Emily got her learner's permit!

Emily got her learner's permit!  She did great on the test.  In fact, she aced it!  We're so proud of her!  Now the work begins, because we have to teach her ourselves (still no driver's ed!) and she needs 30 hours of driving with us before she can get her license. 

Great job, Emily!!

Jonathan's Pod

Jonathan's pod/tent came this week and he loves it!  He likes to go in there and read and watch videos during media time.

Michael's Surgery

Michael had knee surgery on Tuesday. It went really well!  The doctor took a one-inch piece of bone out of his knee.  No wonder he's been in so much pain!  He is getting around well and doing his exercises.

Andrew's Birthday

Andrew also wanted to go to a trampoline park for his birthday.  This time we went to Krazy Air.  We picked up three of his friends and they spent two hours jumping and playing dodge ball.

Then we went back to our house for pizza, cake, and presents.  Andrew loved his presents!  He got gift cards, money, new shirts, and a new Kindle. 

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

Andrew and Jonathan to the Rescue!

We've had a lot of rain lately, and we've also had some frogs end up in our pool.  One little guy was floating in the middle of the pool and trying to stay afloat.  He eventually made it to the side and started going under, but Andrew got him in time.

Then the boys found another frog in the drain.  It took a little while, but they got him out, too.

Good job, boys!

Jonathan's Birthday

Jonathan had two birthday celebrations this year.  On August 4, we went to Xtreme Air, Chick-Fil-A, and then to the movies to see Christopher Robin.  We celebrated early so that Nathaniel could go.  Then I told Jonathan he could choose where we would go for dinner on his birthday.  Guess what he chose--again???  Yep, Peter Piper Pizza for the fourth year in a row.  The kids all had a great time!  He invited one friend again, this time his good friend Jonny.  His cousins Cody and Spencer also joined us.  

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!

Emily

Emily is now the president of her Mia Maid class at church.  Here she is with her new counselors and secretary.  You'll do a great job, Emily!

Here is a bonus picture of Emily at Amber Phelps Ihler's wedding reception.  She spent two hours scooping ice cream as a service to their family.

Isn't she amazing!

Preparing for Nathaniel's Mission

Nathaniel received his mission call four months ago, and the time really has flown by.  

Here he is cleaning out his room.  He had four years' worth of papers and stuff to clean out and organize.  

The boys had fun at their pack meeting, and we were glad to have Nathaniel there with us.  Here they are playing a game to make the biggest "superhero" with balloons for muscles.

Jonathan received his Wolf badge

Daniel received his Arrow of Light and had his crossing over ceremony into Boy Scouts

We had dinner with Grandma on Friday, Aug. 3

On Saturday, Aug. 4, we celebrated Jonathan's birthday by going to Xtreme Air.  He wanted to celebrate early so Nathaniel could be there.  He was allowed to invite a friend, so he chose his good friend, Annabelle.  They had a great time.  We also went to lunch at Chick-Fil-A and then to see Christopher Robin.

On Saturday night, Nathaniel had a party and invited some friends over.  They had a great time hanging out, talking, and playing games.

On Monday, a couple friends came over for one last "goodbye"

Cole McClure

Veronica Porter

His request for his last restaurant meal as a family was to go to Red Lobster

Tuesday morning at the airport
We took pictures first, then said our goodbyes.  It was pretty brutal and we all cried and hugged.  It was so hard to watch him walk away, knowing I wouldn't be able to talk to him for a long time.  We are so proud of him, and know this will be a wonderful experience and a great adventure for him!

We love you, Elder May!