Carter's 11th Birthday

 Can't believe this kid is turning 11!! We had a few surprises for him on his big day! He had been asking for an xbox one but we didn't want to give in. We finally did though. But we tricked him. I used an old xbox one box that we picked up at a yard sale. I wrapped the box and put a note in it that said GO LOOK DOWN STAIRS.

He ran downstairs and noticed right away that a new (to us) xbox one had been hooked up and was ready to play! 

 He was so stoked! I love his face!! The next surprise was his best bud showing up just in time for his laser tag birthday party! I had him answer the door when he knocked and he was so surprised and shocked!! We headed to the arcade to meet his friends and a few of them played in the arcade for a while.

 Laser tag was up next! The teams were so unfair! It was our family against all of them! They of course won. I'm grateful for this good group of kids who my Carter has as his friends.

 Jace was so sweet and used his own money to pay for Carter to go in the fun machine! They both did it and came out with some extra vouchers for tickets.

 Back at the house we had pizza, cake, and presents.

 They played silly games on the trampoline and had a nice time turning themselves into stinky boys.

 Once it was dark, they played a bunch of night games. One of them was being a punk and almost ruined the night but I think they still had a bunch of fun! I loved playing night games as a kid!

On his real birthday he opened gifts from us.

 And instead of cake he asked for brownie raspberry trifle! It was delish! We shared it with the Eash family.
 I had been trying hard all week to get him a hair cut before his party but I didn't have luck. Finally I took him the college where he received a mediocre haircut. I wasn't really happy with it but atleast I could see his face!

We are always so proud of this kid and the good choices he makes. I'm so glad he came to our family first to be the best big brother to his 3 sisters. I'm glad he was my first born because he is patient with me as I navigate motherhood and making lots of mistakes with him. He has the most tender heart and sets goals and reaches them. Love you Carter man! May you have many happy years ahead of you! Always stay my mommas boy! <3 p="">

Sweet student of the month

I was not shocked at all when I got a notice that Brielle would be the student of the month for the first month of school. She was nominated for being friendly! 

 This picture on the back of her certificate explains she was chosen for helping a girl who has had a hard time adjusting to kindergarten. Brielle helps her every day, holds her hand, sits with her...whatever she needs! Ms Moore pulled me aside and told me how very grateful she was for Brielle and how much she had helped her and that she was hoping and looking for someone to be just like she was with all the kids in class.

 Not much makes me prouder than knowing my kids are being so kind!

 That little girls name is Samantha and they have become the best little friends. And a bonus is that her mom Robyn has also become one of my good friends! BLESSINGS all around!! Love you Bri!

Arrow of Light

It has been so fun being with Carter through scouting. If nothing else, seeing him progress has been very rewarding! At our end of summer pool party he earned his Weblos award. SO much goes into that and honestly, if it wasn't for his awesome leaders, I don't know if he would have made through! 

 I love that in scouting they honor the mothers. They know WHO does a lot of the work. And its been awesome having something to work on him with.

 Along with his Webelos, he earned his Arrow of Light! An award that signifies crossing over into Boy Scouts. Lola Clemens, his leader, made a really nice invitation. He made a Portuguese dessert to go along with his last project of learning about scouting in Brazil. Brigaderos are our new fav treat!! YUM!!

 I put up a few decorations and made some arrow of light treats!

 Tauna Vance did a nice ceremony and Chad and I got to paint his face with the colors of the scout values.

 We are sure proud of this kid. He has really enjoyed scouting his whole time through. It has been so neat to watch him try new things and learn new things and become a leader of our den. We had a small group, but he kept it running well and was very responsible. We are grateful to all of his leaders who do so much and come prepared every week. Proud of you C-man!!

Opening Soccer Season

Every year they have an opening season party to kick off soccer. This year Leo the Lion from REal SLC was there! There's Mollie and Paisley!

 She got to meet a player from the team too. And get his autograph and some swag.

 Carter wasted no time going to the rock wall.

 He did pretty good too!

I was home doing a massage but it was a good place for the kids to go to get out of the house!

Creamsicles

By the end of August, soccer was in full swing again! We let Rylee try out soccer for her first time. He team was named the Creamsicles!! And man were they cute. 

 She was not afraid of that ball at all and is really good at dribbling it!

 She was so much fun to watch play! And she said her soccer bow made her super fast!

 Cutest little team ever!!

She scored several games through the season and really enjoyed playing! She always calls herself the soccer girl! We loved watching her play!

First Day of Kindergarten

Finally, it was Brielle's first day of school! She waited very patiently and attended her kindergarten tea a few days before school started. She got to meet Ms Moore who has been teaching for 30 years and is retiring this year. Carter also had her as a teacher. We stopped Ms Moore for a picture!

 A unicorn dress and purple shoes is what she chose to wear on her first day. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up. The girls have had plenty of practice playing school over the summer.

 I was worried about these 2 being separated because they are such good buddies and are used to playing all day every day together.

 Lots of hugs were given before she left and Rylee seemed to actually enjoy some down time and some 1 on 1 time with mom.

 Bri wasn't scared at all and walked down the hall confidently ready to start this new adventure! No tears fell from either of our eyes but I know I had a few welling up in mine.

 She immediately found Jordan who is in her primary class at church.

 She hung up her bag and found her seat and was excited to see all the fun things in class.

 I picked her up a few hours later and she was still smiling and loved her first day! Although she did NOT like leaving Bear Bear at school over night for teddy bear week. She brought him home the next day.

I love this happy, confident, friendly girl and I know that school will be a happy place for her.