Gabby's Birthday Party

Gabby's cute friends came for a birthday party the Saturday after her birthday.  (I'm just slow getting things on my blog...it always happens once school starts.  I can't keep up with all of my responsibilities.)  We played several games.

The first game, they had skittles on the table and they had to use a straw to suck the skittle up and get it in a cup.  The first one done was the winner.  We also played a get to know you game with the Skittles.

 Then we had a balloon popping relay race.

 We had chips and sandwiches for lunch.

 Gabby opened her gifts and we had cake and ice cream.

 And I can't remember the name of this game, but it is pretty funny.  One person is blindfolded in the middle and they get spun around.  While they are being spun around, everyone else quietly trade chairs.  Then the person in the middle walks around and taps someone with a stick. That person must grab the stick.  The person in the middle makes some kind of noise (such as barking, mooing, or howling) and the person has to imitate them.  They guess who they think it was.  If they guess wrong the person pushes the stick away and the blindfolded person must approach someone else and repeat the process.  If they guess correctly, then that person goes in the middle.

 The kids also enjoyed using the zipline, jumping on the trampoline and spending time together.  I am so grateful that Gabby (and each of my girls) has such good friends.  We are so blessed!

8 things Gabby loves at age 8:
1.  the color blue
2.  stuffed animals
3.  friends and family
4.  Hershey's cookies and cream candy bars
5.  Harry Potter
6.  dance
7.  piano
8.  watermelon

Baptism Photos

Carey McAfee took baptism photos of Gabby for us.  I just realized that I never posted any of them here.  So here are a few of my favorites...but they all turned out great. 

Man...look at that skirt! (Her dress is not my style/taste, but she LOVES it so much.  And she is darling!)

 

My Classroom

This year may just be my best year of teaching ever!   I really love working at Ensign.  This year I only have 19 students...the smallest class I have ever had.  And they are just darling.  For the most part, they are really respectful and hard working and just plain great kids.  My friend from Parkview, Shirley, transferred to Ensign this year.  She is right next door to me.  She loves it too.  And I'm working with Molly in 3rd grade.  Molly and I taught together at Mountain View about 12 years ago so it was funny when I found out that we both transferred to Ensign at the same time.  It's really a pretty perfect deal.

 These photos were taken the night of Back to School Night... just a short time before Back to School Night started.  I like my classroom...it's fairly traditional but there are little touches that make it more homey.  And it's decorated with an owl theme.  We've spent time this first month of school learning all about owls.  I laugh and just really enjoy teaching these kids.  I love it!

Party Time

Alfredo's cousin, Irene, is having her third baby soon.  A few weeks ago, they had a Gender Reveal party.  They have 2 darling girls.  And soon...another baby girl will be joining their family.  My girls enjoyed playing with their (second) cousins.  They had a bouncy house and the kids, even the older girls, spent some time playing in it.  Sure love my 3 cute girls...and I am so excited and  happy for Irene!

First Day of School

School started for the girls on Wednesday, August 17.  I went back to work on August 16 but school didn't start until Monday, August 22.  On Tuesday, the girls went to my friend Heidi's to get a trim and highlights.  Heidi not only trimmed and highlighted their hair, but also styled it.  Here is Ella after her trim, highlight and style.  She is turning into such a sweet and beautiful girl.

She wanted a picture that really showcased her highlights.

 The next day I went to work just a tiny bit late so that I could take all 3 girls to school on their first day.  Here is Michelle...all ready for her first day of 8th grade.

Ella is starting 6th grade and Gabby is entering 3rd grade (the same grade I teach!)  I think it is going to be a really good year for all of us.  Gabby was super nervous on the first day.  Her teacher is brand new at their school and most of her friends were in a different class, but Alyssa is in her class. She got scared enough before school started that there were a few tears.  But she loved it!!  She loves her classroom and loves her teacher.  

The girls in front of their school...they are holding their "Teacher Survival Kits".

 And just because they looked super cute on the second day of school, I took a photo of them that day too.  The lighting is terrible, unfortunately.  But I really, really love Ella's shirt!

I sure love these sweet girls!!