A new year, a new beginning...

School has begun once again. I know there was some excitement in the air this morning as early as it was! Abby is anxious to start a new chapter in a brand new school. Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday, she was carrying her backpack, which was bigger than her, off to kindergarten! Now she is entering middle school with Mitch. I told Mitch to watch out for her today, but secretly I have a feeling it will be the other way around! Mitch is now the big man on campus being in 8th grade. It will be a fun year for him before he returns to the bottom of the totem pole as a freshman. Meanwhile, I am sitting at home wondering what to do with myself. I remember past years when I looked forward to them going back, so I could have just a little time to myself! But as they have grown, I enjoyed all the time we had together over the summer, and I will miss them like crazy. Notice Mitch has his braces on. He got them on last Friday, and is adjusting fine. However, he needs to learn a completely different method of eating now. Chewing small bites instead of shoveling and swallowing is now a necessity! (Mitch, I apologize, your eyes were closed.) I wish them all the best for a successful, fun filled school year, and I am sure I will find something to fill my days eventually!

Mom and Abby Liz join me in the beehive state

Last weekend, Mom and Miss Abby came and stayed with me in Utah for a couple days. We had a blast together, as was expected, and all of my friends ended up liking them more than me. I can understand that, though, so I'm ok with it.

After I picked them up from the airport, we went the the Pizza Factory. I couldn't believe my mom and sister were sitting directly across from me so I had to take a picture.

Then we all headed to Target. Brendan and Abs can almost share clothes!

The next day we did a little shopping and just hung out before Stadium of Fire. This photo is our best attempt at a group shot. Abs, you need to grow a little more sweetie.

Abs and I rocked the hair flair for the fourth. She keeps me young. Mom was lame and voluntarily excluded herself from the coolness of the red and blue streaks.

Since Abs and I are both proud supporters of Independence, we attempted to paint our nails red, white and blue with stars over the top. The idea was a lot more successful than the actual results. Next time we'll just paint our faces or something less strenuous.

Stadium of Fire was a huge success. Despite our bloody noses due to our seat location, we each highly enjoyed rocking out to SHeDaisy and the Jo Bros.

This is what you get when you mix cuteness with sass.

I love this picture. Mom couldn't take her eyes of Joe Jonas. (PS - Who names their kid Joe Jonas anyway?)

Here's some videos from the night of concert fun:

The next day was Sunday, so Mom and Abby had the pleasure of experiencing first-hand the exciting life of a BYU singles ward. After church we made fajitas and had dinner together like a real family. We even had fruit pizza for dessert. That night some people in my ward came over for game night, which was mom and Abby's introduction to the back-biting game of mafia. I'm glad they got to meet some of the people I hang out with on a regular basis because afterwards we stayed up and chatted for a while. It's nice to be that much more connected and get their insights.

Overall, the hiatus was much too short. Driving Mom and Abby back to the airport was a bitter and not-sweet-at-all goodbye. I almost got on that plane with them but for some reason this is where I'm supposed to be right now.

I love you, Mom and Abby!! (Dad and Mitch, I miss you)

Finally a water dog at age 8.5

That's where you'll find me

Since no one else writes on here, I decided I'll just talk to myself. Even though I'm the one in the family with the least going on in her life to write about, I'll pick up your slack guys.

While I was walking to my weekly water aerobics class in the rain the other day, I turned the corner and saw THIS:

Beautiful, huh? Ok, so I didn't do that great of a job photographing it with my phone. But seriously, I've never seen a rainbow this wonderful. It was a COMPLETE rainbow with all the colors. I'm talking Roy G. Biv here. And it went right over BYU campus. Looooove it.

Love you all,

Cait

A few requests

1. Mitch, what the heck? I thought you were going to have a post up by Monday? As the perfect one in the family, you are obligated to participate in this blog. Engage in the conversation, little bro. I want to hear what you have to say. (aka: read what you have to write)
2. I would love to see some pictures of the most loved and best looking in the family. I miss Carson. A video would be nice, but I don't want to be too unrealistic.
3. Miss Abby, where's the dance footage? I know you had your spectacular recital recently. Let's see it sista.

Ok, I think that's it for now. I don't want to be too demanding. Life is good here in Provo, but I miss you all as usual. I've recently decided that instead of continuing the dating scene I am going to purchase a puppy and live happily ever after. Or you could just ship Carson out here for me. Thanks!

Much love,
Cait

BOOM!

Mitch hit his first home run of the season and here's the swing, PERFECT! This was a BOMB, 320' to right center clearing an 8' wall at the 300' mark. Unfortunately, the other team was not as excited about the tater as we were. He batted twice more in the game and saw a total of 13 pitches, ALL CURVE BALLS. Very poultry like if you aske me.

So far this year Mitch is batting cleanup, hitting .333 and leading the team in extra base hits, slugging percentage, hit by pitch and STRIKE OUTS, ugh... He's really been working on his swing lately and in his last three games he is hitting .800 with a .750 slugging percentage and an .889 OBP with 4 runs, 2 RBI's, 2 stolen bases and only one strike out. Way to go!!

More pics of the trot around the bases will be coming, and hopefully many more pics like this one.

SURPRISE!

That sneaky Caitlin flew home to St. Louis and surprised her Mother on her birthday. This is kinda after the surprise, but you get the idea.