Back to School

I am a little late in this post, but the kids are back in school (Aug. 9)!

Their first day back in school, a customer at work wished me a happy mother's day, too funny!

Celeste is in her first year at Tempe Preparatory Academy, in 7th grade, and Alexa is now a Junior there. Man does time go fast...

We have already had curriculum night at TPA, where I met all Celeste's teachers, and it was a really great night. Hearing them all speak reinforced to me just why we are so lucky to be at such an amazing school. Never have I seen a more qualified, dedicated, interesting group of teachers! I wish I could have met Alexa's teachers as well....

Sophie is still at Ward Traditional Academy, now in second grade.

{she looks a little goofy with the sun in her eyes, oops!}

So far, Sophie loves her teacher and her class, and we have had a much easier time getting up for school, never her favorite! So far, so good anyway.

Michael starts back at Mesa Community College this Monday with a full load of classes, and will still be working for Tony (part-time).

{Why did I ever think it would be easier when they were all in school?}

Summer Break

I can not believe the girls start school in two days! We had a great summer. Most summers we have spent right here in AZ, with small 3-4 day mini vacations to southern CA. This year, we took a real family vacation, the first EVER! I got a passport book of national parks (which appealed to my inner nerd), and we were on our way.

First stop, the Grand Canyon. The kids and I have been in the past, but it was a first for Tony, and his niece Lizzy, who joined us:

Our next stop was supposed to be four corners, but it was closed and under construction. What the heck is that about? So we moved on to Mesa Verde, CO. I had never heard of it, but it was AMAZING! There were really neat ruins we hiked down to:

Then it was up through Utah, and Arches National park:

We made a pit stop in Denver, to see Tony's sister, Tammi (Lizzy's mom):

I love this picture of Michael, with Tammi, and Olivia, who is exactly one month younger than Michael. They were babies together, and now my "baby" towers over his aunt and cousin!

Our next stop was Wyoming, with 4 days to spend in Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone:

Grand Teton

The girls with a huge elk behind them.

One of the many buffalo we saw, this one was walking right by our car!

And the highlight of Sophie's trip, a beautiful horseback ride in the mountains of Wyoming. Sophie is in love with horses, and I was so glad she was able to do this!

After leaving Wyoming, we were not done yet! We traveled down through Utah, staying at Utah Lake, then Bryce Canyon National park.

We totalled 6 National Parks stamped in our passport book, in just over 2 weeks! We had so much fun driving around, camping in the RV, relaxing and being together.