summer fun

By the way....I finally have our blog updated from this summers adventures. Please check out the older posts to see all the updates.

Keith's baptism

Keith is one of the kids from our old neighborhood that became a regular at our house. His parents both work and he has had a bit of a rough background, so I was so proud of him when he decided to be baptized last month. He spent most summer days at our house and came frequently for family night. It was a great experience for the kids to see their positive example make an impact on one of their friends. Keith is such a good kid and has tried very hard to make good choices despite his circumstances. His family has also been trying to implement positive changes. It has helped me gain a great appreciation for the gospel truths and the effect it can have when we apply the principles we have been taught. I have learned a great deal from Keith's example and loved having him in our home.

soccer

Alex and Zacky are playing soccer this summer. Alex's skills have improved a great deal from last year. He plays forward and has scored a couple goals already this season. Zack enjoys running around and stealing the ball from the other players (his own included). He has played goalie a couple times and did a great job.

Scouting awards

Alex recieved his Webelos and Arrow of Light this last pack meeting. Trevor recieved his Wolf badge. They both recieved other pins and belt loops that they earned at day camp this summer. Way to go boys!!!!

Back to school

The first day of school came all too soon this year. Our summer came and went before I knew it. The kids were all excited for school and have great teachers again. Alex is in 5th grade, Trevor is in 4th, Ellie in 3rd, Zack in 1st, and Maddie in Kindergarten. Maddie did not start kindergarten for two weeks after the "big kids" and even though she was not happy about it, I enjoyed spending some time alone with her. When Maddie's first day finally came she didn't even want me to take her....she wanted to ride the bus. While I am grateful for her independence and enthusiasm for school, I was heartbroken. I could hardly believe I was sending my youngest off to school...Jim keeps teasing me about having empty nest syndrome already. I have kept busy but really miss having my kids home.

Our new house

We moved into our beautiful new home on August 15th. We had been patiently waiting to close on this home for three months. It was a short sale, which means the process is anything but short. We are renting our other home to my sister and 4 other college girls. We are loving the quiet neighborhood, the extra space, and the beautiful views.

Alex and Trevor's birthday bash

Alex's birthday is July 9th, Trevors is July 13th, and Jim's mom's birthday is on July 12th so we had a big combined swimming party down at the Douglas's in Hurricane. Everyone had a great time swimming and playing on the big slide. I made the boys a swim cake that turned out to be the source of a lot of laughs. It turned out so cute but traveling in the air conditioned car was no match for the 100 degree weather outside. Needless to say, the cake melted. We decided it was a great example of how we would all look in a few years if we didn't wear sunscreen.

My garden

Jim and I worked very hard to have a garden this year. We moved the kids playhouse by ourselves (mostly Jim's brains and muscles...I can't say I was much help)to give us a bigger garden plot. I was really worried that nothing would grow (as our soil looks like baked clay even after a good soak) but Jim kept telling me to be patient. Our garden has been very productive and we have all enjoyed the fruits(or vegetables) of our labors.

Texas trip

In July, we traveled down to Fort Worth, Texas to visit Jim's brother Dan and his family. It was our first big trek as a family and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. We traveled down with Jim's brother Nate, which was a great help. The kids took turns riding with Nate and Jenny and helping entertain Lincoln. It gave us a little extra elbow room in the van and helped everyone get along better. Our trip down was a bit eventful as Maddie got sick the first night. The next evening Ellie got sick, so needless to say I was very happy when we finally arrived at Dan's house. We were so excited to spend time with the Texas cousins and the trip was well worth the drive. We went to the Fort Worth Zoo, a jump house, the Bureau of Engraving, and enjoyed cooling off in the neighborhood pool. We really enjoyed Dan and Shelby's hospitality and loved spending time getting to know the cousins.

FRUSTRATION!!!!!

ok.....I am so frustrated!!!! I have been trying to update our blog for two days now and can't seem to get my photos/slideshows to upload correctly. I would love some input from all you technology savvy people out there....I would really like to change the design of our blog too. I have seen several people that have "scrapbook pages" on their blogs.....I would appreciate any input and I will keep trying to get our blog updated.......