First Day

Oh, it just breaks my heart. Countless times I have prayed inwardly for these three to all be old enough to be at school just so I can get a measly little break. I got one today...I don't know if I'm as happy as I thought I would be.

I remember, for each of them, the very instant I laid eyes on them. Soft downy hair, teeny tiny little fingers and perfect little toes, that tender soft spot on top of their heads...and that unmistakeable sweet baby scent. I remember how protective I felt, knowing instantly I would take a bullet for them no questions asked. I remember how helpless they looked. And now, well...now they are picking what to wear, laughing at inside jokes they share between them, and going off to school. *sigh* What was I thinking wanting to grow up so fast?

Oh no! She is ALL grown Up!

My youngest is a preschooler.

All ready to go (wearing an outfit she picked out herself, btw) at Utah Bravo Arts Academy.
Excellent school...they teach sign language and piano primer in addition to the regular curriculum.

She had this cheesy grin the whole time. So happy for my baby. It seems she has gotten bored with Mommy as company all the time. :-(

Before I know it, this little one will be asking for an allowance...or a car...or a prom dress...This whole growing up business is a little hard to swallow.

Sand Flies and Brine Shrimp Stink

Really, if you get past those two majorly negative factors, it's quite breathtaking on Antelope Island. For those of you non-locals, Antelope Island is the largest island in the middle of the Great Salt Lake. Although named after the pronghorn antelope that found their way across the salty waters to make a home there, it is more famous for the 600+ American bison herd that freely roams the area during the warmer months (they are corralled in the winter).

Outdoor activities abound, from swimming at the beach, picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. We only stayed long enough to hike up Buffalo Point and earn Dylan and Sophie their Junior Ranger badges for this state park. The trail is only a half mile each way, with a great 360 degree view of the island at the peak. There were lizards scurrying all over the rocks along the trail, which of course delighted our animal lover Soph.

One thing we were so grateful we took along: our Kelty child backpack carrier. The trail doesn't accomodate strollers and we weren't about to carry little lazy Liv all the way up and down the path. She was perfectly content riding in it, shielded from the sun and bugs with the screened sunshade. Priceless!

It is only a $10 entrance fee once you cross the 7.5 mile causeway (just follow Antelope Drive all the way west). The views are amazing. After awhile, the smell (dead shrimp) and the flies (wear long sleeves and a hat) can be ignored.

Note: Every late October-early November, there is a bison round-up and the public is welcome.

Greetings new Reader!

Since I am of the curious sort...I have a new reader from Germany who has been frequenting the site. I have a slight inkling of who it is (a dear friend from tech school), but either way, would you leave a comment on here to say hi?

Possibilities

Hawaii...England...Germany...and now Alaska...

I think it's come to the point that I really could care less any more where we get orders to. I'd be perfectly happy just to KNOW where.

Possibilities are high this time around. The Mister claims he has everything straightened out with his personnel coding that we shouldn't have any obstacles against getting orders for this cycle. Locations have been published. It's slim pickings for him...Osan, Korea or Elmendorf, Alaska. Odds are high Alaska is the place since they need a total of six with his rank.

Mister has been dying to go back (he spent a number of years in high school in Adak, AK) and I am not wholly opposed to the prospect of relocating there. I heard it is beautiful.

Sea kayaking, glacier hiking, wildlife viewing...many many outdoor adventures await this outdoorsy family. So cross your fingers for Elmendorf. I know I am.

Hosting Guests Etiquette 101

#1. Do not give your guests your USED and soiled comforter/sheets/pillows to use during their stay.

Doesn't that seem like common sense. It seems, my friends, that it is not it all parts of the country.