Camp Out

The boys had a crazy school week last week.  There was school on Monday and Wednesday and that's it!  So on Thursday night we let them have a little camp-out in the playroom.  It was pretty much unsupervised and we let them stay up later than usual.  They started out with some games.  William is really into checkers right now.  (And chess too... but we need to buy a new set.)

Alex wasn't interested in the checkers so he played his own game of "Don't Rock the Boat!"

At some point (around 8:30?) we called lights out.  They could still stay up and talk or tell stories--and play with the glow sticks we bought.

Surprisingly, William was the first one asleep.

And finally James and Alex conked out as well.

Fall festivities

It's finally beginning to feel like Fall here in the desert--in the mornings at least.  By afternoon it's back near 80.  Bleh.

A couple weekends ago was the Fall Festival at the elementary school.  Rich and I brought with us Obi Wan, Venom, Chewbaca, and a spy.

There were lots of fun games, prizes, and even a haunted house.

William even won a gold fish which he named Fred.

Unfortunately, Fred only lasted until the next morning. Poor dead Fred.

Saturday morning we headed up to Gilcrease Orchard for pick out some pumpkins.  Next year we need to head there earlier in the season so that we can pick apples.  It is about 5 minutes from our house and it is awesome! We didn't get to stay for long because Rich had to go help the scouts with a fundraiser.  We did have a fun time picking pumpkins though and brought home some really yummy cider.

 We also went to the ward trunk-or-treat this past weekend.  James decided on Spiderman this time.  It's a good thing we have a basket full of costumes at our house!

And since we didn't get to stay long at the orchard the week before we headed back.  This time for a free hay ride and some apple cider donuts.  William wasn't sure he wanted to go back... but in the end he was really glad that he joined us. 

I love that we live so close to these mountains!

 At one point we had to drive around some cars and the wagon smashed some pumpkins.  The boys thought it was super cool.

There is so much fun to be had in the Fall!

Wolf

The cub scout program here is great.  I love that William can have his den meetings right after school.  They all meet at the park and walk or ride bikes together over to the den leader's home.

Thursday night William had a Pack Meeting at the park next to our school.  Rich was out of town so I took all of the boys. It was nice because the little boys could play on the playground while William and I participated in the meeting.  That night the scouts did a service by picking up trash around the park (and two dead pigeons?!  But seriously there are so  many pigeons around here!) 

 Then we sat down for awards.  This is my first Pack Meeting since moving to Vegas.  Rich usually goes while I put the other boys to bed.  They have a lot of fun traditions in this Pack--songs for everything and fun ways to welcome the scouts.

 This night was extra special because William was awarded his Wolf!  He has worked really hard to meet all the requirements before turning 9 next month.

After William had given me my Wolf pin all the boys howled for William.   I'm glad that William loves scouts.  He has developed great friendships, habits, and skills through the cub scouting program!

Shhhh!

Henry's favorite song is "It's Oh So Quiet" by Bjork.  On our drive to the beach this summer he wanted to listen to this over and over and over again.  He is just too much fun to watch when he listens to this!

Primary Program

Today was our Primary Sacrament Meeting program where the children present to the congregation what they have learned all year through song and word.  Our primary is huge here (150 kids!) Alexander and William both had class parts and James had his own speaking part.  They all did very well.  I video taped them the night before (and Alex this morning) so that I could share with you!

William:

James:

Heavenly Father knows me because he is the father of my spirit.  He knows that I fear nothing and that I'm always willing to impress my brothers with a daring feat.  He knows that I persevere until I succeed.  I imagine Heavenly Father smiling along with my family when I dazzle them with my wit.  My heart is full knowing that my Heavenly Father loves me.

Alexander:

We are children of God.  He knows us and he loves us.

Friends!

So far the best part of moving to Las Vegas is that so many people pass through here.  In a period of less than 2 weeks we had visits from 3 families that we hadn't seen in years!  Ron and Marji were the first to stop through.  I'm sad that I didn't take any pictures.  It was so much fun to meet Marji (I feel like I already knew her though!) and catch up with Ron.  The kids all had a great time playing with each other too.
Next, Crystal and Zac spent the night on their way down to California.

I am beyond excited for them to move down to Vegas so we can catch up some more.  It was great to reminisce with both of them and to meet their sweet little family.

And then we had Heather and Royce stay the weekend.  It was packed full of fun.  Saturday morning we went to the bird sanctuary near our house.  The boys thought it was super awesome.  (James was at a birthday party and William somehow avoided the camera.)

After lunch we met up with the Fitzgibbons' for another dose of fun.  First we hit up the Pinball Hall of Fame.  Everyone seemed to have a blast!

And then we went to the legendary caves--something we will have to do again when we have more time! 

Finally, after washing up from the caves, we caught the BYU vs Utah game, ate some pizza, and chatted while the kids played. 

It was an exhausting but fun weekend!  We are so glad to live where we can see so many friends now!