The first week of school

Today finished the first week of school. In many ways I was really glad that school was starting, no more "mom I'm bored" or "what can we do"s. But as it always proved a new year and a new set of problems. I was really hoping we could go a while without any problems. Ethan is now in sixth grade and really likes his teacher. He has however always had to deal with bulling in one way or another. Day three is when it all started up again. My son is a forever peace maker and unfortunately that seems to make him a target. So, hey all you bullies out there here is a heads up. Apparently if you wait until close to the bell rings to bring you in from recess, that time is fair game. According to the "ground duty" they won't do anything if the bell is about to ring or has rung. Just to make things clear the said ground duty is suppose to be there to help any child with any problem during recess, unless apparently the bell is about to ring. Ummmm...To say I am unimpressed is an understatement. Fingers crossed that it doesn't get worse. Katie is now in fourth grade and absolutely loves her teacher and class. She knows pretty much everyone in class. I really can see her flourishing this year! Taylor is in first grade this year. She is having a bit of an adjustment problem. This is however first year of full day school, that doesn't seem to be the biggest problem. She doesn't know anyone in her class, she is getting pushed (literally) by boys who happen to be in her primary class, at recess. She is eating lunch alone, not finding friends to play with at recess. We have addressed her problems as best as we can, and we are keeping our fingers crossed that will get better. I can't help but wonder which is better, having them at home or at school where I can have some peace for a few hours yet dealing with new found problems..... Monday Ben is set to start preschool. I am not sure what I will do with myself having everyone gone for a few hours three times a week. Maybe my house will finally get organized?

Ethan and Mrs. Robinson

Katie & Mrs. Roundy

Taylor and Mrs. Warburton

Lagoon bounce back

So, with John working SO much lately we hadn't had the time to go to Lagoon again to do our "bounce back" until Sunday Aug.23. We went from opening to close (10a-6p), which was about perfect and it only rained a little bit on us for the first few minutes we were there. Then it was great weather until a half hour before closing and the rain came back. The kids were so excited and rode practically every ride in the place. I sent John and Ethan off to the Wicked, which I had NO interest in going on. Ethan LOVED it to say the least and I think John thought it was pretty good as well. He, John, kept hounding me to try it. Said I would really like it, blah, blah, blah. So like an idiot I got talked in to it. To say I hated it is an understatement (I know most would disagree with my previous statement, especially Ethan). I absolutely hate the feeling of weightlessness, let alone being jerked all over the place. Well, it pulled something in my neck so the remainder of the day I suffered from a major headache that no medicine helped (this was all in the first 45 minutes of arriving mind you). For the rest of the day I tried to take it easy, the best that I could at an amusement park. I tried to focus mostly on Ben and took him to kiddie land where he could ride the rides without anyone else and I took lots of pictures. That was a nice rest for my neck and head. So trying not to be a complete party pooper, I did go on Rattle Snake Rapids with the entire family. Admittedly, I thought that ride was fun, even being in pain, but I couldn't do it a second time with my head pounding. Otherwise I believe I made John do EVERY ride with the kids. Kinda served him right, right?:)

Now Ben keeps asking, everyday mind you, when are we going back to Lagoon.

Kenney Family Reunion 2009

Almost a week ago we had the Kenney family reunion. In theory, we are to have a reunion every year, and each child of my grandparents are to switch off every year. With schedules as they are we haven't had a reunion in a few years, so it was nice to have one this year. This year it was held at West Jordan Park for a picnic and swiming at the community pool. We were to bring our own picnic lunch and a dessert to share. The turn out was so-so as usual but it was extremely nice to see who we did (and hope next year we will be able to have more family able to come). I did take a few pictures and so did Jaynelle,who borrow my camera to take a few more pictures.

It was so nice visiting with everyone! Hopefully we will do this again next year. Maybe we will even see you at Emily's wedding in October in Spokane.

PARKER FAMILY REUNION 2009

I am a bit behind, so please excuse me if I have multiple blogs today. First I will start off with the Parker family reunion almost two weeks ago. As usual the reunion was held at a park, which is great so the little kids have a play ground to play on. This year the reunion was at Riverton City park. It is always on a Sunday and we always have dinner together with some pot luck items. Usually we bring our own dinner with "something" to share. This year, however the meal was taken care of (which I liked better in some ways, I really don't have much imagination for picnics), and we also had a variety of salads and deserts. We had a BINGO game with prizes for adults and prizes for the kids (school supplies). We also had a raffle for a homemade quilt and a silent auction for Grandma Lottie Parkers nativity set she made years ago. The turn out was great, and it was nice seeing everyone and catching up. I only took a few picture (so not like me).

Lagoon

Yesterday we treated the kids to their first ever trip to Lagoon (I know, I know,I am a slacker and most people have a hard time believing my kids hadn't ever been even though I live 15 minutes away, we have found better things to spend our money on). I had been promising Ethan for a couple of years that I would take them, and it was time to keep that promise. I told him, "come Hell or high water we were going August 8th". It was almost Hell. John ended up having to work, Ethan had scout camp the night before in Fairfield, Taylor was invited to a friend birthday party, and to top it all off Ben came down with a fever Friday. So, after everyone was home and "drugging" up Ben with Tylenol we spent the last half of the day at Lagoon. That proved to be long enough for Ben anyway. The kids had a blast and are excitedly planning our bounce back day.

Cliffhanger

Musik Express

Carousel

Carousel

Ethan

Katie

Ben LOVES cotton candy

Train ride

John

Taylor

goofy Ben, showing us his "moves"

Well, It has been a few months since I have posted anything. The reason being, is not much has been going on. School doesn't start until August 24th. I am personally looking forward to it, so the kids have more to do. I am not looking forward to the homework and all the other problems that go hand in hand with school. Enough of that for now.
This past weekend, we celebrated my mother-in-laws 60th birthday. It was nice. Anna, Johns littlest sister brought over her face painting make-up and painted the kids faces. My kids loved it. They actually got very upset when we got home and I told them we had to wash it off. I had to promise that they can have her do it again. Anyway, she is planning on doing this for a part-time second job, so if anyone is looking for a great face painter, let me know and I can give you Anna's number.

This was taken after we got home. For more pictures check out my album on facebook.