Labor Day 2016

Some friends of ours invited us to their condo on Sunday afternoon. It wasn't too far from home, only about an hour and a half drive. So, after church meetings, we loaded the car and off we went.

 It was so fun to get away together for one night. We played all sorts of games.

 And went for a walk.

 The next morning, Sara and I enjoyed the crisp mountain air from our balcony.

 And we made breakfast for the group.

 After packing up, we stopped for a lunch picnic and play on the beach of Pineview Reservoir.

 It was so relaxing to watch our kids play in the sand and water. It was a great opportunity to be together and enjoy the holiday. Thanks for the invite Miller's! You're awesome!

Fishing, ward party and swimming

Todd and a friend from our neighborhood took Benjamin and Luke fishing. As you can tell they had huge success at Strawberry Reservoir. Unfortunately, Michael had to miss out this time because of a merit badge blast and mountain biking practice.

 Our ward party was a great success.

 We've been trying to enjoy the pool after school as often as possible before it closes for the winter.

Afternoon Kindergarten

Sara goes to afternoon Kindergarten and she loves it! We are so thankful for her amazing teacher.

However, Sara is an early riser. She's always dressed and ready for school before the older kids leave every morning. We've had to be creative with how we use our mornings so that I'm not bombarded every other minute with questions about how much longer till school time.

Sometimes Sara braids my hair which I encourage because we need a hairdresser in the family :)

 Sometimes she comes to my exercise class with me or we go on walks to the park to enjoy the weather now that it has cooled down a bit.

 Sometimes Sara helps me pull dried flowers off our plants.

That led to the discovery of snap dragons. I showed her how to open and close them and now its one of her favorite outdoor past times.

We love this sweet little girl. She is such a joy in our family.

I love that she loves school so much.

Before school started, I told a friend that I didn't know how I would do with all of my kids in school. She smiled and told me that I'd be just fine.

She was right! It's only and hour and 20 minutes some days, or sometimes two hours while they are all at school, barely enough time to get much done, but I'm learning to really enjoy my time :)

Braces off

Our sweet Mary finished her first phase of braces. Here she is right before her braces were removed.

 And after... look at that beautiful smile!

Back to school- phase 3 and 4

Benjamin started school 1 day before Michael because the 7th graders were given 1 day to figure things out at school before the 8th and 9th graders joined them. It made a huge difference in calming his nerves.

 First day of 7th grade.

 That evening we did our first annual back to school feast. The kids filled out information about themselves, we ate delicious food, and we talked about our family scripture for this school year;

Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation,

in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

-- 1 Timothy 4:12

 Height and Weight measurements were taken that evening too. 

 The next day Michael started school and early morning seminary. He's up and out the door now before most of our family wakes up. Bless his heart. He never complains about it. In fact, he frequently tells me how much he loves seminary.

 First day of 9th grade.

 Two days later Michael came home with his rented Baritone. It's good to hear the Baritone music again. I missed it over the Summer.

Some August happenings

Sara started a dance class once a week at the same studio where Mary dances. It is so fun to watch Mary help her little sister. They both love to dance.

Sara and I shucking corn for dinner.

Enjoying time at the pool.

The boys and I spent some time at the Family Search center doing genealogy. Genealogy work is addicting and we didn't want to leave.

Shopping for school shoes.

Luke was distraught one evening after school. I could tell he needed some one-on-one parent time. He chose McDonald's for his date with mom and dad. He's such an amazing kid. We love him so much!

We spent some time at the middle school so that Benjamin could practice his locker combination and find his classes for 7th grade.

Benjamin had his friends over one day and I totally embarrassed him by taking a picture. I'm grateful that our kids have good friends.

Benjamin decided that he wanted to play the Saxophone in the school band. Here he is with his new instrument- all ready for beginners band.

Practicing his Saxophone face...

My nephew is getting married. My mom and sisters and I threw a shower for his fiancee.

Mary and Sara were great gift carriers.

Michael is a mechanic for his mountain biking team. I love that he loves mountain biking.

Back to school- phase 2

Sara started Kindergarten this year. Since the teacher met with each child before school started, Kindergarten started a week after the other kids. Here is Sara's paper doll homework assignment that she turned in on the first day of school.

 Sara was so excited for the first day of school! She was by the door waiting for a long time.

 First day of Kindergarten picture.

 Saying good-bye to big brothers.

 I was able to go in the classroom with Sara on the first day of school and help her with a few tasks. It was so nice to see her having a great time.

 She was even ok when it was time for me to go. She was so ready for Kindergarten. That made it easier for both of us.

 Those rosy cheeks walked through the door at the end of the day all smiles!

 She couldn't wait to get going on her homework like her older siblings.