I was going to take my girls to the beach on Tuesday. Just us girls. I thought it would have been so fun but the more I thought about it the more I didn't feel good about it. After going back and forth a million times I decided to postpone the beach trip and decided to take the girls(and Scott) to Mt. Charleston for the week instead. I knew if I stayed home I would go crazy trying to figure out ways to keep my kids "entertained" ..which is a nice way of saying, to keep them from killing each other. We left Tuesday with Amber and her kids and made it up the Mt. in only 45 minutes. Beautiful as always. Michelle and her kids came a little later and stayed for the afternoon. Dustin was supposed to come and get me all settled (set up my tent) at 3:00 but he didn't make it until much later and could only stay for a tiny bit. I was sad to see him go. We had delicious tin foil dinners. After Michelle and Amber headed home, there I was, me and my kiddies, all alone..in the mountains..without any one but each other..and it was getting dark...and we were all alone(did I already mention that??!!
Here are some things I learned about myself:
1. I love the mountains.
2. You should always pack P.J.'s.
3. I hate the cold.
4. I can start a fire.
5. I can cook dinner over charcoal.
6. My kids don't hate me or each other like I was beginning to suspect.
7. Life sure is much, MUCH better when Dustin is around..like a million times better!!! ( I already knew that though.)
8. The weirdest thing happened when I pulled out a book and started reading aloud to Madison. Peace-Quiet-Calm.... Karley joined us and my two oldest girls sat there quiet as church mice while I read. It was like magic. My kids love to be read to.
9. I love my family(I already knew that also) and I actually enjoy being with my kids and seeing their individual personalities. They are fun little people.
10. I am glad I did this and I'm thinking I'll start a new tradition...when Dustin takes Scott for Father's and Son's, me and the girls will head for the mountains.
On Wednesday Kourtney brought Bradley and Landon up and we had a nice visit. Dustin came up and brought dinner and helped me break down camp. I had planned on staying another day but I was easily coaxed into coming home with the promise of a hot shower and my warm bed. I'm weak,I know. We had a great time and I'm missing it.
Scott asleep in the "burbie"
The only picture I took the entire time we were there.
Madison on her first day of middle school.
"Mom, this is serious business, make sure you get a good picture of my hot new outfit"
Karley and Paige getting ready for their big day!! 
Karley, the fourth grader! I let them pick any outfit and this is what Karley chose. She loves that her pants matched the inside of her Vans.
Little Paigey going into first grade. Paige is excited to add eating in the cafeteria and going to P.E. into her schedule. I will miss our time together.
Karley and Paige 2008
School is officially back in session!! YEAH!!! I love sending my kids off on the first day of school each year, not just for the peace and quiet (gotta love THAT) but I also love the first day and all the anticipation..meeting new friends, seeing familiar faces, checking out all of the adorable new outfits. I always loved school and I remember how exciting it is to start fresh. Here's to a wonderful new school year!!!
