September in Full Swing

Labor Day was delightful!  We had several families over for a BBQ and swim party.  It was glorious.  I was filled with love for our dear friends; how easy it is to be with them.

Eddie is catching on to the English language.  Here he is packing his back before school, of course his hair isn't done yet.

 I found this note to me taped to my metal mint tin in my church bag.  A half a piece of gum was also taped on top.

 His people are becoming more detailed.

 I'm especially lovely in this one.

 Because Ryan didn't start school and take pictures, his hair hasn't been cut since the end of August.  It is quite blond, so I didn't want to.  But, we finall took care of it.

 Thursday night was pack meeting.  Nick received his Webelos award.  Maisie and Molly photo bombed perfectly.

 I made this shirt for Jeff -- I'm pretty sure he doesn't follow this silly blog, but I thought it especially clever.

 Miss Molly gets a free ride by many chauffeurs.

 Saturday morning was a perfect time for camping on the front turf.

 Maisie takes this shoe box with her tiny bunnies wherever she goes.  She's still so innocent, and I love her for it.

Maisie is a Young Woman

My Maisie-girl is 12!  She danced around all of Tuesday in preparation for Wednesday.  We sang her awake and opened presents.

 She wanted German pancakes and cream for breakfast.  Done!

 She had a track meet in Payson, so the commute was 105 minutes each way.

 She took 12th out of at least 70 girls.  She ran 1.7 miles in 12.36 minutes.  She's fast!

 Her birthday request was a giant cookie for her cake.  Ryan and I made that happen.

 How blessed that Grandma and Grandpa B. were apart of the entire evening.

 Maisie felt especially lucky that her birthday landed on a Wednesday -- she went to mutual for the first time on her birthday!  I sent her with a bag of candy to pass out to all the youth.

Her big present was a fancy bike.  She sure loves it.

Maisie is special because she sprinkles joy in her wake.  She laughs easily, loves completely, and is the first to apologize and move on.  This year Maisie has grown into a lovely young woman.  Her testimony is strong, her knowledge of the gospel is rich, and her love for the Savior is real.  My mother heart grows as I watch this little bit grow.  I want her to stay magical forever.  I am certain she will.

September Begins

It was Andy's turn for FHE.  He read us a lovely article, commented on it, asked for comments and led a discussion, then fed us lovely treats.  

 She's taller.

 He's taller.

She's still taller.

 He's taller.

 We ate with Eddie again.  Here are his two friends.  These kinder boys are too cute.

 Maisie at her track meet.  Her coach can never believe how well she runs, "She's small, has no stride, she looks all over the place.  I have no idea why she places every time." I do!  She is just awesome!

 Andy's one friend that is pretty much his same size.

 They both placed.

 Look who came out to support!

 Lots of garden veggies this week.

 Picture day was Thursday.  They all looked darling.

 Ryan and I color everyday.

 Look who we ran into in Food City!  I love that we are in the same town.

 Maddie received the "Independence" award at school.

 So did Nick!  What good children I have.  I am so blessed that they know how to be obedient and love to choose the right.

 Six Webelos came for a backyard campout on Friday.  Three hours of sleep is what this den mother got, but they were sure happy.  It really was fun.

 Today, Sunday, was actually a day of rest!  Grandma made us dinner, dessert, and they both entertained us.  It was such a lovely, cozy evening.  What a sweet blessing that they live eight minutes away, and we get to see them multiple times each week.  Heavenly Father must love me, because I've been praying for angels to help me.  Well, they arrived.

 Maisie taped cars to her feet and was skating through the house via Nick's thrusting power.  It really was funny.

I need pictures of family choir and my handsome Austin.  I live for both.