New School Year Begins!

Back to School...
My kids were super excited to start school today. They put out their clothes and helped pack their lunches the night before. I set the alarm but do you think that is what woke me up this morning??? NO!! It was Jared excitedly jumping in my face exclaiming, "WE ARE ALL READY FOR SCHOOL!" Rachel and Jared had been up since 6:00am, their school does not start until 8:20. I better relish this moment, I know that when high school rolls around, I will probably need a air horn to get them up and moving.

I drove them to school today. We figured out where their classes were, gave them hugs and sent them on to their new adventure.

Rachel started 4th grade this year. Rachel said she had an amazing day. Her best friend from last year is in her class again. Her teacher Mr. Davis has been teaching for over 30 years and she said he made everything fun. He even told her a crazy store about dear hunting, throwing the deer on the back of a bicycle to take it home but the deer wasn't dead and started kicking, he jumped off the bike and it looked like the deer was riding the bike. It's a long detailed story that sounds like it has been embellished quite well over the years. It made Rachel laugh.

Jared started 2nd grade. I can't believe it! He has the same teacher Rachel had when we first moved here. I warned Mrs. Hobley it was like Night and Day. haha. Jared said he liked his first day but it was like pulling teeth to get anything out of him. I asked Jared to tell me three good things about today he said, "Recess, lunch, and that Mrs. Hobley decorated her room in bees."

I got to spend my day with Ellie...it's fun to have one on one time, especially when it is your 3rd kid. She can't wait for preschool to start. At lunch she wanted me to make her a sandwich and stick it in a plastic baggy like Rachel & Jared.

I think I am the only one dreading going back to school and starting a new semester. I still have a couple of weeks to change my attitude. Maybe my kids will rub off on me.

Count Your Many Blessings

My Blessings...

Bill and I just celebrated our 10th anniversary!
It's hard to believe it has been 10 years. It's been an amazing 10 years, we've had our share of challenges along the way but it's only made us stronger as individuals, as a couple, and as a family. Bill is an amazing husband, father, and friend. I am grateful he is my eternal companion.

I am grateful for this beautiful girl...

I am grateful for this silly guy...

And this strong willed cutie pie...

And I am grateful to be expecting baby #4 in February!

Summer Trip to California

After our family reunion, the kids headed to California to spend over a week with Bill's family. They stayed at their Auntie Mame's new house (Bill's sister Amy). They had a blast. They got to go swimming, feed the ducks, go to SEA WORLD, the BEACH, bowling, and a couple of movies. It was my first time being away from my kids for so long. I missed them terribly but I knew they were in good hands and were having so much fun, they probably forgot who I was they were spoiled so rotten.
I came down after a week and spent a couple days with Bill's family and then spent some time with my parents before heading back up to Idaho. Most of the pictures are from staying with my parents because I wasn't on most of the kids adventures with Bill's family, so I don't have any pictures. (Hint...Hint...still waiting for pics.) When I get them, I will add them.
My trips to California are never long enough and I never get to see all the people I want to.

The kids love, love, love swimming.

I had to go to the beach at least once this year, so I dragged the kids back to the beach once I got there. Having fun with Grandma Mayfield. Aunt Alysa came too.

Just a cute pic of Rachel. I can't wait until I get a better computer that will let me edit my pics.

Grandma brought her bathing suit wraps she got from Hawaii, the girls had fun discovering all the fun ways to put them on.

Jared was covered from head to toe with sand most of the time digging for sand crabs or building sand castles.

Ellie got pretty sandy too.

Jared getting ready to go boogie boarding.

Helping the kids boogie board.

I loved the little sand goatee Ellie was wearing for most of the day.

Feeding the ducks by Aunt Amy's house.

Having fun at the park.

I can't believe that the kids go back to school in a couple of days. The summer seems like it has flown by. Usually, I am anxious for the kids to start school again but not this year. I feel like summer just wasn't quite long enough. Back to packing lunches and homework...

Mayfield Family Reunion 2010!

13 Mayfield's and counting.

We had our first Mayfield family reunion in Las Vegas. Most of you might think that Vegas is not a place to take a family. But we had a wonderful time and found lots of fun family friendly things to do. My parents had mini Olympics with prizes. Some of the competitions were most claw machine wins, biggest midway game prize, scavenger hunt, & wii games. We took the kids to see the baby lions at MGM, the M&M factory, Circus Circus, Excalibur. We got to go to see Lion King & go to the Shark Reef Aquarium. The girls even got to enjoy a girls day out with my mom. Wow, we crammed a lot into a week!

We go to Vegas a day early. hehe. Relaxing at the hotel after a long drive. The girls have crazy car hair.

That looks like it's gonna hurt!

The kids enjoyed swimming. It was SUPER HOT in Vegas!


The Las Vegas Temple was closed while we were there but we took the kids to walk around the temple grounds.

Ellie, Jared, & Rachel trying not to melt! I don't know how they keep anything alive in that heat.

What a cutie!
Hey beautiful!

This picture is a miracle in itself. Jared is making a normal face and attempting to smile! It's rare to get these shots.

Angel Moroni

I hate this picture of me but I think it is one of the only ones of me the entire trip and I always get yelled at for not posting any pics of me.

The kids & Bill had lots of fun playing the arcade games & midway games.

Rachel actually won the contest for the most wins at the claw machine. I think she got 11 prizes out of the claw machines.

Waiting to go in and watch the Lion King.

Another handsome picture of Jared. I just couldn't resist.

Chelsea, Sonja, David, Kyle & Alysa waiting for the show to start.

Colin & Chelsea!

Jared loves Sharks, so we knew we had to take him to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay.

I was mesmerized by the Jelly Fish.


They had lots of unique fish and other exhibits.

Hanging out with Uncle Colin.

Everyone loved the shark tank, especially Jared.

Bill, you could have at least smiled for the picture.

Some different sights around Vegas.
Statue of Liberty made out of Jelly Belly's

We got to stay at the Marriott for a week, it was super nice! This is part of the lobby. You can see Rachel's bangs are soaked from sweat. We had been out walking around. Did I mention it was HOT in Vegas?
I can't believe I never took a view from our window at the hotel. We were on the 32 floor and the view was amazing.

M & M factory.

New York, New York. Bill rode the roller coaster with David & Chelsea.

Jared caught another lizard. haha. I couldn't resist. That kid is always trying to catch something and keep it as a pet.

Thank you mom and dad for a wonderful week! I can't wait for 2012!

Rachel turns 9!

I don't think Rachel could have had a more perfect 9th birthday. She turned 9 during the my families reunion in Las Vegas. Grandpa spoiled her rotten! But I can't think of a more deserving girl! Rachel is a girl that has a huge heart and wears it on her sleeve. Rachel is the type of girl that will remind us to have family prayer or pick up the house without asking. She comforts her little sister when she is hurt or helps her brother to read at night. As a mom I couldn't feel more blessed to have her as my daughter. I am grateful and proud of the person she is and wants to become. When I think of Rachel I feel like my heart will burst at the love I have for her. Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Grandpa got her a tiara to wear for her birthday. She didn't want to take it off. She looked so grown up...it kind of makes me sad.

Make a wish!

Oohh...I wonder what it could be?

Rachel with her sissy and Aunt Chelsea at Mandalay Bay.

Rachel got to see Lion King for her birthday...I did mention she was spoiled, right?!

I hope Rachel loves being 9!