Back to school

We went to Utah for a mini-vacation for Kristen's wedding last week. Kristen and Andy's wedding was beautiful, if not slightly wind-blown. It was great to see Neil's entire extended family: aunts and uncles and cousins from both sides. The kids and I spent a few days walking around Temple Square, went hiking with Neil and the cousins on Saturday, and then visiting This is the Place Monument on Monday. Zach thought we were in an island surrounded by rocks, not that we were in a valley.

Sunday and Monday night we stayed with friends from med school days: the Tew's. The kids had a great time playing with some of their oldest friends. Zach loved the time spent with so many boys who love trampolines and Bionicles as much as he does.

Syd and Ainsley enjoyed their first week of school. Syd was thrilled to get a cell phone, too. The downside to school starting is that I spend quite a bit of time just carpooling back and forth between school: we take Syd to school at 7:10, drive back home to get Zach dressed and fed, then take him and Ainsley to school at 8:15. In the afternoon, Audrey and I leave to pick Sydney up at 1:30. Once we have her, we drive over to pick up Zach and Ainsley, then get home by 3. During the day, Audrey and I have time to hit the gym, do some studying, cleaning and playing.

School cuts into Zach's playing time, so he's not particularly thrilled about it. He is lucky to have a friend from church in his class. On the first day of school, Zach was sad when I picked him up because he got in trouble. Apparently the teacher has a set of special chairs that the children can use during circle time, and these have made all the difference for Zach. I haven't seen the chair, but it seems like a camp chair that sits on the floor. He loves using this chair and was proud that he did not get in trouble any more this week. We have another three day week coming up, so that's great!

Yesterday I took the kids to hike around an area called Blue Hills. The kids were bored with the flat walk that we started out on, but loved the hike up the summit of the small mountain. I can't wait to take Neil back when the leaves start to change. For the first time in years, Neil has Labor Day off, so tomorrow we are headed to a Renaissance festival. With a high of 79F, it should be a great day. Even better when you compare it to Renaissance festival weather in TX: hot and humid.

Hurricane Earl was supposed to hit Friday evening or Saturday, so we threw a hurricane party with some of our new friends. The weather has been beautiful since the "storm" blew through. It has rained enough for our grass to turn greener than when we got here. Green grass in August is such a novelty for us.