Tessa - August/September 2014

Tessa dear, where did our summer go?

Great-grandma Hillier made a trip down to Hurricane for the first time since dad and I got married 8 years ago to see one of her youngest Great-grands, Brody.  We had a fun time visiting with her and Aunt Joyce and Aunt Diane and got some 4 generation pictures to document the occasion.

Uncle Joe stole my phone and took creepy pictures on it but managed to get a cute one of you too.  Thumbs up Tesser.

We had a few more trips to the pool before it closed, and you dorks decided that goggles were the way to go.

I can't remember if I mentioned this in your last letter or not, but about halfway through the summer I took away you and Logan's toy boxes.  There was just way too much crap in the toy room, and there was no way you guys could keep it clean.  This was the best thing I have EVER done because for some reason ever since then you and Logan have played together SO well.  It's a game called Lego Pet Shops, Star Wars, Mystery Incorporated, and apparently it is the bees knees.  Here are some pictures Logan or Ty snapped of you playing.  Even after the summer ended you guys have continued to play together well, and I don't think you'll ever get your toy boxes back!

We took a trip up to Big Springs one Sunday afternoon and hung out with dad and the crews up there when they were having a barbecue, and yo guys got to sit on the big dozer.

You also got to try out Grandpa Rob's brand new tractor too.

We did the Western Legend's thing and spent most of our time at the 4H display with the horses and Brother and Sister Judd's cute and tame cow, Honey.

And had a photo op with Smokey at the Western Legends parade the next day.

You started school the week after Logan, and you were READY.  I let you pick out your clothes and may have cringed a little at your choice of lime green shirt and sparkly pink jeans, but I just couldn't love ya any more when I look at the pictures from that day.

Luckily dad was in town that day because I had just told the bus driver you wouldn't be riding that day but would be from then on when we jumped in the car and it wouldn't start!  Dad saved the day and picked us up and walked you in.

You didn't seem to nervous and were excited to be back with friends from preschool and church.  You love Mrs. DeMille and Mrs. Kabonic and think school is pretty great.

I did really good and didn't really cry - just maybe a little teary if anything.  The next day you were SO excited to ride the bus.  You begged me to let you ride it last year to preschool, but it just didn't make sense with me having to drop Kyler off at that time of the day anyway.  We ate lunch and went outside to wait, and when it pulled up you ran right up and jumped right on (you have to put your knee on the bottom step because it's too tall, so I guess you didn't really jump), and as it pulled away THEN I cried.  I even found an excuse to load up Tyson and Kyler and head into town pretty quick after to make sure you made it ok.  You've loved riding it every day since and get kind of upset when for some reason you don't get to.

We went over to Hurricane for Peach Days that weekend adn played with cousin Brody who is growing up too too fast.

And you and your brothers played on the bounce houses

 and you even dared do this spinning thing with Logan!

Your primary teacher is just the best ever, and she has been working with your class to help you learn the Articles of Faith.  AFter you learn a few she takes your class to Three Bears to get ice cream.  She loves it, and so do you.

You and Brennan eating your ice cream.  I just adore Brennan, and I think he feels the same way about you!

Every year the kindergartners get to participate in the high school homecoming parade.   It's always fun to try to catch your kid as the truck rolls by, and I did manage to get a picture with you in it and even one with the pom pom that you are holding completely covering your face!

This is the best I've got, and wouldn't you know two of your best boy friends, Latimer and Mason, are in the shot too.

We signed both you and Logan up for soccer this year, and you have only been once but LOVED it.  In fact, every day since last Tuesday you have said at least 5 times, "I can't WAIT for Tuesday so I can play soccer!"  I just thnk you look adorable in your shin guards that go all the way from the middle of your knee clear down to your ankle and the soccer socks that go clear up your leg.

I know I haven't been the best at writing these letters and making them more than just a picture dump of the last few months, but I am trying to make time to at least do that much.  I honestly believe that I am right now living in the best days of my life with you guys.  I am so grateful I am able to be home with you all every day, and I hope that when you are a mom you get that opportunity too.

We love you sweets!

Mom