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!

First Day of School

The kids started school last Monday.  It's very strange to just have four kids starting.  Nathaniel thought it was weird, too, and didn't quite know what to do with himself.  He'll have his turn starting college when he gets back from his mission.  

I have four kids in four different schools this year.  This week, each school has their curriculum night where you can go in and meet the teachers and walk their schedules.

Emily, 10th grade

Andrew, 7th grade and starting middle school

Daniel, 6th grade

Jonathan, 4th grade

My stair-steps

And here's the one I took of Nathaniel, so he wouldn't feel left out, lol!

They've had a great first week and we're back into our regular routine.

Papa's Visit

We had a great visit with Papa!  He arrived on Wednesday evening.  On Thursday morning, he took the boys to get doughnuts.  The kids finished their chores and we went to lunch at Gecko Grill, bowling and mini golf at Fat Cats, and treats at Sweet Tooth Fairy.  

At 5:30pm, we went to Cortina open house and then Bridges open house.  Nathaniel drove us to save time and because parking is a nightmare.  That night we watched Mr. Mom together.  I laughed so hard!  It is so much funnier now that I’m an adult.  On Friday, Nathaniel and Dad drove up to Montezuma Castle and spent the whole day together.  They left at 7am and came home around 4pm.  

Papa needed to cool off, so he went swimming with the kids.  Unfortunately, our pool is more like a hot tub these days.

Daniel went to his friend Colin’s house while Andrew, Jonathan, and I went to buy shoes for Andrew and make another trip to Walmart.  On the way home, we picked up Daniel and came home.  That night, we went out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse.  

On Saturday, I slept in and I think some of the kids did, too.  We went to a late breakfast, early lunch around 11am to Village Inn.  Michael and Nathaniel stayed home.  Michael had already eaten and Nathaniel wasn’t feeling well.  After breakfast, we went to Walmart to buy toys for the pool—Papa’s idea, of course.  They didn’t have much, so we stopped at Leslie’s Pool Supply on the way home.  I helped the kids organize their school supplies in their backpacks and filled out the paperwork for Daniel and Jonathan.  Around 3pm, Dad took the three younger boys swimming.  Around 5pm, Dad, Emily, and I all went shopping at DownEast clothing, Maurices, and Ross.  Emily only found one shirt, but I found two.  Then we made one last stop at Walmart to try to find some items for Daniel.  We didn’t find exactly what we needed, but we were close.  Then we picked up the pizza and went home.  After dinner, we played Hasbro Trivial Pursuit on the PS4.  

Dad had to fly home this morning at 11:30am.  I took him to the airport at 10am, and  I was halfway home when he called to tell me his flight was cancelled.  I went back to get him since his flight wasn’t until 6:35pm.  He was able to come back to our house and play cards with the kids, take a nap, and play backgammon with me.  And beat me, of course.  Thankfully the 6:35pm flight wasn’t cancelled, which is good since he needed to get back to work tomorrow.  We’re so grateful that we had this time with him, and that he got to spend time with Nathaniel before he leaves on his mission!  We love you, Dad!