First Day of School

 

After a very long quarantine and summer the kids are going back to school.  Luke is going into 11th grade and Har is going into 8th. Nash is going into 6th grade with Miss Clement.  Gray is going into the 5th grade and his teacher is Mrs. Davis.  Tag is going into the third grade and his teacher is Mrs. Gust.  I am not sure how long they will get to stay in school with Covid but we will take what we can get.  Tag was so excited to get back and see his friends.  I did get a call from the school that Tag was stung by a bee at lunch.  The office lady said that she gave him some ice and he could not get back out on the playground fast enough.  They may be going back to school required to wear masks but they are so ready for some sort of normalcy.  I hope they can stay in school for a long time.

Blessings for my blessings

 

Since it is the night before the new school year Joey gave each of the kiddos a Father's back to school blessing.  Let me first say how truly luck we all that Joey honors his priesthood.  He lives his life in such a way that he can share Heavenly Father's words with our children.  Such a blessing.  Here are some of the highlights for this coming year:

Luke- He was promised that this would be the best year yet.  He was told to be a great example to his siblings.  He was told to work hard and have a desire to learn.  He was also told to work towards a mission, future schooling, and employment.  He was advised to build stronger friendships and create new friendships.  He was told to know that he is loved by Heavenly Father.

Harlee- She was blessed to have a great year.  Told to be a friend and to reach out to others.  She was advised to show kindness like she always does.  Blessed to have an open mind- to be able to learn and to retain what she has been taught and to take that knowledge into the future.  Strive to work hard in her calling and get the other young women excited about the gospel.  She was told that she is a very special daughter of God and He loves her very much.

Nash- He was blessed to feel calm and have peace.  He was blessed to have an open mind and be able to learn.  He was advised to help his teacher.  To be a good example and to watch out for his younger siblings.  He was told to strive to be a good deacon and to always turn to his Heavenly Father.  He was blessed to have a fun and a great year.

Gray- He was blessed to have peace and have a great year.  Blessed to learn quickly and strive to be a teacher to others who do not learn as quickly.  Be respectful to your teacher.  He was blessed to form strong friendships this year.  He was advised to watch out for Tag and Nash and to be a protector to Tag.  He was told to be kind to Luke and Harlee also.  He was blessed to be a quick learner and blessed to understand.

Tag- Tag was blessed to have a happy year and advised to be nice to everyone.  He was blessed to make lots of friends.  Blessed to b quick to learn and to help others that do not learn as quickly.  He was told to know that Heavenly Father loves him and will comfort him through the gift of the Holy Ghost.

I am so grateful to have the priesthood in our home.  I am so grateful for Joey's willingness to give blessings to our children and I am so blessed by his example.  Here is to amazing school year!

Har's Highlights

 

Jessica had an opening the day before school starting so Har wanted to get some highlights in her hair.  She did a blending technique and it turned out so cute.  I have such hair envy.  She is beautiful but I wish that she would just stop growing up.  The highlights are not helping the fact that she looks like she is 17.  

A New Brace Face

Today was Nash's turn to start his perfect smile.  He had an appointment at 8:40 am.  After about an hour and a half he had a full mouth of braces.  I cannot believe how old he looks!  We got home and he was showing off his smile to Luke and a couple of the braces were moving across the wire.  So weird, I thought that the braces were glued down to the teeth.  I called the orthodontist and we headed back to get the braces fixed.  After about a half hour he was good to go!  I am so grateful for insurance and for the opportunity that these kiddos have to get braces and create smiles of perfection.  

Last Summer Trip in the St Geezy

 

We headed down on Sunday and stayed the next 6 days in our favorite place.  We spent time swimming, eating out, playing games, shopping, going to Sand Hollow, going to Panguitch Lake, and eating way too much junk.  We also introduced the kids to Waiting for Gufman and Best in Show.  We played a new game called Left Center Right.  Gray was the big winner- $28.  He gave some of his winnings to Tag- such a good brother.  We had so much fun together and we are so not ready for the summer to end.  

Panguitch Lake

 Around 4pm we decided to go to Panguitch Lake.  Our neighbor had told us about it so we headed out for an adventure.  The drive was about 1 1/2 hours long but it was worth it.  The lake was beautiful and the weather was in the high 70's.  We spent time skipping rocks and finding crystals.  We also watched these big hawk type birds try to find food.  It was crazy how close they would get.  After we spent some time at the lake we decided to get dinner.  Tami had recommended Burger Barn.  The food was so good and I loved just spending time with my family.  We grabbed some shakes for the road and headed home.  It was so fun to see new parts of Utah and to have some unplugged time with my favorite peeps.

Sand Hollow Round 2

 

Today we went to Sand Hollow in hopes of having an even better time than the last. We rented a ski boat with room for 10.  It was honestly the perfect day to go.  I think that there may have been 5-6 other boats on the lake.  The weather was not too hot and everyone was having the best time.  We started with the trainer board that my boss had loaned us.  We LOVED it!  We were all able to get up on our knees and it was so much fun.  After everyone had several tries we went to a quiet part of the lake to let the kids swim a little.  Then we decided to go and get the tube.  This time they brought out a tube that was big enough for 3 and you actually sat inside the tube.  It was seriously so fun.  Joey had a great time making waves for us to jump.  Since the tube was big enough for 3 we all got a lot of turns.  It was seriously the perfect day.  I love trying new things and having a great time surrounded by my favorite people.