Life as We Know It: August 2014

I found out the boys were being switched to a different school while I was in Utah for vacation. Seriously, like three weeks before school started and I had already been purchasing items off of Garden Valley School's list of school supplies, I got a phone call from the guy in charge of bussing letting me know our neighborhood was being moved to Round Prairie School....45 minutes or so away from our house, literally almost in Montana (my cell phone reverts to Mountain Standard Time whenever I drive out to the school.) Quite a change from being 10-15 minutes away from Garden Valley School...but I digress. We gathered supplies for the new school and made ready for the first day!

We got a call from the bus driver, Paula, who is from Logan, Utah, letting us know that the boys would be picked up at...7:05 AM. I'll say that again. 7:05 AM!!! So early for a kindergartner and second grader, but necessary since school begins at 8 AM and it's a bit of a drive. She's very nice and the boys love her.

Kyan is in second grade. His teacher is Ms. Dempsey. He's a whiz at math, a great speller, and has only recently really begun to enjoy to read. Maybe he is my child, after all... :)

Tucker is in kindergarten. His teacher is Mrs. Butler. He loves school so much. He is also a number genius, his handwriting has improved immensely, and he told me he gets smarter every day the second he steps onto the school bus.

I cannot begin to describe how excited Tucker was to ride the bus. He's been waiting years for this!

I was also excited to get back in the habit of school lunch making!! We'll see if I can keep the creativity alive with two lunches to make this year. Tucker is extremely picky and stubborn about what he eats so it is a challenge.

Their little prairie school:

So far, the year is going great! Let's hope it continues that way! :)

August 9, 2014....John and Jessica's big day!! We were all super, super exicted. All I can say is the wedding was gorgeous, I cried, and I gained another sister! This post is mostly a photo dump, and all the really good photos are thanks to the awesome photographer they hired, but you won't regret scrolling through this post....it was a beautiful day!

Jess brought me the rings and I think she was super nervous to let them out of her sight but they made it to the ceremony safe and sound.

Tucker was one of the ring bearers and dang, was he ever cute!

Fans with the wedding program printed on them

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

Jessica's grandparents and my brother were remembered right as guests walked in. It was so touching.

The decor was fabulous. Jess was going for a vintage, shabby chic look and I totally think she pulled it off!

My aunt made this wreath specifically for the wedding.

My mom, my sister, and I made John and Jess this quilt. It took months. I loved how it turned out!

John with his oldest friend, Rhett Hall. He wasn't sure he'd make the wedding and we were so glad he did!

John and Hanna

Finn and Tucker shared ring bearer responsibilities.

The guys

Just chilling before wedding duties.

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

My niece Hanna was a flower girl, Jess's nephew Finn and Tucker as ring bearers
Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

A tender mother/son moment just before the ceremony.

Walking Jess's mom down the aisle

My parents walking down the aisle

Waiting for Jess

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

Not sure why he wouldn't smile but he's still handsome anyway!

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

Here comes the bride!

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

Tucker did a bang-up job!
Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

You may kiss the bride!

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

Helping move chairs for the reception.

Miss Hanna

Now it's really official!

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

Spending time with family is one of the best parts of a wedding!

Me and my beautiful mother!

Me, my grandma, and my mom

My Aunt Cristy, my mom, my Aunt Paula, and my Aunt Gwen. Sisters!

My mom and aunts with Hanna and Sydnee

Me and my sis

Jess getting some ring bearer snuggles!

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

My family. Wish John's little girl Raquel could have made it!
Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

My parents and us siblings
Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

It was evident that John and Jess were radiantly happy. They'd both waited a long time to find each other, and I'm so happy that they did!

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

Party props at the selfie station!

Jaxon, Tucker, Cameron, Brenan, Kyan, and Hanna

The cake. Simple but lovely!

Needed a pic with Aunt Jessica during the party.

I even got to dance! Hooray!

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

Dancing the night away!

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

Love this moment with my bro and mama!

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

Tucker getting kissed by Jess

Photo cred: ShaiLynn Photography

The wedding was beautiful. The food was great, the music was rockin', the company the best. My brother is over-the-moon happy, and I have a new sister.

The end of a perfect evening, the beginning of a grand life.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Back to School 2014

Saturday, August 9, 2014

John and Jessica: A Vintage Backyard Wedding!