First Day of School

Connor went for the first time to 2 1/2 hours of Pre-Kindergarten today at the school. I was able to watch his first interactions with classmates and the first circle and story time.
The book that was read "The Kissing Hand" almost got me misty in the eyes. The story is about a little raccoon going to school for the first time and how he is a little nervous. His mother shows him that he can always feel his mother's love and she gives him a kiss on his hand. After the book finished I was able to go over to Connor, kiss his little hand, and put a little pink heart in his palm. He was smiling and excited as I left with Brielle in my arms, a little sad, but also happy for Connor and his new adventure.


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That first day went really quickly and before I knew it, it was time to walk back up to the school to get Connor. Picking him up I could see that he was happy and had a great time. When I asked what his favorite thing today was: SINGING TIME.

I am so glad he had a happy, fun, and memorable first day

Connor made a raccoon mask like the book that they read "The Kissing Hand". Brielle was exciting to see her brother again.

First Day of School (Older Boys)

This year was quite a change for our family with Cael reaching 5th grade he would be attending Middle school and Brecon would be in 1st grade at the Elementary school. I think Cael was a little nervous about having a locker and going to different classes. He wasn't sure how he felt about these big changes.

One of the neat things about Cael in middle school is he and Ben walk out of the door together at the same time. As long as we can get lunches packed and everything else ready in time, then it all works out. There have been a few days where Cael isn't quite ready, and he gets quite upset about not walking with his Dad.

Brecon was acting pretty goofy on the first morning as we walked him to the front of the school. He read the sign and made a crazy face (above) and then for the group picture he is looking rather violent towards the green circle (below).

He really is such a good and independent boy. All last year he was basically walking himself to line up with his teachers in the morning. This year he insists on walking all by himself, although some days I "tag" along or if he is acting difficult he will have to hold my hand the whole way. He wants to be first in line but that doesn't always happen. He runs as fast as he can at the end of the day through the back field and forest. His reading is improving and I can see his confidence in that area growing each time we read together.

NYC with Shawn

Getting Back Home

Our flight back to New York was leaving at 7:20, so we had to wake up extra early, load in all of the kids and drive 45 minutes to the airport. I had the kids sleep in their clothes so there was minimal fussing- but there was plenty of yawning on the drive in the dark. Grandma dropped us off and away we went.
Our first stop was in Phoenix. We didn't have much of a layover and then we flew all the way to Philadelphia, and from there to White Plains ( a 45 minute drive from West Point.) I am always impressed when traveling alone with the kids at how well they do. Cael and Brecon were seated next to a nice gentlemen while I was busy entertaining Connor and Brielle for the long stretch. On the short flight at the end only two could sit together. Brielle started acting tired again, Connor fell asleep in the front row and the flight attendant was really kind to them. Cael sat by a sweet lady and had quite the conversation with her. I had several people compliment and give me some very encouraging words about my children and 'having my hands full'. That is a typical statement to say the least.

All of the kids were excited to see Daddy again! They all went running and hugging as soon as we saw him in person. The weather was surprisingly cool and it was so wonderful to be together again.

We took a lovely summer evening walk down our road the night we got home. We always go to the gate and ride back as fast as we can. It is a race and the boys take winning very seriously.\

Maya's birthday party.

We have neighbors who are very kind and always invite us to their family celebrations and birthday parties. There were so many kids in the backyard and plenty of sugar to go around.

Brielle and Claire are sweet little friends. They always want to be together and they really enjoyed their pink and purple frosted cupcakes. At least Brielle hardly made a mess while eating hers....

... maybe not.

While we were waiting for it to be dark enough to watch a movie, Ben provided his balloon services by making swords, animals, and flowers for all of the children. The kids loved all of the balloon fun until they got too close to the fence or sharp objects and their prize would explode. A few tears, but mostly smiles from the birthday guests. We know that if the doctor career doesn't work out, we've got a Plan B.

Finally it was dark enough to watch the movie around 8:30. Most of the younger families had left and so it was mostly the neighbors who finished and enjoyed the fun. Brielle still says "I see that movie" when she drinks from her "Tangled" cup. That little lady really enjoyed being such a big girl!
*We are all bitten by bugs this night and the evidence on our legs and arms was pretty awful. Itchy and swollen, especially on Cael's extremities.

Ogden Temple Open House

Before purchasing our return tickets back to New York, I had heard that the Ogden Temple would be having the open house after it had gone through a major renovation and update and I knew that I would love to take my kids into this very beautiful and special place. I had tried to get reservations earlier in the month and there were no tickets available. Sad, but not willing to give up so easily-- I thought that I would "show up" that day and beg for a chance to walk through the temple with my family. The day that I was leaving I quickly checked online to check again if there were any more tickets that had been opened up. To my great surprise there were A LOT of slots available! I reserved them and then convinced my Mom that she should make the drive down with us "for the neat memory with her grandkids" and she did.

It was a stormy evening and we could see that some threatening clouds heavy with rain were heading our way. Before going into the temple we waited and watched a short explanatory video about what the temple is all about. Cael was very interested and was looking into every room. All of the boys really liked when they saw the baptismal font and the pool of water on the backs of the oxen. I was worried that the kids were trying to "race" to the end and was trying to get them to walk more reverently. As we went up the stairs, higher and higher, we came into the Celestial room.

IT was so beautiful and wonderful! I will remember that moment with my children forever. So peaceful, calm, and perfect.

My best friend from University of Wyoming also went through the temple with us. She just moved to Provo and Carter will be teaching at BYU. I was so excited to see her and catch up on everything that is going on in their lives. So easy to talk to-- Love this lady!

My mom was a real good sport to make the long drive down with us. She was also going to be dropping us off at the airport early the next day. I'm so glad that we have this memory of going through the temple together.

Right after our self-guided tour, we walked down the street to get some yummy ice cream. The kids enjoyed all the flavors and finished with minimal messes. Nicole brought her two girls, Ruby and Lila, and all the kids were running back and forth burning off all that sugar in a perfect kid fashion. Mom left with the boys and Nicole and I were able to talk a little longer and let the girls dance around and play a little more. Sadly, it was time to leave and so we said our "see you later" until next time.

Baptism and Baby Blessing

Tyson Ray Hoopes was baptized on the 2nd of August in Afton, Wyoming by his father Dustin Ray Hoopes at the Afton Stake Center. The baptism and confirmation were very special, I could tell that Dusty had prepared for this moment and the Spirit was very strong on each occasion. Tyson is a good young man and does well in following the rules. He is smart and talented on the piano as well. We were glad to spend so much time with him at Gma/pa Hoopes' house during the summer and get to know him better.

 I was trying to get only a picture of Tyson, but Cael in his typical fashion snuck right in there and stole some of the spotlight. He is such a ham.

The 3 Hoopes Brothers (and Cael) I told my brothers to get ready for a picture and look who jumped right in to be a part of it-- it's Cael of course.

BABY BLESSING for RUBY KATE HOOPES. Also given by Dusty, family, and friends Sunday morning. Ruby's dress was so beautiful, but very slippery. During the blessing she almost dropped to the ground because of the material and strong men in the circle.

THE HOOPES FAMILY- Dusty, Jessica, Ruby, Tyson, and Jack

To show that I was there to show my love and support

The Hoopes grandkids with Grandpa Gordon Bowers after the blessing. We are lucky he, Jan, and Nathan were able to drive up to Star Valley for the family reunion, baptism, and blessing. Grandpa has done some wonderful paintings for me. It is fun to visit his house and see all of his art.