Blast off!!!

If there was anyone overly ready to start school that would be Aaron Judd Richards.  He's watched longingly for years as he's seen his sisters and friends load the bus and be shipped off to school all the while wanting to joint them.   On August 27th, We took our first day picture on the porch

I then drove him to school to send him off with the other parents to his class.    Samuel Richards his 3rd cousin and friend who lives in our neighborhood was there.  I think these two are going to like riding the bus together in the mornings.

I snapped this shot and then Aaron turned and marched into this classroom.   Out of nowhere I choked up watching my constant buddy for almost 6 years disappear into another era of his life. 

It took me by surprise how emotional I got.   This summer Aaron's been overly challenging for me to keep him busy and happy and I've counted down the days until he starts school.   I was anxious all day but was reassured when Aaron came bouncing down the street with the biggest smile on his face saying "Mom I had a blast today"

My mind was set at ease happy that Aaron loves school.   Then last night as I was tucking him in he said "Mom do I have to go to school tomorrow?"  I replied yes Aaron  "Well Mom, why can't I at least be in 1/2 day with Samuel who gets to go home in the afternoon and do whatever he wants".    The mom guilt took over with irrational thoughts about maybe full day is too much but with work I didn't have a choice.    To make matters worse today Spencer was walking around the house and said "Where's Aaron?"  I said school and he replied "Why does Aaron have to go to school?"   It hit me again and I got all teary eyed missing my best buddy!!!    What is wrong with me?  This kid is almost 6 and desperately needs structure in his life and loves to be big and capable and I'm overjoyed watching him mature and grow.   Man motherhood is weird.



For document sake:

Remember this photo:

Now they are all starting kindergarten.....

Pending... photo when they all graduate in 2031.

Richards Rendevous 2018

We spent a weekend up at Bear Lake with the entire Richards clan.   

The big blue beach house was amazing and the kids had so much fun just wandering around the 3 levels  and the yard just hanging with the cousins.  

On Saturday morning we took off for Bloomington Lake where we hiked in a short ways and then the big kids and even bigger kids  (i.e. the adults who still possess fun streaks) took turns on a rope swing as well as Jeff's paddle board.

Jane's turn....

Emily's turn

Bart....

After eating a few sack lunches (mostly chips for the kids) we made our way back to Bear Lake and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon watching the kids dig in the sand and float on the Lake.

We also took some family photos later that night at the same beach. 

It's been said before by others but the only problem with this trip is it felt like 2 days just wasn't enough time!!  Everything else was perfect!

First Days 2018

The girls went back to school on August 22nd while Aaron had to wait a few days for Kindergarten testing.

Emily's primary teacher told me that she asked the kids if they are excited to start school.  Emily said No so they probed to ask isn't there anything she is excited for?  She said nothing over and over until her teacher gave up.    Ironically around the house she's been obsessed with getting her back to school clothes, school supplies, locker decorations in order and talking constantly about all her plans and hopes with friends this year.  Seems to me there's a little excitement going on even if she won't admit it.

If anyone appears pretty apathetic about school starting it is Jane.  She needed absolutely nothing for school and I think she realized it as well but did ask me to buy her a new pair of shoes and one new outfit to wear on the first day of school.  She was pretty pleased when I told her that when Aaron met his teacher for the first time, she taught 3rd grade last year Jane had her for a subject rotation, found out that Aaron was Jane's sister got really excited saying Jane was such a good student and how she is so pleased her younger brother is in her class this year.   Way to go Jane leaving an outstanding reputation for the family!!!!

Spencer's loved posing in the pictures with his sisters but is happy for now staying home taking over "his" castle and all the stuff in it (including sister's forbidden rooms) without his sisters protesting but boy how he loves, loves, loves it when they all come charging in after school.

Slice of Humble Pie

I love my neighborhood!  It would be ever bit as hard for me to move out of my neighborhood as it would to leave my beautiful house.  I feel like all of my neighbors are friendly and helpful and we are all looking out for each other.   Except for one.   For 6 years this couple has lived close to us and goes to church with us but I've never had even a couple of words between us.  When they drive pass my house and I'm outside I'll wave but it seems they look they other way.  There yards and everything surrounding them seems perfect.  I shrugged them off as self focused, perfectionistic and unfriendly.  That was until the other day when half of one of our dry strip trees fell over.  We found it as Bart was leaving for work and luckily it landed at an angle on our driveway that we could get our cars out but Bart was in such a rush he said he'd deal with it when he got home.   Later that afternoon a neighbor came over to offer his help.   Who of neighbors was it?  Why it was the most unfriendly neighbor of all.  He said he has a chain saw with a fresh chain and would be happy to cut it all up.   So Bart and he went out and cleaned up the big job.   I sat stunned and humbled that the most unfriendly neighbor turned out to be the most helpful.   

It was a good lesson for me to remember to not judge and always give others the benefit of doubt. 

Hilary

When Emily decided to focus more on her Viola and take private lessons we were blessed to be directed toward Hilary.   Emily just loved Hilary and Hilary was just what Emily needed as she began her journey.  The first lesson Emily got really nervous and started to cry and Hilary was so kind to calm her nerves and give her the confidence to succeed.     I tagged along to lessons and throughly enjoyed hearing Hilary play the Viola.  It was breathtaking how beautiful she could make her instrument sound.   She had warned us that she was in the process of applying to big symphony's across the country so it wasn't a huge surprise when she told us she was moving to New York to pursue her dream of playing with the New York Philharmonic Symphony but it still made Emily sad to lose her teacher and friend.  Luckily she left Emily in good hands with a new teacher who is strict yet fair and I think is what Emily needs to take it to the next level. 

So Goodbye Hilary and Good luck!! 

Grandma Becky's Academy

My girls got to spend a week with my mom at her house with the other older girl cousins.   It was non stop fun for these girls.   I sometimes think I'm a tween at heart but my mom takes the cake in this area.  She loves everything girl and G. Becky's Academy hit all the spots my girls love!!!

They took it upon themselves to clean out and organize an old camper trailer into their clubhouse.  They did such a good job I almost want to stay in it! 

She took them to the Castle Valley pageant.

My taught them to play the Ukulele, took them swimming, and even let them do a bake sale in Torrey one evening.

The best part I suppose was the endless hours of riding the 4 wheeler and Can-Am.   At the end of the stay they had a mini photo shoot with my mom.   My mom loves to take pictures and these girls like to be models.  Sounds like a win win time!!!

efore they left my mom sat them down and gave them each some little knick knack gifts.  She also told them that this year in school she wants them to be smart, helpful and kind.   She talked to them about being conscientious and wants to them excel in all they do.  I'm sure they each will take great advice from a great lady.