Matthew turns 12

Matthew didn't want a party this year.  He just wanted his cousins to come over and hang out, and he wanted birthday donuts!

He was ordained a Deacon a few weeks later. Granddad and Grandma McKasson came down to be here for his ordination.  We are so proud of Matthew.  He is a smart, creative, thoughtful, funny, smart kid and his younger siblings adore him! (And so do I.)

We love you, Matthew!!

Shane's First day of Preschool

Shane began preschool one week after the other kids.  He is still in the Early Intervention preschool, but he's at a new school with a new teacher.  He still gets to ride the bus, and I think that is his favorite part. 

(It took A LOT of tries to get one good picture!)

Coming home:

First Days of School

School started the third week of August.  It always comes too soon!  Matthew (6th grade) and Allison (2nd grade) began their last year together in elementary school.

 

I took a few pictures after school this time so they don't look so sleepy! 

Corinne began her final year in junior high (9th grade):

After school:

Summer Hikes

Tyson and I love to go on hikes together.  We often hike in American Fork Canyon, but we tried a few new hikes in Big Cottonwood Canyon this summer.

Hiking Lake Mary

(We saw so many beautiful wildflowers, a pika, woodpecker, and a beautiful waterfall.)

 Dog Lake (same hike)

We also hiked to Battle Creek Falls in Pleasant Grove with Matthew.

Hiking has become one of my favorite things. I just wish we could do it year round!

A girl and her Katydid

We found this katydid on my car one afternoon. Allison had to hold it.  She often says, "I love all living things!" 

Final Days at the Pool (August 2015)

I really loved having a pass to our city pool.  I think being outside at the pool is my happy place.  The kids got tired of going to the same pool all summer (except Shane).  Believe it or not, I had to force them to go most of the time! I think they had fun once we were there though.

 Allison loves swimming with her goggles.

 The sun was a little too bright for Shane!

Treats at the pool are the best.

Handsome Boy (August 2015)

Shane wanted to comb his own hair for church on Sunday:

Playtime! (August 2015)

Allison and Shane playing "Incredibles":

 Cousin play date. The boys formed a "boy band" and Corinne and Sydney were their managers.  They lip-synced to Backstreet Boys and really jammed out!