August: Let's go!

Grayson and Nolan are are at the middle school together this year! Nolan's a new 6th grader. They aren't allowed to do anything but exist and adjust to middle school. He'll be taking all advanced classes and starting percussion! Grayson's the big kid 8th grader this year! He's taking advanced science and ELAR. He's really looking forward to Library Aide and Tennis. This will be his last year of French Horn. High school only allows band students if they do marching band and we CANNOT keep up with the demands of marching band. We are super excited to see how this year shapes out for them! 

I've been keeping the pool clean (with lots of help). It's not the cleanest pool summer we've had. Grayson begged to start a hard puzzle we've been avoiding. It was reds and blacks, so out came the head lamp to really get things moving! 

This is what I get when I limit the kids' screen time. I don't even know anymore. 

Grayson used some of his money to buy an affordable dream Lego. It's by far the biggest set he's done. SOOO many bags and this one actually took him more than a hot second to finish!

Tyler sees fun things on Instagram and tries them out with the kids. Usually it's pranks. This time it was a feat of strength! Some were more successful than others...

Behind the scenes:

Grayson doesn't have a completed photo. At this point, the height and weight of a teenager are hazardous to knees and fans. Tyler's knee made the loudest pop....

Fall ball has begun! Last fall was almost pleasant. This fall is soooo stinking hot! Hotter than normal. We (and I mean me) have been so worried about the kids getting too hot and sick. It's been a battle to keep them hydrated and healthy! Practicing in the Texas heat is NO JOKE! I keep telling the kids that they are so strong and are great at doing hard things! This practice season has for sure been HARD. Also, Lyla and Nolan are on some pretty great teams! They have some really great coaches with intentional development programs that they are already benefiting from! 

The Young Men did a very fun painting activity. Some youth led the others through a painting tutorial They all kept at it, followed along and ended with something they worked for! Super fun activity. 

Our school theme this year is boots and bows. Lyla loves to pair her cowboy hat with red sneakers. She'd love a pair of boots, but we'll have to work on that! 

We've started another school year. This summer felt the shortest to date. We've got a 4th, 6th and 8th grader. The start times are crazy this year. I'm spending the hours of 6am-9am getting kids where they need to go each morning. It's crazy and I'm tired by the end. Starting a day after getting them all gone is a struggle!

We got a CRAZY Walmart delivery! Our fridge looked EXPENSIVE!

Lyla went to a Super Valiant Activity. It was well planned and LOTS of fun! She was able to spend a few hours with LOTS of friends. 

Between all that, Lyla's still just nine. And she's TIRED! She never naps, so what apocalyptic virus awaits us?

Until next time...

July: Less Chaos

After the June we had, July was tame. Even with two birthdays, a holiday and a Ranger's game. 

Nolan's birthday started us out strong. He asked for a tall cake, with chocolate on chocolate. We added a chocolate ganache in the layers and this is probably the best cake I've ever had. We ate the whole dang thing. 

The big birthday request this year was a bike and dumplings. I scored on both!

For the 4th of July, we added glow sticks to the pool while watching all the neighborhoods in Texas try to outdo each other. 

Annual Ranger's game was fun as always! Nolan finally found the cookie dough and Grayson got his popcorn. I especially love the glasses Lyla snagged. 

A member in our Stake will host the wards at his house on the lake. There are lots of safety rules and the kids always seem to have fun. 

I have said this a million times on here, but Lyla LOVES a good dress up outfit. Wait until you see her Halloween costume. 

I wonder where she gets it from....

We closed out a very respectable July with Grayson birthday. He's really enjoying tennis and we cleaned that cake up, too. 

I've been doing a lot of puzzles lately. They keep my body still, but keep my mind distracted like it begs for! Grayson went to an FSY activity and we got a cute picture of him (hopefully being a gentleman). Tyler had an employee, Gary, who's been PIVITOL in Tyler's successful transition to manager here, retire. I know Tyler's going to miss his expertise!

The Fort Worth Temple was announced about 6 months before we moved here. We've seen lots of progress in the last year and someone noticed a stone with a date on it! Still waiting for an open house and dedication date, but hopefully it's soon! 

 

Until next time...