September 2019

Here's some random moments from September.

We always look forward to Jacob's Sunday night calls.

Early in the month we got rain!!  Lydia had been talking about rain for weeks and couldn't wait to run outside and play in it!  Henry grabbed Lydia's jacket and ran out to play with her. 

At Back-to-School night I had to laugh when I saw Henry's favorite book.  He wrote "The Chev" which is a comic book series that he has been writing!  Also, the things he can do well all centered around The Chev-- making comics, drawing Chev, and being creative.  I love it!

I loved reading what Alex wrote as well.  I can't believe this is his last year of elementary school!

William started to teach tennis lessons in August to twin 10-year-old boys.  He does a great job!

We went to Warm Springs over the weekend.  I drove the kids out, ate dinner, and swam.  Later Rich came out and camped the night with the kids while William and I drove home.  I had a baptism in the morning so I couldn't stay overnight.

Rich created a great obstacle course for the kids for our Come Follow Me lesson to illustrate "We walk by faith, not by sight."

Kylee Henriksen (Lydia's primary teacher) threw a Super Silly CTR 4 party.  Lydia was so excited about it.  She talked about it for all the days leading up to the party and for days afterward!  She is so lucky to have Kylee as a teacher!

Lydia and Henry love a good bubble bath!

Henry decided he wanted to learn how to make scrambled eggs one morning!

For my birthday Lydia spent some time making me a giant picture.

Elise and Rachelle sent me some giant cinnamon rolls during the day through UberEats.

Lydia and I got lunch from Cafe Rio.

We are so glad that our favorite ward activity--Picnic in the Pines--transferred over with us to our new ward.  It is so fun to go up into the mountains, enjoy good food and better company, cool down from the Vegas heat, and let the kids go exploring.

Rich's cousin, Connie, moved into our stake (just one ward over).  They invited us to be at the blessing of their new baby boy.  It was fun to hang out afterward at their house.  I think Rich really enjoyed talking with his Uncle Dell.

Lydia loves to get the paints out so I finally gave in and we spent the afternoon painting together.

Rich took me on a belated birthday date to see Blue Man Group.  We weren't sure what to expect but we had so much fun!  I think our kids would really love to see this show.

The same evening James went to a birthday party at a Virtual Reality place.  He said it was awesome!

Lydia discovered "My Favorite Fairytales."  My sisters and I listened to these audiobooks all the time while we were growing up.  I'm glad she loves them too.

Lydia's former primary teachers (Steve and Alison Henriksen) are the sweetest!  They came over one night with an early birthday present for Lydia.  Inside were the prettiest Sunday dresses.  She was so happy and couldn't wait to wear them!

The kids came up with their own version of Calvin Ball.  It is fun to see what they come up with!!

William went to EFY-Express with some friends--Ebin Danley and Colby Brunjes.

Phew!  So much happened this month!

Mother-Son Night of Fun!

Amy Mathewson and I put on the Mother-Son Night of Fun again this year.  It is such a fun event! 

The boys and I had fun eating our picnic dinner, building Lego creations, and playing gaga ball, kickball, and nerf wars.

Rich was a good sport to come help man the Nerf war area again this year!  Alex and Henry loved playing gaga ball!  They played until the very end!

I'm grateful for an evening to spend with my two younger boys!

August 2019

Alex and Lydia loved going to Lego Club at the library and building together.  They were excited that their creation got to be displayed in the children's section!

We held our graduation party from Crane University.

The second week of preschool was at our house!  We had so much fun with bears!

Henry applied to be on the school Lighthouse Team (like student council) and wrote the best answer ever on his application. I think the teachers were crazy for not selecting him!

Alex earned his Bear in Cub Scouts and was finally awarded at Pack Meeting.

I loved finding this little army of Ewoks that took over.  Alex has been on an origami kick!

Rich and I took James and Lydia  to watch some barrel racing.  It was super fun!  We will have to go again!

James, Alex, and Henry earned a date with mom or dad for earning their PhD in Crane University.  They all decided to go to Uswirl with me.  Delicious!  I love spending time with my boys!

Back to School!!

We had a great Back-to-School feast and introduced our 2019-2020 theme: Enjoy the Ride!  We are going to focus on optimism and positivity this school year.  Life may have ups and downs (like a roller coaster) but we can learn to enjoy it all.
The dinner menu was roasted chicken, sweet potato casserole, stuffing and Italian sodas with creme brulee for dessert.

William started seminary and high school!

James began his 2nd year of middle school (7th grade), Alex is the big man on campus (5th grade), Henry is in 3rd, and Lydia is doing another year of preschool (last year at home!)