Jackson (+) 5 equals KINDERGARTEN

We can still hardly believe it, but Jackson turned 5 at the beginning of the summer. Justin and I (especially Justin) had a bittersweet day on Jackson's birthday. How could he already be 5---and soon to start Kindergarten? We love this kid so much, and we are excited for all that comes with growing up.

One thing is for sure: Chuck E. Cheese throws a fun birthday party! There was pizza, drinks, games, endless tickets and tokens. And to top it off, Chuck E. comes to dance and sing with the kids. Jackson loved his birthday party and loved having his friends celebrate his birthday.

Jackson and his soccer birthday cake. Jackson LOVES sports and was particularly into soccer at the time of his birthday. He played soccer all winter and summer! Charlie, Will and Mickelle watch and wait anxiously for cake. Actually, cute Will blew out the candles for Jackson, so this is Round 2.

What happens after you turn 5, but before you head out the door to Kindergarten? Pre-school graduation! Jackson loved preschool and his "graduation ceremony" was so funny. Check out the cute caps!

FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!! Jackson wanted Bowen to share in the glory of his first day and insisted he be in his picture. Aren't they a handsome pair?! Jackson's teacher's name is Mrs. Dunn. After a 2-day adjustment, he is loving school. We are working on his reading at home, and he loves it. He sometimes has to remind me that we need to do it. He gets better and better everyday.

I am loving my time alone with Bowen. He is always making me laugh. But I can tell that he is ready to have Jackson back home after a couple of hours. Now, when we pull into the parking lot at Oak Hollow, Bowen says, "Let's get Jackson Mauss."

Here are a few fun facts for my 5 year-old:

Favorite Food: white noodle salad (he loves it best when my mom makes it), cheeseburgers, and vegetables. Seriously, he loves carrots and steamed broccoli.

Favorite Color: green

Favorite sports: right now he says golf and football. He starts coach pitch with the 1st and 2nd graders this week, so I'm assuming baseball will make the list soon.

Jackson and Bowen play together all day. Jackson makes sure Bowen is included with whatever friends he is playing with. They love to play outside with anyone in the neighborhood. Usually, there is a game of baseball, kickball or football going on. Or, recently, they've been into setting up stores and trying to sell "used items" to people.

We love having a big Kindergartener (is that a word?) around!

Home Sweet Home

I have such fond memories of growing up in Price (Utah); life seemed so carefree and fun! As much as I joke about Price, I have a special place for it in my life. It is my home!! As Justin and I create our own home for our family, I can't forget about the place that shaped my life.

A few weeks ago, I took Jackson and Bowen down to Price to visit Grandma and Grandpa Bailey. This is a major treat for Jackson. He's always asking when our next visit to Price will be. It is a treat for me, not only because I get to be around my parents, but because the happiness it brings Jackson is so fun to see. He is on "cloud nine" the whole time! Seeing him like this a few weeks ago really touched me. I had 18 years to grow this attached, yet he feels the love of this special place at only 3 years old.

I've reflected on this a lot the past few weeks and realize the importance of good homes. My parents are such a great example of this. Through the lonely years of college, I went home for comfort and love. Through the "tough-8-weeks-after-having-a-baby" :), I went home with my kids for comfort and love. And now, for a fun weekend away, we go home to Price. Jackson put it so well on our last visit, "Grandma loves me so much!" My kids adore my parents, and they adore going to their home. I hope that Justin and I can continue to create a home where there is an abundance of love and where our kids will always consider it home! So, in a journaling tribute to Price, and to those of you who wonder what we do in Price, read on and enjoy!

The "Must-Do" List for each visit to Price:

Hitting the ball off the tee in the backyard; Grandpa Bailey must be present for this because he get such a kick out of how far Jackson hits the ball.

Visiting Sandy the Dog and helping Grandpa feed her.

Reaquainting time with all the toys!

Go to Sonic everyday for a drink.

Visit Dino Mine Park and the skate park--usually daily.

At least drive past the baseball fields.

Make a treat with Grandma Bailey.

Watch Ice Age (we can't get enough of that movie!)

Visit Grandpa at his office.

Anticipate Grandpa's arrival from work--then giggle and hide when he comes in.

Sit on Grandpa's lap for a bedtime snack.

Eat Grandma's cooking--Jackson is the best eater in Price (that probably says something about my cooking)

Visit the famous Dog Hill at the top of my parent's street.
Bowen and Jackson enjoy being the center of attention with their Grandma and Grandpa Bailey

SPIDERS, ShArKs, and Witches...Oh, My!

What a FUN Halloween "season" this has been! We participated in so many Fall/Halloween festivities, and to top it off, it was Bowen's first taste of spooky Halloween! It is always fun to have a first-timer. We've started a tradition these past two years of starting off Halloween night by attending our ward's Trunk-or-Treat! It's a fun way to see all of our ward friends and neighbors and get tons of candy in about 30 minutes. After filling Jackson's Halloween bag here, we head to Grandma and Grandpa Mauss's neighborhood for some good old- fashioned, knock on the door, trick-or-treating! There's nothing cuter than seeing Jackson and Annie knocking on the door by themselves, saying "trick-or-treat!", and then wishing the person a "Happy Halloween!" when they've received their candy. This year, Jackson was a SPIDER (who "jumps on people"), Bowen was a ShArK, and I was a Witch! Justin was sick with a sinus infection, so there was no energy there for dressing up. All in all, we had a great Halloween season!

It is finally time for College Football

This week marks the start of a great time of year for me.

In my mind fall time in Utah is the best time of the year.

High School and College football are starting and the leaves will be starting to change colors within the next few weeks.

This week the dreaded rival University of Utah Utes open on the road against Oregon State. Unfortunately I think the Utes will win.

Our Beloved Cougs www.byucougars.com open up in Cougartown against Arizona. I think the Cougs will win in a low scoring game.

The other college I will follow closely this year is the Stanford Cardinal www.gostanford.com My cousin Bo McNally starts at safety for them. I will actually be going to see him play later this fall Palo Alto, California

I wanted to post this picture for all of you Ute fans.

Just a friendly reminder of last years game.

GO COUGS!!!!!!!!! Justin