2 months

SPENCER

Spencer joins the special crew doing Back-2-School mommy dates this year. Hard to believe. Really hard to believe. Not waiting to face reality I waited until the last possible moment. We are down to minutes until the big first day so no more procrastinating.

Marti and Jeff went to Vegas for a few days so we had Braxton and Brooke Monday & Tuesday. Then they went to Grandma Cindy's. She invited my kids to spend the night with Braxton & Brooke. Sounded like a great last hurrah for summer and a extra special way for Spence and I to kick off our mommy-date. So after a BBQ we dropped off all the kids for a fun night at Grandma's except Spencer and Lucy.

When we got home Spencer and Kurt got busy building a fort in the basement. When it was complete with blankets and pillows Spence, Lucy and I snuggled in and went to sleep. He curled up in my arms and was asleep within minutes. I did have to peel back the roof half way so I could fall asleep {just a little too hot and claustrophobic for me.}



This morning Spencer had a home visit with his soon-to-be kindergarten teacher, Senora Brito. He felt very special that she made a trip to Vale to see him. He baked her cookies {"With you as my teacher I'll be one smart COOKIE!"} and wrote her a note to introduce himself. After she left we set out for more mommy date fun. We got a happy meal from McDonalds {with a Smurf toy}, went to the Dollar Store and the final stop was the theatre to watch "The Smurfs."



So I really love this kid. He is so easy to love. He is easy going, funny, huggable,and so stinkin CUTE! I worry about the middle child syndrome just because he has been so easy to raise that more often than not the attention always goes to the one who cries loudest. These five years just went by in the blink of an eye. I'm having a hard time remembering...what did we do during that time? Did I spend enough time with him? I'm wishing I had more time...{{LOVE is spelt t.i.m.e...}} While I know he is ready for kinder he isn't at the same reading level that Austin and Emma Lynn were at when they started. But luckily it doesn't matter cause each kid is different and we don't compare them. Just love them. Ahhh I'm going to miss those beautiful browns and sweet dimples. {{breathe}}

In Spencer's words:
I am most excited for recess. I am happy Austin and Emma will be there. I am a little nervous but excited too. And I like Lucy. I love Lucy. I really, really love Lucy.
That's all.

Heart Melters

Lucy is smiling. I love this stage. The first smiles are sooo precious and pretty much just melt your heart.






When I was looking through these pictures I was blown away at how much she looks like Spencer. Change the skin and eye color and W.O.W!




Ahhh what a sweetheart.

Life After the Wedding

We did have a life after the wedding {hard to believe, I know.}

Wednesday, August 3rd
Movie Matinee. My kids + Lorna and I saw CARS 2 while Joseph, Maren and Elaine watched HP 7 part 2. That evening we had a picnic at my parents stake center pavilion {they reserved it in advance.} Within walking distance {come on, this is Utah we're talking about here} and a nice fenced in area. The weather was great. The watermelon is always a hit. And the games were fun until both the ball and Frisbee went over the fence. Thanks uncle Joseph for playing soccer, kick ball, baseball and Frisbee with us.





Thursday, August 4th
Our Great Salt Lake adventure. Joseph, Maren, Adelaide, Lorna, Grandma and my kiddos all headed north to Antelope Island to float in the Great Salt Lake. Maren was the only one who had experienced this phenomenon. So there salt content in the lake is 4-35 % {compare this to the ocean at 3%.} It is sooo salty that only 3 things can live in the lake: algae, brine flies and brine shrimp. It had a very distinct smell. You got used to it after awhile. The brine flies swarmed the edge of the lake. They moved as you walked through but the buzzing was enough creep you out.









You had to be so careful with splashing cause any salt water in the eyes or mouth was nearly toxic. Live and Learn Lesson: bring a water bottle out with you.


Austin trying to get rid of the salt water in his mouth by gargling.

Check out the salt on Spencer's face and body after getting out of the lake.



We were luckily enough to find an open pavilion to eat lunch.




If you haven't noticed Adelaide loves watermelon!


Burying Spencer



We had an enjoyable time. Definitely something you should experience at least once. It is not so much a hang-out-swim-all-day type of lake. 3 stars {4 stars would have been given for free showering facilities.}

Friday, August 5th
Grandma did Richards Retreat with the 5 oldest grandkids {that means Lucy and I had the day to ourselves!} The kids were super excited for this special day and loved everything Grandma had planned. THANK YOU GRANDMA!!!

