Two nights ago, our neighbor Melissa Peterson asked if we wanted tickets to the Robert Plant/Alison Krauss concert at the Sandy Amphitheater. We would be going with the Alvords, Josies, and the Swopes. We jumped at the chance to go to a free concert. It was not my favorite type of music but it was so fun to go hang out with our neighbors.
Tonight was the Traverse Mountain Elementary carnival. Tag has been talking about this since last year. For some reason he had it in his mind that he would get to go by himself to the carnival. I had to remind him that although he is getting older, he is still not old enough to go by himself. I asked him if he wanted me to go with him or one of his siblings. He chose Gray! Of course he did! Gray is such an amazing brother and friend to Gray. He took Tag and stayed with him the whole time. They had so much fun together. I am so grateful that Tag has siblings that love him and watch over him. Such a blessing. Gray took a picture of them together for me from the carnival. Priceless!
Tonight Harlee and Nicci went to the Skyridge football game. It was a black out game where all the students wore black. I had to take a picture because they looked so cute. Hope they have a great time!
This has been one of the most difficult projects that we have taken on. We shiplaped the ceiling in our guest room. Mindi has been super helpful and we got all of the boards up a few weeks ago. But there was still all the caulking and painting to be done. Joey and I decided to work together and get it done this weekend. It is so nice to have the room put back together and I kind of love it. Not quite enough yet to forget the journey but it is beautiful.
Many months ago the kids told me that Big Time Rush was coming to concert in Utah. Big Time Rush is a boy band from a Nickelodeon show that the kids loved. Joey and I decided to but the four oldest tickets. They were so excited. The day has finally come! We got them all matching Big Time Rush t-shirts. I was nervous about Luke driving in a crazy crowd so we also got them gold parking. They got to park right at the front and they got to leave out a special exit. They said they felt like VIP! The had the best time and I am sure this will be a memory they will look back on forever. Harlee sent me some pictures and videos. It makes my mom heart so happy. I love these kids so much and to see they enjoying each other's company is all I can ask for.
I seriously cannot believe that the summer is over- fastest summer of my life! The kids are not super excited to go but they all got up without any problems. Harlee is starting her sophomore year and her first year at Skyridge. Nash and Gray are both at Viewpoint Middle School. Nash is in the eighth grade and Gray is in seventh- his first year in junior high school. Tag is the only Childs at Traverse Mountain Elementary and he is in the 5th grade. His teacher is Mrs. Hurst. Joey gave them blessings last night and from what was said, it is clear that they all have an amazing year in store. Happy first day of school! *the last picture Luke took when he dropped Tag off at school today since I had carpool for the junior high. Love his smile!
What a magical moment! I seriously cannot believe that Luke's mission call is here. It has been a long process to get his papers submitted, but once they were submitted everything happened so fast. It took just over a week! Luke decided to invite people to his call opening and I was so happy that he did. We invited family and friends, and those who could not come watched over zoom. Luke asked Nash to give the opening prayer and he gave the sweetest prayer. After the prayer, Luke read his call. He is called to the New Jersey Morristown mission, English speaking. He will leave on December 12th. To watch his face light up as he read the call was just amazing. He is going to be the most amazing missionary. He is so ready and I am so excited for the people of New Jersey to get to feel of his love and spirit. I am also thankful for the amazing example that Luke is setting for his siblings. I am grateful that we have a little longer with him than we anticipated. Congratulations Elder Childs!
Gray was lucky (not his word) to get to start school one day early. They had seventh grade day at Viewpoint which is a day that only the seventh graders go and try to get the lay of the land before the school is full of many kids. Gray was able to go to each class and figure out where it was. It was a short day Gray was glad that he went. Tomorrow is the official first day of school. Can't believe summer is over.
When the Stake Camp Coordinator told me that I would be able to leave camp on Wednesday evening, I bought tickets for Joey and I to see the Indigo Girls and Brandi Carlisle. It was my prize for making it through Girls Camp. KC and Mike were also going to the concert so we met at Cafe Rio and had dinner before the concert. It was so fun to visit with them. We then made our way to Vivint for the concert. A little rain could not dampen the mood, I was walking into an amazing concert with my best friend. Our seats were not perfect (top row of people) but my date was. Concerts are my favorite dates. We missed the first act Celisse, but we made it for the Indigo Girls. Emily tried to push through the shaky old lady voice but it was still so fun to see them. One of the first songs that they performed was Power of Two- one of my favs. After they did their show, Brandi came out. She is amazing! She spoke about how much she loves Utah and how one time when they needed money to get to the east coast after Sheryl Crow canceled her tour, they called the State Room and were able to do 3 nights and earn enough money. When she sat at the piano and did a few songs, that was my favorite. What a wonderful night! Now it is time to book the next concert.
On Monday Nash left for High Adventure Camp with the teachers and priests. They went rafting on the Colorado River. On Tuesday they rafted about 8 hours of the day. This was his favorite rafting day because they faced the most rapids. On Wednesday they hiked to some cliffs where they could jump off into the water. He loved doing this- no fear! The only thing he did not love was how hot it was. Each night they would get in the lake in their clothes and then run to their tents and climb in their sleeping bags. This cooled them off so they could fall asleep. I am so grateful that Nash had this opportunity to try new things and strengthen friendships with the guys in his quorum.
Nash has been thinking about getting his patriarchal blessing for a little while now. Harlee told him of how they did a devotional at HXP b...
