We had fun playing at the beach and eating delicious Mexican food.

The kids with their uncles at Costa Maya!

Our "cabin" was cozy, but very efficient. Every night a bunk bed was pulled down from the ceiling. Emmet loved sleeping up there. We slept so well, it helps there were no windows! We spent very little time in our room. There was too much to explore on the ship.

Our second stop was Belize. My brothers, sisters-in-law and myself went on a snorkeling excursion. I really enjoyed snorkeling near the reef, but when I first got in there were jellyfish everywhere and I was screaming trying to "dodge" them. Once I was told they wouldn't hurt me I enjoyed myself!

We truly didn't see much of Emmet. He LOVED the kids club. He was there until 10pm every night. My brother Chris would pick him up for me because he would be so mad we were taking him out!! They did a lot of fun things. His group put on a circus performance one night on the Promenade. Emmet will tell you he saw Belize, but he stayed on the ship that day!

Emery went into Belize city with my parents. They had fun shopping for purses!

This is how Emmet felt when he was NOT in the kids club!!

My favorite stop, Cozumel Mexico. We had a BLAST playing in the ocean. The blow up toys were great. We played our own version of "Wipe Out"!

Our last stop was the Grand Cayman Island! Gorgeous!! The water and beaches were amazing. The water was so clear the kids just wore their swim goggles and were able to feel like they were snorkeling.

The view from the ship at the Grand Cayman's.

Angela and Emery!

We loved the sunsets! Notice Emmet is missing, he's hanging out in the kids club!

Thank goodness the ice cream machine was broken until the last two days. We had a competition to see who could eat the most. I think I ate 10 in one day.

I had fun with this crazy group. I'd do another cruise in a heartbeat!! One of my top 10 best vacations ever!!!