Back to school 2022

School was back in session by the end of July. Some friends in other states and countries were just getting out of school for the summer and there we were getting back into the swing of school schedules. I don't mind. I love our modified year round schedule.

Kacin started his senior year! 

I can not believe that my little Kacin is not so little anymore. He has grown into such an amazing man, and I am full of love and pride when I think of him.

He quit wrestling (break my heart!!) and has decided to focus on working. He puts a lot of hours in at the DQ. He doesn't stick with a clique and is a friend to many. He is easygoing and fun. We have worked so hard on our relationship this year and as I write this (in December), I am so happy to say that we have made great strides in our communication and relationship. And that makes me the happiest. He is doing well in school this year and taking time for things that matter the most to him--sports, God, and people. He plans to leave on his mission just as soon as he graduates. He doesn't fight us too much when we ask him to watch his siblings and help around the house. He is such a hardworker when he puts his mind to it.

Senior year means child backpack. I don't have energy to have any feelings one way or the other about his choice in backpack. Here he is showing off that Frozen theme.

Coolest kid around. Somehow he convinced us to let him get his motorcycle license. And now he rides his motorcycle to school.

Perry started 6th grade!!

This is his last year at the elementary school he has attended since we moved here. The autism program has been such a great match for him. He LOVES school. He is doing homework now. He works hard on all his work. He loves friends, the routine, and pretty much everything about being at school. He walks himself out to the bus when it comes to our house.

He still loves his screen time. But also spends equal amounts of time listening to books on audible. He loves his dog Millie and doing anything with the deacons quorum at church. He takes all of his church responsibilities very seriously. We love this sweet boy with everything in us!






Layla is in 5th grade!

There couldn't be a sweeter, more thoughtful girl. She is easygoing and confident in herself. She knows who she is. She is a great friend to everyone. She is brave and willing to try new and hard things. She is involved in aerial, piano and music theater. She has discovered a love of baking. She loves being a big sister and plays beautifully with her sister. She keeps a messy room. But is such a creative, imaginative soul. She is working on developing an enjoyment for books. 

The light within her shines and brings out her natural beauty.

Brinn is in Pre-K!

Her little backpack is the size of her.


We opted for one more year of preschool before sending her to Kindergarten. She goes to school 3 full days a week and that has been such a great transition for her. She catches on quickly to academics. And continues to be a spunky, independent, sweet girl. She has this creative, impulsive brain that keeps her covered in marker and her hair has been cut more than once by her own scissors ("for fun"). She loves with all of her heart and soul and shows it. She is full of drama and her acting skills surpass any I have seen at such a young age. She is in gymnastics, dance, and started out the year in lets play music.












We are grateful for safe schools, good teachers, and all of the opportunities to learn and grow.

Last day of school 2022

Last day of school 2022!

Kyler’s first day of kindergarten and last day of senior year side by side.

(Don’t ask me why he refuses to smile naturally as a senior but here we are.)

Layla ended her 4th grade year. Moving her over to a new school was the best decision for her! It just felt like home. 

Perry transitioned to a new classroom over the course of the year and it was a perfect way for him to enter into 5th grade. By the end of the year he was thriving in his classroom. I guarantee that would not have happened if we tried to throw him in at the beginning of the year. So grateful for a team who is flexible and supportive of each individual kid and their needs.




Kacin ended his junior year strong. He is such a fun, bright kid and even though school is not his favorite place to be he knows how to work hard and make the best of it and thrives.

Brinn ended out another year of preschool! Two days a week for 4.5 hours was so great for her this year. 


We gathered at the park with some neighborhood kids for a water balloon fight after school to end the school year.








And Perry got his braces on! (I felt like a mean mom doing it the last day of school but that was the best day to get it scheduled).

Sunny Summer Preschool Camp

Layla dreamed and talked about and planned for months to hold a preschool class of some sort over the summer. She had a vision. She wanted to earn a little money, but mostly she wanted to plan a class for Lisa’s Our summer was packed full, but we were able to find three days that would work.

She got together with two of her friends and they got to work figuring out a schedule and activities for some fun themed based mornings for a group of kids. They made a flier that I texted out. They were so excited to get about 12 kids registered for their little camp. They charged $15 for the three mornings.

As everyone gathered they had toys and activities out on the table and floor. Then they transitioned to a group meeting. They passed out stuffed animals for each person to hold. They introduced a theme (ocean, bugs, and farm). They sang songs, performed a puppet show, and read a book.

Then they rotated between 4 stations. Each girl led a group of 4 kids from station to station. There was a snack, gymnastics/movement, art, and group game.

Then they’d gather all of the kids to read books together.

They’d end the day with a group game or activity, like  the parachute.

Those girls did a great job planning and caring for these kids for those three days. They learned a lot about working with different kids and the hard work of having a business. But they loved it. I’m so glad they did it! I know they are planning to do it again next year!