the girls

Faye hasn't let me take a photo of her with her new glasses on, but as I was downloading photos from the camera onto the computer this evening, I saw a picture she took of herself with her glasses on. I thought I'd share it with you all. She is absolutely adorable with them on, don't you agree?

We drove to the little town of Williston last weekend, to get haircuts for Andrew, Devon and Grace. It was Grace's first haircut at a real salon, and she loved it! Here is a photo of her new bob.

We are all learning to love Florida, and we are busy with homework, and playing with new friends, and getting to visit some new places here in Gainesville.

We are also getting to meet new people from church and are enjoying our calling as Primary teachers. We teach the 5 year-olds. Now, we are getting ready for the Primary Sacrament Program. Faye, Grace and Andrew have speaking parts, and are learning their parts quickly.

This month Devon is busy working in the trauma department. It is very busy for him and for the first two weeks they have scheduled him for nights. He is also studying for the Step 3 Board exams which he will take in November.

I have been looking for an online job to supplement our income, as well as volunteering at the kid's school, and becoming a Girl Scout Leader for Grace's Daisy Troop. I have also volunteered to manage the cookie fundraiser in March again (what was I thinking?) for both Faye's troop and for Grace's. We'll see how that goes.

We have all enjoyed the weather here in Florida, and I feel that the best is yet to come. Everyone who lives here says that the winter months are very pleasant, and I am looking forward to it!

Butterflies!

I've noticed on several occasions that there are lots of butterflies here in Florida. I would look out the kitchen window and see monarch butterflies as big as my hand fluttering around the flowers. It is truly remarkable. There is an exhibit at the UF Museum of Natural History about butterflies. I took the kids and one of Faye's new friend to the museum on Monday. There we learned alot about the life cycle of a butterfly and had alot of fun, too. Here are some photos from that day. Sonia XXOO

Fun in Florida

We finally got internet and phone set up at our new house in Florida. Since Devon has been so busy, we still haven't put up pictures on the walls yet. When he isn't on such a time-consuming rotation like PICU, then we'll work on decorating the inside. So that's why I haven't posted any new photos. The kids and I have been able to explore our new area, though. My sister came to visit and we went to the I-75 Flea Market in Ocala, Florida. We went on Friday so it wasn't as busy as it usually is on the weekends. I found a retro-style pattern for a nurse's uniform for $.50. So I want to make it for my halloween costume. Then we took a trip to Itchitucknee Springs located 20 minutes to the Northwest of us. We went tubing down the river three times. The kids had so much fun, and so did my sister and I! Then, last weekend we drove down to Orlando to attend the Orlando Temple. It is a beautiful temple! Another couple in our ward watched our kids at a local park while we went and then we switched so that they could go. Then, I went to see a friend from high school, I hadn't seen in 12 years! It was so great to visit. She and her husband were so much fun to hang out with, along with their four kids. I can't believe we didn't take a photo of us all, but we did have a great time. I will make sure to bring our camera for our next visit.
There is lots of shopping close by. There is this great store next to Target called Rack Room Shoes, and I found a pair of Clarks sandals on sale for $20! I was so excited about my find. I got another pair of strappy sandals for my brother's wedding in September. Can't wait to wear them!
I am busy putting together my kids school registration forms. I can't believe they start August 24th. Summer has gone by fast. We have spent most of our days sleeping in, hanging out at home and swimming. We are all enjoying the hot weather here in Gainesville, Florida. Well, until next time, Sonia XXOO

Facebook

I have learned to share photos on Facebook recently and I just posted several albums that I know my family in Utah would really enjoy seeing. The photos include our visit to Mantua Lake, the Tree House Museum, Fran's Birthday Party, The Dinosaur Park, the Smart Family Reunion, Swimming with the Gregory's, and our visit to Preston, Idaho. I have yet to organize and put titles into each photo, but its a work in progress. There are about 120 pictures that I took over a month's time! Looking back, the kids look so young and that was less than a year ago!

So now that I into Facebook, I'm less likely to post on this blog. I know-how rude of me right? But if you haven't already set yourself up an account on Facebook, there's no time like the present to do so.

I'm looking forward to keeping in touch. See you around! Sonia XXOO

Family Tree Project Finished:Wall-Worthy?

So, several days ago, before the rush of Girl Scout Orders were due (I'm Faye's Girl Scout Cookie Leader) and before my first-ever Beauty Control Party (Yes, I am a new Consultant), I went to my friend's house to finish a project that has been unfinished since June. I had all the materials I needed, but couldn't get the creative juices flowing. I worked on getting my family' names neatly penciled in the leaves while enjoying my friends' company. I didn't finish it for another few days. Still, after everything I am unsure if I like it or not. My friends like it. I really think it looks too home-made for my taste. I'm wondering if it's still wall-worthy. What is your opinion? Take the poll now. Sonia XXOO