Back to School 2025

I know I may say this every summer, but it went by way too fast! I always have mixed emotions at the end of summer. I wonder if we did too much or not enough. I wonder if I paused long enough to savor the moments or if I was swept away in them. I just can't believe school has started. Jonas is in 5th grade and starting his last year at the elementary school. I was a bundle of emotions that day too. It's my baby's last first day of elementary school. This will be the last year of classroom parties and field trips that I get to help with. I'm sure I can be involved in some aspect in future school activities, but it won't be the same. 

We fit in a few more fun activities on our final two days of summer. On Monday, August 11th, the Tanners came over for one last summer swim. They spent the morning in the pool and playing Nerf wars...and no, I didn't get any pictures. Jonas was in heaven though. I think spending time with his cousins is one of his favorite summer activities. It's just hard to see each other as much during the school year because of everyone's schedules. That evening, Jeff and I took Jonas to see the new movie, Freakier Friday. It was hilarious! I definitely needed the laugh because I've been holding back the tears.

Tuesday, August 12th, Jonas and I picked up Beau then went to Guru's for breakfast. Jonas has loved spending extra time with his nephews and nieces this summer. I think everyone is sad that Jonas is going back to school. After breakfast, we went to Lowe's Xtreme AirSports for one final summer jump session. 

That afternoon, Jonas and I attended Taylor's Open House where we got to meet his teacher, Ms. Watson. She is new to the school but has been teaching for five years already. I'm hopeful that this will be his best year yet! He was pretty excited that he got to pick out his own seat. His friend, Lane, was there so they chose to sit together, and before we left, Jonas met a new kid that chose to sit by them as well. I think, like any parent, you just hope your kid will find good friends and be able to have good experiences - academically and socially.

For dinner, Jonas got to choose where we went to eat. He chose Cracker Barrel (like Papa, he likes to have breakfast for dinner). We enjoyed a yummy meal and games. Once we returned home, Jonas asked Jeff to give him a father's blessing. I think this is one of my favorite back to school traditions. I love hearing Jeff pronounce blessings and give counsel from the Lord through the power of the priesthood. I am always touched at how well our Father in Heaven knows His children and inspires the men here on earth to deliver the messages He would if He were here. 

Wednesday, August 13th, was the first day of school. Jeff and I decided to let Jonas sleep in a little rather than start our morning routine, but Jonas was up before we were. He was pretty excited to start the new year...and I was glad because he had been lamenting the end of summer for several days before. We snapped the obligatory "first day" pictures then waited for the bus...which didn't come. I guess there was some confusion on new bus routes, but it ended up being a good thing. I took Jonas to school where we saw a red carpet rolled out front and the administrative staff ready to "high 5" all the kids as they walked in. At first, Jonas said that was embarrassing and didn't want to participate. He wanted me to drop him off at the playground in the back of the school, but he quickly changed his mind. The one thing he didn't change his mind about was me walking up to the school with him. That was definitely too embarrassing! I guess he's reached that point. We actually laughed about it, but I swung around the school again to drop him off up front then slowly drove away while I videoed his entrance. And that was it...off to start his last year of elementary school! After school, I picked him up to take him out to get a "first day" treat. He chose ice cream from Wall Bros Barn...and a soda from Soda Retreat. Why settle for one treat when two is always better?!

Not only did Jonas start school, but Danny headed off to college as well. It seems like forever ago that he was on his mission. It's weird how your mind's concept of time works. He has been home for 7 weeks and they've flown by. We moved him into the Carriage Cove apartments on Tuesday, August 19th and he started at UVU on Thursday, August 21st. I'm excited for him. I can't wait to see where his adult path will lead. I know he doesn't feel ready to embrace all of the wonderful world of adulthood, but it's time...and he'll do great. 

Flaming Gorge

Last weekend of summer! I can't believe how fast this summer flew by. In all of the hustle and bustle of summer, I think I forget to sit back and really be present in the moments. So, I was grateful for a long weekend with family where I got to do just that. I love our little Flaming Gorge tradition. I love wrapping up summer in such a beautiful place with the people I love. We might have to shift this tradition to a weekend before or even after the last weekend of summer to accommodate the growing number of birthdays during this time that we don't want to interfere with, but for this year, I was grateful to end our summer on this note. The boys, Audrey, Jeff and I drove up on Thursday (August 7th). We were able to get there with a couple hours to spare on the lake before dark. The boys chose to use the time to do some cliff (and Danny even chose the bridge) jumping and rock rolling. I was glad to have the slower pace on the boat. Jonas even got to drive the boat for a bit. I'm always impressed with how brave and capable the boys are when they fly off these cliffs, Jonas included. Audrey was more my speed. She chose a lower cliff to jump from. I just enjoyed taking pictures and managing the boat while they were on shore.

The next day, Laurin, Casey, the kiddos, and Casey's parents, Kelly and Becky, joined us on the river. This is always one of my favorite days of the summer. I love floating the river! The water is super chilly, but the pace is perfect. We all had fun finding cliffs to jump from, splashing each other, traversing the small rapids, and being together. Everyone floated the river once, but Jonas, Jeff, and I decided to go down one more time. I think the second time down is probably more relaxing because we simply float. We aren't finding cliffs to jump from or splashing each other (although Jeff and Jonas still did that much to my dismay). We are just heading down the river. That evening, we enjoyed dinner at the trailer and just hanging out.

Saturday, August 9th, was Audrey's birthday. I'm not sure this was her top choice in ways to celebrate her birthday, but we wanted her to know how much we love and appreciate her so we decorated the trailer a bit. We even brought candles...to stick in her morning toast. Haha! Amber, Jacob, and Beau joined us too for our last day...on the lake. We spent all of Saturday surfing, hanging out, tossing a football between our boat and Kelly's, and simply having fun. I'm pretty sure the kids would live on a surfboard if they could; not so sure the grandkids would agree...yet. That evening, we grabbed some ice cream from the general store to celebrate Audrey's birthday. I wish we could have frozen time...and not just cream. I need these weekends where life slows down just a little, where I don't logon as frequently, and where I just enjoy being with family. So long summer 2025! You were a good one!