Fall Break 2024

 Another year and another week-long stay-cation.  Our week was relaxed and rewarding.  Austin and I decided that the children needed to sleep in.  We worked in the mornings and had breakfast at 11am when the swimmers got home.  Then we did something fun.I reread all my Emma books, -- book number 8 comes out in December, so I needed to get ready.  Seven books in seven days was every thing I'd hoped it be.

Austin is closer everyday with the closet reno.

Monday we went bowling.  Austin bowled a 197!!!  He won.

Andy always sends me his flexing pictures, so I sent him mine. 

Tuesday I worked with Molly to write her baptism program.  Check.

We saw "The Wild Robot" in the afternoon.  I actually thought the nod to motherhood very sweet.

Wednesday we hiked Cathredral Rock -- in 16 minutes.  Then we clambored down the backside and wound up on the rocky masses of Budha Beach.

They played in the water.  I took a nap.

Thursday I headed up a picnic in the woods with friends.  We spent several hours disconnected from phones and reconnecting with each other.

Poor, tortured sibbies.

Friday we worshiped in the temple.

Then we went to a trampoline park and out for lunch.

Saturday was the youth dance.  

Sunday ended our relaxed play.

It also ended her 7 years.  She's 8 tomorrow.

October

Clost progress.

Molly drew a target so the boys would use it, instead of her.

She couldn't find tape, so she hung it up with post-it notes.

These two boys make lunch everyday.  Usually the job requires the stove and cheese.  There has to be lots of cheese.

Fakers.

Everyday we stop to play a game. 

At an RS activity the curator of the event handed me a packet of papers.  Included were both my paternal and maternal grandfather's army registration cards.  The signifance is: That same morning, we read all about the Vietnam war and the draft.  My children had lots of questions, so we talked a lot about war and soldiers.  We also read the part in Little Britches where a court is needed to solve an irrigation war.  The court used was the Littleton, Colorado court (which is where Grandpa Mayhew's registration card is stamped).  I felt so connected to my ancestors -- especially those so close to me.

The boys pranked Nick.

It's a little bit funny.

Nick received the MUHS Pursuing Victory with Honor award.  He was presented at the school board meeting, and we saw Austin in action. 

Friday night fun.

Eddie sculpted his own scone.

Here we are singing in ward choir.  Austin gives no energy at all.  Nick feels forced, but performs beautifully.  Maddie actually practices her parts and is an asset.

Maisie has been a missionary for one month.  She's being so patient.

Andy sends the group chat "I'm cooked!" pictures most days.  His BYU, work, dating and social life keeps him so busy.

October Vibes

Besides Molly counting down the days until her birthday, nothing extraordinary is happening around here.  Although, I do feel like the world spins faster and faster -- I hope I can keep up.

A bit of NYC Empire State Building.

One eats their spelling words.  One learns their spelling words.  One does neither.

I whipped up some giant ginger cookies to pretend that it's fall around here, despite the continuing100* temperature.  Now I'm all of them.  "May I have one," they innocently ask. "No."

Austin is rebuilding the closet.  All of our clothing lines the edges of our room.  Funsie.

Homecoming for Nick and Maddie 2024.  Nick went with a Jolie.  Maddie, who is not 16, went with her friends.

Closet progress.

Then Christmas in October came, well it practially came, in the form of General Conference.  We enjoyed stopping our lives to listen to our prophet and apostles.  I testify, as they do, that the heavens are open.  Messages of joy and peace filled my soul. 

Sunday afternoons Austin practices his chanter.  This one was no different.  Since he rarely checks this blog, it's safe to post his scales progress:  Austin's Chanter

Board games.

Yard games.

Relocator Updates:

Maisie is working hard in the MTC.  This elder over heard her talking, and told her that he met Andy that morning in the temple.  She was asked, "How many missions have you served?  That was the best lesson I've ever heard from both a outgoing and returned missionary."  Her district does not call her Sister Babcock, they call her "Joy," because she brings so much light with her.  I still weep when I pray for her.

Meg is in shock that her babies are growing so quickly.  These two girlies are very big.  Here they are living their best lives at Costco.

They also have new cribs, which replaced their pack and plays.  They are equally delicious.

Andy spent his time at Lake Powell on a houseboat.  He would.  Jelly.