Tyler Graduation

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October Happenings.

Baby Cousin Lovin'

Halloween Lunchin' with the Governor

 

 

 Where after the luncheon,

the kids got to meet the Governor and received a book from him.

(Did I ever mention that back when Phil celebrated entering a new decade, he also changed jobs.  He now works for the Governor's Office of Management and Budget.)

Pumpkin Carvin'

 

 

Halloween Craftin'

 

 Crazy Hair Wearin' - by Soccerboy

Corn Maize Attendin'

with my Brother and his brave Wife, who is fighting cancer for the fourth time in her young life, and their family.  Hanging out at this Maize is becoming a tradition.

 

 

where there was also pipe sliding, hay jumping and corn pit playing, pumpkin blasting and a few other activities.

 and Teenage Drivin'

him.

He had the opportunity of being one of the scouts from the 50's in the 100 Years of Scouting Celebration yesterday at the Conference Center.  It was a very busy two weeks of practice, practice, practice, rehearsal and more rehearsals, another practice and then the final show.

So grateful he got to be a part of something so special.

her.

She had to wait to start school a week after all the other children.
She was not happy about that.

I still cannot believe that my youngest is in school.  It seems just last year I held her in my arms as a baby.  And now I spend a few hours each weekday with no kids in the home.  A weird feeling.

 

But I have also come to realize a few things in this "new" phase of life that I am in.

• Going to Costco and other stores takes a lot less time and energy when I don't have any kids with me.  But it is also a lot less interesting and more lonely.
• I spend more time at the elementary school now than I ever have before.  At least two, sometimes three days a week volunteering with the reading program in my two youngest kid's classes.
• I have crossed off a lot of the "to-do" items on my list that I have been meaning to get around to, some items have been waiting for years.
• The house is really, really quiet with everyone gone but me.  Sometimes too quiet.

Right now the three youngest are actually off-track, which is nice because it breaks up those long, long school weeks where we are so busy doing school work and extra activities-sports, scouts, dance, etc., that we sometimes don't get the chance to just play.  And for now we can do just that.  

First Day of School

The first day of school, and generally the first week,
is always so exciting.
And then pretty much all the days after that are well,
routine and mundane.

But after a summer of no set schedules and lots of play,
it is also a welcome change.

 

No one knows if this will be a great school year or if they will encounter problems along the way but one thing is for sure, before school starts each child receives a special blessing from Dad and that can make all the difference in the world.  I know because I remember.  So thankful for the Priesthood and those who hold it in my home!

Where are we?

In Utah.

Lehi, UT to be exact.

We are enjoying one more outing before school starts.

With rock climbing

Miniature Golf

Go-Karts

 Water Fun

 

and Rides, all in one stop.

In The Last Last Few Weeks

We met the newest member of the Dean clan.

The new favorite baby cousin.

 

Just look at those smiles.  She keeps asking me where we can get a baby and put in my stomach so that she can have a little sister.

 Attended our first soccer tournament of the season and the outcome was a hard fought 1st place finish in the Glory Tournament.  What a great accomplishment for Mr. P and his team.

 

Celebrated a Birthday-

 Fancy Style with 7 little girlfriends and a few involved brothers.

 

 And played with sparklers to celebrate the 24th.