Summer Officially OUT!

Austin and I have been married 24 years!  We spent the day fulfilling all the duties that marriage has to offer -- work, children, reality and duty.  At least we're in it together, because we really have been blessed to create beautiful life.

Nick went ot his last day of summer HVAC grind.

160* F is still the record of an attic in which he worked.

Maisie conjures up quite a bit of fun.  An evening swim with pergola jumping.  The water to cold this week, so they were in and out in a jiffy.

Wednesday it was time to craft.  Ryan and Molly helped me make giant pencils out of pool noodles.

Because, we needed a table decoration for our annual "Back to School" dinner.  I battered and fried up some delicious corn dogs -- not really a crowd favorite -- but they devour them at lunch.  We practiced our cursive signatures and colored our placemats.  

Thursday Nick and Maddie were back at MUHS.  Nick is a SENIOR! Maddie is a SOPHMORE!  

They are nice.  They are kind.  They are goood.  They are true.  

Off together.

Molly comforted me with a book and a nap.

Maisie found a book that is a grind -- I read it when Eddie was a baby and have not revisited it.  We decided to watch the 2002 movie version.  She commented, "The movie is way better than the book."  She right, and we both know that rarely happens.

Saturday we spent the day shopping.  Minus the bus not starting, needing a new battery and a nice lady named Tilly who rescued us, the day was really successful.  I do know that 109* F in the shade is still very hot.  (Notice Austin's stress.)

Nick bought us coconut Helados to help manage the heat while waiting for Austin to solve all mechanical problems.

I found a TEAM USA sweatshirt in my color.  Bought it.

I found a Klimt at Ross.  Bought it.  Nick bought five huge bouncy balls that kept Ryan, Nick and Molly at bay.  Maddie also took Molly to all the stores where she wanted to meander.  Maisie and I found slacks and sweaters for her upcoming mission.  Austin stayed stressed -- he really wanted the car to start so we could get Eddie.

Then, we picked Eddie up from his solo flight back from wrestling camp.  Our very vocal prayers were heard.  We found Eddie, and the bus got us home.

I learned how to make granny squares yesterday -- nine down.  Probably 30 to go....I need another 4 hours of straight crocheting to even make a dent.

We were all dressed in blues today.

Her mission flag arrived.

Eddie took the opportunity to hug those open arms.

We used the spirit of our fast to pray for Jim, Ale and their babies.  Austin also gave each of us father's blessings to start our new school year.  Huge beginnings always seem daunting to me -- I just need to get started.  Ryan and Molly helped me prep all our materials and clean out the library.  We are set to start tomrrow.

Meg and Elijah shuttled Eddie to and from camp -- very nice of them.  They also listened to his concerns and loved him.  They are so good at that.  

Andy went to the YSA concert and went out with a really nice girl.  
 

Family Reunion

Maddie and Nick registered for MUHS this week.  Nick looks very tall, and Maddie looks very old.

The second half of the week we all landed in St. George for a Guymon Family Reuinion.

The Armstrongs were there in full force.

We love a sweet baby and grandpa.

We stayed in a facility with an amazing water resort.  I walked 10,000 steps around the lazy river.  The children and cousins would come and go.  The adults could easily chat and keep up with the 40 children.

Luckily, the life guard on duty was simply scrolling, so we were able to ride the slide in a massive train.Train Gang

These two boys.

More of us.

Beep and Wintie with their adoring grandparents.

Vy.

The Guymon Family (minus 20 people).  I ordered the 60 shirts and lettered them one at a time.  It took me a while, but it was really worth it.

We read scriptures as an entire family everyday.  

We even slipped in a temple baptisms session.  So good.  So sweet.

 

At one moment, all my eight children were gathered on my bed, and I was so happy just staring at them.  I'm very blessed.

Casusal creeps.

Saturday night we didn't want our fun to end, so we sat on the grass until very late, and we were together.

Sunday we worshipped together with the Campbells.

Luckily, our Sabbath drive home was very restful and uneventful.

Their arithmetic cirriculum was on the front porch, so they couldn't help but begin.  Love it.

 The four days we spent as a Guymon family (Babcock and thus Armstrong), was free and relaxing.  We spent most moments in the water, some moments eating and all moments together.  Jim, Mark and Natalie and their families were missing, and we did miss them.  I love making this vacation happen because the cousins love it so much.  The children play and laugh and love.  The memories we made always trump the cramped quarters and hours of prep.  Families are forever.

Compilation Movie

Summer is Hot

 Over 100* temps everyday these past three weeks.  HOT!

FHE this week was where we prentended to bury our weapons.  I made a few swords from popsicle sticks, we wrote a habit we needed to bury, Eddie and Ryan dug a pit, then we buried them.  Fun.  Interactive.  Simple.

I have a pack rat that lives on my porch.  Every morning I clean up after him.  I finally bought poison, and he took off with the entire container.  Gross.

Molly found a recipe, and we made it.  What fun. She's so great.  

Mascara changes everything.  Blue mascara is a vibe.  But not a good enough vibe to wear it more than twice a week.

This nice mom took Eddie, Ryan and Molly to the theater to see the new Despicable Me movie.  I coordinated with friends and off we went.  

Naturally, I decked us our in Americana garb, but the theater is so cold that we had to wear jackets.  

I found this trash under Nick's dresser.  Bleck.  At least he's not trashy.

Nick took the ACT early Saturday morning.  It's all about college around here.  I hate it that every two years I lose another one.  Boo.  That OG pink calculator was the only electronic on the approved list.

Simultaneously, Maddie had a swim meet.  

She won.  We cooked.

Three firsts and two seconds.  She's fast.

Austin was nice a bought them slushies on the way home.

The last two days we spent at least 8 hours in the pool. That didn't included Nick's friends and their time in the pool.  The children dive and weave and play and sputter and jump and kick and flip and float.  Ahhh.  Summer.

Sunday morning Asustin spoke in chruch -- the audience was actually interested and listening.  He testified of the life of Jesus Christ and using His life as a guide to love ours.  He's a goat.  I played the organ.  The five children sang the national anthem.  Ever since I was a teen, I longed to play "The Star Spangled Banner" with gusto and zeal.  We've been practicing in family choir each week for at least four years.  Today, my teenage goal came true.  I played and testified with speed and accuracy, and I thank my loving Father in Heaven for this nation -- one in which little bits of dedication makes dreams come true -- even if it takes decades.

Relocator updates:  Maisie loved Italy -- they ate all the foods and saw all the things -- except they didn't go into St. Peter's Bascilica?  Maisie's flight to Spain was cancelled, and their luggage was lost for three days.  Eesh.  She told me that she washes her socks each night, but she did buy a toothbrush.

Andy spends hours in the accounting lab.  He's working hard at school and work, but taking a break from girls. He's right -- they're the worst.  Park City.

Church

The Armstrongs are vibing for hours outside.  Meg sits and sings with her babies.  They couldn't be happier.