Back To School

Scott and I really enjoyed our summer vacation, but all good things must come to an end. We both feel lucky to have jobs that we love. Both of us being teachers works out nicely, because we have the same breaks for the most part. This year was really difficult going back. I am only teaching half-a-day, but it is still hard to leave Deacon even for a few hours. I can't believe how quickly life changes and priorities shift. Last year I was teaching full-time in a public school and part-time in a private school. I was the department head and I was taking classes to get my masters equivalency. I was busy, busy, busy, but I loved it. When Deacon came I went on maternity leave for the rest of the school year and all of the summer and I quit my job at the private school and put the masters on hold. At first I went a little stir crazy. It was hard to go from being constantly busy and doing things to staying at home caring for a baby. It was a big adjustment, but it grew on me and I love it. Deacon has been so fun and I am so thankful that I have had the past four months to get to know him full-time. I love being a mom more than I thought I would. The first day back to school was really hard for me and I missed him terribly. Thank heavens my mom is the one watching him. I'm done before noon every day, so it's really not so bad. Seeing Deacon's face light up when I pick him up after work just makes my whole day!

County Fair

We had a lot of fun at the County Fair last weekend. We went with my parents and Kimberly and Scott's brother Preston. When we got there Haylee, Todd and their boys were there too. Haylee and I were reminiscing about how much we loved riding the "Zipper" when we were younger and I was trying to talk to Scott into going with me. He insisted that he would throw up if he got on that ride (wimp). While Haylee and I looked longingly at the ride Preston surprised us by buying tickets and insisted that we go. We were a little hesitant, but we were so glad we went, it was just as fun as we remembered! Thanks Preston!

Deacon and the big wimp!

Kimberly Deacon and PrestonHaylee and me on the Zipper
Deacon and his teddy bear Uncle Preston won for him.

The Blessed River

We had the Neilson Family Reunion this past week. Scott's extended family meet at the Big Lost River (aka "the blessed river") in Mackay, Idaho, the first week in August. It's pretty much out in the middle of nowhere in Central Idaho. I believe five generations of Neilson's have vacationed there now. It is always fun to visit with aunts, uncle, cousins, and Great Grandpa Neilson. This was our first experience camping with a baby and I was a little nervous, but Deacon was great. He is actually the perfect age to take camping, because he isn't mobile yet. Next year when he is running around getting dirty it might not be so much fun. There were four babies that made the trip this year: Luke-six months, Eve-five months, Jude-four months, and Deacon-3 months. It was quite the adventure. We had fun floating the river on tubes, hiking to a cave, playing badmitton, roasting marshmallows, playing cards, and catching up with family we haven't seen in awhile.

Deacon getting ready for bed in the tent: Three of the four babies: Deacon, Eve (with Becca), and Jude (with Anna):
Badmitton:
Deacon hiking with Dad at the mouth of the cave:

The view from the cave:
Floating the river:

Deacon- Three Months!

I can't believe Deacon is three months already! Time flies when you are having fun- and it has been so fun. Don't get me wrong it has also been challenging, frustrating, scary, and crazy! How can someone so little turn your world so completely upside down? I don't know how you people out there do it with two, three, four, ten (yikes) children! I must be a wimp, because somedays I feel like I'm barely making it with this one little guy. What a sweet, wonderful, amazing, little guy he is.