Maren, Lucy & I went shopping. There is an amazing shopping center {Jordon's Landing} just minutes from my mom's house. I cannot get over the convenience of having everything so close. But they do have traffic...and a lot of neighbors! Anyways we had a great time and found some good deals. But more importantly felt inspired and made some commitments in the NIKE outlet store {more on that later.} I enjoyed hanging out with Maren and getting to know her better. Kurt flew in that night so I went to pick him up and take him to dinner.

Saturday started the family reunions. We had a great week. The cousins loved playing, the adults visiting. It was wonderful to be together. We are already planning the next trip to grandma's house. Thanks for hosting.

New Year New Style

Emma's long locks were getting hot & bothersome in the summer heat. We agreed that 1st grade was the perfect time for a new do.

BEFORE



Right after school got out I trimmed at inch off to straighten it up. Plus I cut off about 5 inches today.

AFTER

I think she's gorgeous with any length of hair. It is sooo much easier to comb. So.worth.it. She's lovin' it! She feels fresh and ready for the first day of first grade.

AUSTIN

Austin chose to go to BIRDS OF PREY for his back-to-school mommy date. I was really impressed with the facility. It was very informative and interactive. We learned a lot. Austin loved it. Better than a movie and the Discovery Center. We saw 2 shows in which we saw a turkey vulture {named Lucy}, a crow and Swainson's hawk (named Griffin).




The other Lucy.



Austin said, "It was very INTERESTING. I liked it a lot. My favorite part of the day was seeing the bald eagle and eating at Chuck A Rama."

I really enjoy Austin one-on-one. He is a good kid, super smart and can be a great helper. I need to help him learn to interact well with others, especially his siblings. It has been challenging this year. Stay calm and don't sweat the small stuff. He is sweet and gentle and loving with Lucy. It is refreshing.

So my baby is going to be a THIRD grader.
Here is a little bit about Austin at 8.3 years of age.

What's your nickname and how did you get it?
TACO given by Jeff {Romans.}

What shoe size do you wear?
1

What's the best age to be and why?
12 because you get the priesthood and go in the temple.

How many kids do you want to have when you grow up?
NONE! just joking. {laughs} 6

Tell me about your best Halloween costume ever.
Robot {age 5}

Who's your best friend?
a lot of people. do I have to be specific? LeBraun.

What's your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas and your birthday because you get toys.

What's under you bed?
junk

LIST OF FAVORITES
Cereal: Lucky Charms
Vegetable: Peas
Game: Chess
Book: Mad Science
Candy Bar: Twix
Toy: Legos
Chore: unloading dishwasher
Joke: Knock Knock. Whose there? Boo. Boo Who? Please don't cry.

You are going to have another successful and amazing school year. I am excited for you! I love you lots Austin. Thanks for a fabulous day together.

Mr. & Mrs. McMullan

On Tuesday, August 2nd Karen got married.


The sealing was beautiful. Karen was radiating and sparkling pure happiness and joy when she walked into the sealing room. She was gorgeous. {OK, Roger looked good too.} The sealer congratulated them on being worthy to be sealed in the temple. He told them to look around the room, that is their cheering section. So true. Huge fans. A lot of great advice was given that was beneficial for all. And then they finally got to kiss as husband and wife!



The kids were sad they couldn't go in the temple. Spencer didn't want to miss the party, "I want to eat the food, too!" We explained that he wouldn't be missing the party or food and he was content once again. Austin was concerned about missing their kiss. I told him I was pretty sure they would kiss again on request outside the temple.

Things I want to Remember:
~ Emma Lynn and Lorna mobbing the happy couple the second they emerged from the temple. They would have been in every wedding picture if the moms hadn't pried them off the newlyweds skirt and pant legs.


~ Austin coming up to me after they came out of the temple and lightly touching my arm, "Mom, Karen looks like Cinderella."


~ Karen & Roger taking the time to play ring around the rosies with their nieces and nephews on the lawn.


~ My heart full of gratitude for my own sealing and how super-cute my posterity looked!



I have beautiful daughters.


And silly sons!



~ Running down the hill at top speed. Doesn't it seem like the perfect childhood expression of celebration?


~ My siblings happy.






missed you Elder Richards


~ Adelaide "walking" with Grandpa.


~ Feeling pampered from Maren's labor of love {{Thank You!}}


~ Waiting for the newlyweds to arrived so the luncheon can start. So typical.

~ The gorgeous and cozy atmosphere at the luncheon, not to mention the overwhelming spread of scrumptious food. {Kudos Aunt Lorraine, you are so talented!}

~ Roger's personal touch on the wedding. I've never seen a groom so involved in his own wedding. I guess that's what happens when you are super talented.


~ Dancing to their fabulous wedding play list.


~ And above all seeing my beloved sister take the next step in her life to achieving celestial happiness. I am so happy for you. Cheering for you always.