First Day of School X 4

I can't believe I now have 4 kids in school. I went from getting 2 kids off to school to now having to make sure 4 kids are up and ready. Not to mention that David started Seminary this year. I also can't believe I have 2 starting Kindergarten, 1 starting Middle School and 1 starting High School. How did that happen? Joshua and Elyssa were so excited to start school and their first week has been great. They are excited every morning to go to school and are so happy when they come home and can't wait to go back the next day. They are in different classes and have great teachers. I am so glad it has been a great start to a new school year.

David is an Eagle!





David received his Eagle on August 24. He worked really hard to get it and it was great to see him recognized for all his hard work these last few years. For his Eagle Project he collected over 75 fleece blankets and 350 childrens books for the Hematology and Oncology Clinic at a local Children's Hospital. He had his Eagle Court of Honor with two other Scouts from our ward and it was a very nice evening. One of the Moms made the flag cake and I think it turned out really cute. Now we have a little break before we start working with Joshua on Scouting. He definitely has a great role model to follow in his older brother.

 



 

Joshua Loves Chicken Wings

All my kids love to eat chicken wings. Donnie took Joshua to restaurant a while ago and captured these photos of Joshua eating chicken wings and I thought they were so cute. I guess they were pretty spicy too by the look of the last two pictures.

Houston/Galveston

We took a mini-vacation to Houston and Galveston before school started. We drove to Houston and explored the Aquarium there. Then the next morning we drove to Galveston and played in the water for a few hours before driving back home. It was exactly what we all needed. We have been talking about going to the coast since we moved here and it was nice to finally do it. I couldn't believe how warm the water was and we definitely will be going back.

  

TWELVE!!!

Machella is 12 years old! She turned 12 at the end of July and has loved every minute of it (so far). She is loving being in Young Womens. In fact the Young Women put candles in our front yard for her birthday. What can I say about Machella other than she is an amazing daughter and sister and friend. She is so laid back (like her Dad) and really so far doesn't get worked up about anything. She is tries so hard to have no drama in her life and just enjoys every day. She definitely has a quiet/shy side to her but her sense of humor is hilarious. She will say things out of the blue that are so funny especially because we don't think she would say them. We love Machella!

Kids in Black

A few days ago it was my birthday and my wonderful husband decided to really make me feel old. It was a big birthday for me and he had a black theme. He and the kids decorated the house in black streamers and lots of signs that said "Over the Hill". All of my presents were wrapped in black paper and put in black gift bags. To top it off he surprised me by having himself and all the kids dress in all black. Even though they rubbed it in that I am getting older I feel so blessed for my wonderful family.

Girl's Camp

Machella and I survived Girl's Camp last week. It was actually a lot of fun. I am so glad we could go together. I serve in Young Womens and went for the first time since I was 17 and even though Machella is not 12 yet she could go because she will be 12 by September 1. Also, what made it extra special this year is that in our Stake every 4 years it is just a Ward Girl's Camp. It was so fun to go with just the girls and leaders in our ward. Because of this, we could plan to go wherever we wanted and do what we wanted as long as we raised enough money during our fundraiser. Well, we raised quite a bit so we traveled 5 hours away and stayed in air conditioned cabins and went to a huge water park on one of the days we were there. It was a great time and I am so glad I was able to go with Machella.

Before 3 mile hike



Wearing her cute camp T-shirt



Our cabins were right on the river