Trip to Palo Duro

We usually go to Palo Duro canyon during spring break, but we didn't go this year since we went to Oklahoma City.  When we asked the kids what they wanted to do for Labor day they all agreed on Palo Duro.  We were excited to go and got up early, packed a lunch, and headed out.  We realized when we got there a lot of other people had the same idea.  We had to go further into the canyon than usual to find a spot for lunch.  After lunch we decided to do the Lighthouse hike.  It was 6 miles round trip and we figured that wasn't too bad.  Everyone started out excited, but two miles into the hike Ryan and Abigail were done.  I decided to head back with them while the rest finished since they were so close.  It was 102 degrees, and there are very few trees and the water was all dried up for the year.  It was a long two miles getting back because Abigail refused to walk so I had to carry her the whole way, and Ryan thought he was going to die and wanted to be held, but I couldn't hold both of them.  Ryan asked why we said this would be fun when it was just hot and tiring.  I was thinking the same thing by the end.  The older kids and Jeff made it to the top and they said it was beautiful.  Tyson said it wasn't really fun, but more rewarding to know you had finished it.  I think we all agreed going in the spring is a better time of year at Palo Duro than the end of Summer.  Here are a few pictures of the occasion.

Ryan and Abigail Start Preschool

Ryan and Abigail both started preschool on Tuesday.  I wasn't sure how Abigail would do since she has not even stayed in Nursery by herself yet (I am a Nursery leader).  Walking into school she was all smiles and so was Ryan.

We took Ryan to his class first.  He was excited to see all of his friends from the year before.

Abigail was not as excited about her class when I told her she would be staying without me.  Here is the picture of how she looked when I left.

 I know these two teachers well and I knew she was in good hands.  I left her and went to help out in the Library.  I was anxious to see how she had been when I picked her up.  They said she was crying really hard and Miss Ginny said, "Look at Abigail's cute dress."  Abigail looked at her, stopped crying and said, "It is not a dress it is a skirt."  She didn't cry again the rest of the day.

The real test was on Thursday.  Ryan woke up with strep throat.  I debated about even trying to take Abigial without Ryan going in with her, but she happily went.  She didn't cry once and was sad on Friday when I told her she couldn't go to school.  Maybe I will get a few hours without any kids for the next 9 months.  I haven't had a day without any kids at home in 13 years.