School Time!

Mariah was anxious to show Amber what school was like. Poor Mariah has been to four different schools in 4 years! She has learned to make friends quickly.

They both have really loved school--hallelujah, but they've asked if I would be willing to homeschool. We'll have to see what Mommy's able to do.

1st day of school!

It was thrilling to jump back into the school-year!! Mommy was warn out with the arguing at home!!! The girls love to get on each other's nerves---so school was a wonderful "light at the end of a long summer tunnel!!" Mariah began 3rd grade, Amber entered kindergarten and Cody started preschool. They grow up quickly! It has been really nice to have time with Cody at home. I love these kids.

Camping in OHIO

We were all excited when Poppy Keith flew in to meet us in Ohio. Both Brent and Hunter had returned to Law School--so Michelle and I were trying to camp with three kids each. SO--it was wonderful to see yet another adult who helped out so much! Keith is always a great addition. Granny Jo put so much time and effort (and money) into planning our family vacation---she did a fabulous job!! We are SOOOO grateful for such amazing parents (and grandparents)!

Nothin' like Imagination!!

These girls pretended to be every character in Harry Potter for 2 weeks! "LUMOS" they would shout as they pointed their wands around the campsite. It just doesn't get more care-free than this!

Nauvoo Temple-- Kirtland, Ohio

The green doors are the original doors from the time of construction! This was a fabulous adventure!! Ohio was our choice for #1 asthetics--however, the humidity was killer!

Muscle MEN and Girls!

Strike a pose! :-) From the left: Travis, Troy, Jeff, Hunter, Natalie and Mariah.

New York Water FUN!

Hunter took the kids swimming in Palmyra--only to find the water FREEZING COLD! That's why mommy didn't go in ;-) !

Amber enters Kindergarten!

Amber has an eye for style, and wanted to be "dressed to impress" for her first day of school. She loves her new teacher (Mrs. Ansley) and her new school (McCarter Elementary).

Cummorah's Hill Visitor Center

WE BELIEVE IN CHRIST.

From Cummorah's Hill

There are few places in the world as beautiful as Cummorah's Hill. This was a great spot to stop and picnic with the family.

Michayla, Amber, and Emma (Alston)

These cute princesses were inseparable from sun up to sun down!

Picture Perfect! :-)

This is what happens when you ask the Johnston guys to turn and put their hand on the shoulder of the person next to them!! So much for precision!!

Mariah, Natalie, & Michayla

This picture was taken in the Joseph Smith's log home, where he saw the Angel Moroni. This was an amazing place! These girls loved every minute they were together.

COUSIN REVERENCE!

I think this may have been the only moment--the entire trip, we had silence! These are great kids! Natalie, Mariah, Amber, Michayla, Cody, and Blake.

Final Michigan Moments

Friends and family make for good times!! These kids had so much fun playing together.