I Cried.

All the other moms were holding it together so well, all smiles and happiness. And really, I did too, until I realized that this was the last year McKayla would even dream of allowing me to take her to school on the first day and walk her to her classroom. Next year being Jr. High, I have no delusions of being a priority on the first day of school. So it hit me and I cried. Right there. In the middle of the playground. At least McKayla didn't see it - I may have had my "cool mom" privileges revoked immediately.

The sixth grader:
The Third grader:
With Friends:



A Picture I could only take of Tanner because if I'd even suggested it for McKayla I would have been given the death look. (Seriously, what kind of mom would even consider taking a picture of a sixth grader at their desk?):

Four Years and Two Wheels

Tayler asked me for a week to take his training wheels off his bike. The problem was, he always asked as we were walking out the door to go somewhere or in the door for bed. So while I was gone school shopping with McKayla last Saturday, Tyson did the job. We expected to spend days or weeks teaching him, but he jumped on and rode away. Figures. This is what I came home to, just a couple of hours later:

Eight is Great!

Tanner could hardly wait to turn eight and be baptized. He didn't take this lightly at all. He read 3 books on baptism, and he really wanted to learn what it was all about so that he could make his own decision.

I can honestly say that he was more prepared than I could have ever dreamed of at his age. He truly made the decision himself, and I am so proud of him!


Tyson took Tanner out to do some "new suit" pictures a couple of weeks before, and then we threw together a quick invite for our families. (Addresses removed)


The entire day was wonderful, from the program to the dinner. Tanner was the only child being baptized from our ward that day, so it was a very personal program. McKayla had agreed to sing a solo of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" for the program and she was amazing! Our good friend Marlene is in the Primary Presidency, so we were lucky enough to have her be asked to speak. Everything was perfect!


Everyone contributed to the dinner afterward, and it was perfect! Thanks to everyone for making Tanner's day unforgettable!