Kiana's 12th Birthday

Once again, the first day of school was Kiana's Birthday!  

We tried to make the best of it!  

Andrea wrote a Birthday note on the driveway for her.

Her primary teacher brought her a birthday balloon.

We made sure she had presents to open 

before school, after school, and later that night.

Receiving a jar of pixie sticks, cute earrings, a volleyball & net, new pajamas, and a new water bottle put a smile on her face.

She also got to decorate her own bubble gum cake!

The weekend after her birthday we had a family party up in Paradise.  Lots of family came to celebrate Kiana turning 12!

Besides her fancy bubble gum cake, Kiana also requested a carrot cake--one of her favorites!

1st Day of School

11th Grader -- River Valley High School

7th Grader -- Tierra Buena Elementary

Lake Philbrook

We had to have one last summer outing before school started, so we took the family up to Lake Philbrook. We spent the day hanging out by the water, eating good food, visiting with Grandma & Grandpa, braiding hair, and cooking smores over the campfire.  Even though we only spent the day, it was a great way to relax before the school madness begins.

We were also lucky enough to borrow ATV's from the other grandparents.  We all had a good time taking rides and exploring the off roads around and above the lake.

A lake carries you into recesses of feeling otherwise impenetrable. 

 ~William Wordsworth