Thank you, Lawrence Welk

Thanks to this man,

this little man was entertained for a whole hour!(This is my wanderer child... the one that doesn't hold still for more than a few minutes. The combination of stomach flu and Lawrence Welk made for a quiet afternoon!)

Firemen!

The church across the street from our house has a huge grassy field. Once a month or so, the local firemen head over there to check their hoses and do whatever it is they do to prep their truck. Well, Saturday, they let the neighbors bring their kids over to ride on their ladder. Our boys were in heaven! Afterwards, they sprayed their hoses and let the kids run around in the water. Good times!

First Day of School

September 8th was Alex's first day of preschool. The crying started a week ago. My poor, highly anxious little boy was not excited. By the morning the crying had turned to anger. "You can't make me go! I'll run away first! I don't want to go to school!"

After I chased him around the house and carried him, kicking and screaming, to the car, he gave in and wimpered the whole way there. He finally said, "But mom, I don't know what Miss Martha's voice sounds like." Then the crocodile tears started. Man... breaks my heart to make him so uncomfortable. But, I know that he needs to be stretched to learn and grow. So tears or not... he was going to school.

He managed to fake a smile long enough for a quick picture, then he stood at her window in tears and waved goodbye to mama.

Of course he was fine, and when I returned to pick him up he said, "You're here already? I don't want to go home!" But the shenanigans continued for the next couple of days.

I guess a part of me is glad that he loves and misses his mommy. Another part of me wishes he was an independent kid that wasn't so fearful. But, he's improved leaps and bounds from a year ago and I know he'll just continue to improve. I'm kind of tearful that someone else gets to spend so much time with my little boy. I want him under my roof, in my arms where I know he's safe and loved. sigh... My baby is growing up, and I'm not quite ready!

Bikes!

I finally buckled down and spent some money on bikes. I had checked DI and Kid-to-Kid, but didn't haven any luck. So, I purchased some bikes, sat down and assembled, and let the good times roll. Best money I've spent all year. The boys are in heaven!

Our August

August was such a fun and busy month! I love having kids that are old enough to take places and do fun things. I'm definitely a "summer mom." Hitting September and schedules has been an adjustment. I love the lazy days of summer.

Near the end of August, I flew to Atlanta with my brother, Danny, and we officially picked up my parents from their mission. We sent them home on a plane, and Danny and I made a cross-country drive with their car and their possessions. It was... long. :) But fun!

Then we had a large family reunion on my mom's side, and a farewell for my niece, Amberlee who left to the California, Carlsbad mission, Spanish speaking.

Along with that, here are some of our other highlights:

Lagoon. It was AUGUST, and we were wearing long pants, and jackets by evening. Remember that one cold Saturday? PERFECT Lagoon weather. Of course we went a couple of weeks later for Bounceback too!

Park City: Family, pizza, and the mountain. It was a blast!

We heart cousins!

To prevent mom from getting mad when I sneak into the refrigerator, I just need to share with my brother. Mom will think it's so cute, she can't get mad!

Alex sent his first e-mail to his "best friend," John. This is what he sent: