Sunny September

Yesterday was our primary program.  It was Maisie's last and Eddie's first.  They all sang beautifully and testified that the scriptures are true in word and song.  (Ryan had to join the picture.  He slept nicely in Austin's arms the entire time.)

 Saturday was the General Women's Broadcast.  We watched from my room and ate treats.  Austin kept all the boys out, made us dinner and cleaned it all up.  What a lovely time spent feeling the spirit and understanding more deeply our divine potential as daughters of God and defenders of correct principles.

 I never took a really good picture of the poster Maddie made for her Star Student week.  She did most of the coloring, and she also chose the pictures.

Austin was home on Friday.  After working most of the day on the second section of sprinklers, he came and found us in the shade of the swing set.  His boys were sure glad he stopped for a bit to be by them.

 Wednesday night was YW Evening in Excellence.  I am busting out of everything these days.

The evening was spiritually filling.  Meg presented her value experience of making the sacrament more meaningful coupled with her testimony of the atonement.  She was lovely.

 Also on Wednesday, my nice friends threw me a baby diaper shower at the park.  I am set for at least the first couple of months worth of diapers.  Aren't they nice?

 Ryan and Eddie found these costimes and are now ready for Halloween.  Check that off my huge to-do list pre baby.

 During family prayer one morning I snapped this picture.  We all look half dead, but we are alive and well in our testimonies of the importance of regualy family scripture study and prayer.

 My morning shadow.

 Sunday we made a baby chain.  Each day we take off another link until our baby comes!

Racers

We travel all over this state to watch Meg and Andy compete in their Cross Country races.  Ryan was lucky enough to come to Meg's meet in Flag early Saturday morning.

Andy's meet was local.  He ran two miles in 11 minutes.

Meg was in the paper for her Prescott run.

 These boys run fast on the mower.  Nothing makes Eddie more happy than riding on Austin's lap.

 Our swimming season might quite possibly be over.  That is very sad to me.

 Ryan makes me so happy.

My World

Eddie drew this picture of me -- see the round belly with the baby in it?

 I washed, deep cleaned every inch of these two car seats.  I am very smug.

 Andy made fun of my socks this morning.

 Meg placed 4th at her cross country meet yesterday.

 It's still warm enough to swim on Saturday afternoon, our time is sadly ending, however.

Ryan had a croupy cough today, which meant no nursery for him.  He was the bishop's buddy, because I was helping prepare for our Primary Program.  I thought they looked very bored and very handsome.

Marker Cozy

I sewed today.  This is a marker cozy -- now the markers won't roll all over the table when we color.  I think it's brilliant!

Maisie is Eleven-- What?

Maisie is 11 today!  We think she is an eager learner, excited, motivated, friendly, helpful and obedient.  Here is her documented birthday in reverse order:

Oreo Cheesecake 

Dinner -- we were all home together for BLT's and lit candles.

 Panda Express for lunch.  Andy was happy to eat with us.

 The ususal breakfast rush was calm and merry.

 Present opening at 5:40 am -- she didn't waste anytime.  Our two litle boys were still sleeping.

Add a dance class with her two best friends, coconut popsicles and happy singing and that pretty sums up her day.  She makes up the best games for the little boys and for herself.  I like finding her reading in her chair.  We just love our tween!

The Standifirds Came

I am just so happy about the way last weekend unfolded.  Ashley and her cute family came for the weekend.  Our weekend should have been super stressed (my house is in extreme-renovation and both Ryan and Beckham had fevers all three days).

BUT, the sun, moon and stars alligned for two hours on Labor Day afternoon, and we three adults floated all alone in the pool for two hours.  Oh, it made the sick boys and total sleep deprivation worth it.

 This girl with her cape is truly a super mom!

 Um, we ate take-out two meals.

 Lucas fit right in.  All his big cousins loved him.

 Sunday after church -- Eddie wouldn't pose.

 Their best game besides "potion making" was "Pretty, Pretty Princess."

 Sweetest Baby Kate.

 Time in the pool -- that's Lucas jumping off the diving board and Tyler headed down the slide.

Come visit us again.  We will take you fevers and all!

BYU in Phoenix

Ashley and her cute familia came to spend the weekend with us.  Austin and Tyler headed to the BYU vs. ASU football game.  I showed my true colors by staying home with the littles and spending quality time with Ashley.

Here are the gamers.

 Here are the left-overs (baby Kate sleeping).

Here are pictures Austin texted during the game.

 Looks like a lot of fun!  I'm not sorry I missed it!  I loved being with Ashley and our six littles and going to bed three hours before them.