Back to school

Such a sad and peaceful day with out my little people all home. Sarah has been so nervous and I think that has rubbed off on Emma a little bit. Joseph has been calm and collective and so excited even. We walked to school with their friends and everything seemed to be going so well. When we got there Sarah took off with her friedn from church and she seemed so great. Then I walk Emma to where she needs to line up and it all becomes to real. She clings to me and is fighting back tears. I talk her instead to go met her teacher and that seems to help a ton.

I then go to take Joseph to line up (the bell has rung) Emma is now excited and leaves me to go get in her line. I decide to take a picture of Joseph and I try to pull away from him only to realize he is having a melt down. The very sad quiet kind of cry. His teacher comes and together we walk to his classroom. When we get there another little boy starts to seriously wail and cling to his mom. She can not seem to pry him off and it is becoming a scene. This is just what Joseph needed because he is so intrigued with this kids outrageous antics he forgets his own sorrow. To that little boys mom, "I am so sorry you had to go through that but I think you were an answer to prayers."

Now I sit quietly waiting for the time to go pick them up. Today was peaceful and sad all at the same time. Josh and I played legos, went to the mall, and enjoyed a nice quiet lunch at home. This is going to take some getting used to.

More beach days

This summer has been a hard one for me. With getting strep twice and the kids all taking turns to get it. Jareds broken foot. Some personal issues that were difficult for me to work through. Just over all a hard summer for us. So today, before the kids head off to school on Monday we decided to head to the beach. Just us. It was so wonderful and relaxing and exactly what this family of 8 needed.

Goodbye to Summer

Last minute we decided to have a back to school party. We invited some friends over and made some simple school supply crafts. I think the kids thought it was fun and the kids enjoyed one last summer shindig.

Pumpkins

Have I ever stated publicly how much I loath folding socks? I put them in a basket and the kids have to search to find their own matches until I finally can't stand it any more and I try to fold them all. Today was that day.

Cory

Ryan's Aunt called me earlier today and asked if I could take pictures of our cousin. He will be leaving on a mission in Oct. He is such a good kid and very easy going. Senior pictures are so easy and satisfying.

Bonfire at the beach

This month as a whole family we have been discussing Champions and what it means to be one. I came up with this idea with my SIL Sarah on our way home from the June Power of Moms retreat. I wanted to have a family song and motto. So my family and I came up with this
We are tenacious Champions.
And our song is from the We Are the Champions song modified like this
We are the Chapmans my family
and we'll endure all things to the end
pray, read, and temple
that makes a champion
and Chapmans are champions ETERNALLY!

Through out the month we discussed different heroes and what made them champions. We then
made a long list of their traits. And with Jared's help we realized tenacious sums it all up so perfectly.

te·na·cious/təˈnāSHəs/Adjective

Not easily dispelled or discouraged; persisting in existence or in a course of action.

So tonight all of Ryan's family got together to share a champion and why we believe them to be one. I feel blessed to have such a great family.

Day 3 San Fran

Today was a little mellow and it was nice to take things a little slower. We started off with a huge breakfast then headed to a civil war reenactment in Fort something I can't remember right now. It was at the base of the Golden Gate bridge and very fascinating but Very Very cold. We didn't last as long as we might have liked because of the cold.

Then we drove over the bridge to Sausilito which I am in love with and we be content to leave out my dieing days there. So beautiful and relaxing. We enjoy some more awesome food and walking along the cute streets.

We also drove down Lombard street. Which was fun since we watched Myth busters the night before where they tried to drive a truck down that street and got stuck.

We went back to Union Square and did a little more shopping and ate some dessert I had been craving since I saw it the day before. Then to the airport and on our way home. I love my home and my children. I missed them both so very much!

Day 2 San Fran

We fit so much into today I am surprised we didn't pass out sooner. We started out with breakfast then headed to the Golden Gate Park. The Natural History Museum ended up being one of my favorite things! (Even if I did fall asleep during the planetarium movie)

We then went down to Union Square and walked around some more. This was Jareds favorite part. Want to know why? The two story apple store and the Farrier store. His two favorite things right now. Technology and cars. Did I mention he is 12?

We continued our walking and ended up in China town. Also a highlight for me. I enjoyed looking at all the interesting culture. We ate at a most wonderful whole in the wall and I loved the experience. At this point Ryan's feet were killing him so he went and got the car while Jared and I finished up our shopping and souvenir buying. Then again we passed out! So tired

San Fran day one

We woke up so crazy early because we wanted to have the most time possible while on vacay. Our flight left around 6 and we were so tired but excited too. We drove around town a little bit when we first got there and then headed straight to pier 39 and fisherman's wharf. First off we ate the yummiest food and enjoyed walking around enjoying each others company. Then we took a quick power nap and then walked about a mile to the best Brazilian food ever. Jared was wiped out at this point. After dropping him off at the hotel we went and got massages and then we too went to bed. A wonderful day! I love this kid!

Beach days with the cousins

Our summer started late with Jared's broken foot making it difficult to do the pool and beach so we are now finally enjoying it! All of my kids love the water, No healthy fear from them. Jacob will just walk right it without a care in the world. He does that at the pool too and I have to watch him so closely. He has actually jumped in more then once. Luckily I was always right there. Same with the beach. I love it though cause I really am a water girl.

Beach Days

Emma "caught" a fish today while at the beach with our friends from church. She was so excited and had to show everyone. She even made a little grave for it and buried it in the sand. This summer has been filled with all different kinds of creatures. From fish to sand dollars, to jelly fish and sting rays. Educational to say the least.