August and September Happenings

As soon as we returned from our trip to Glacier, we got to work on our big family project.  Right before the trip, we made the purchase at the auction of a home down the street from us.   This was not something we were looking for at all.  In fact, when we found out about the deal, we were hesitant because we know how much work goes into something like this.  But, after running the numbers, we decided it was too good of a deal to pass up and so we went ahead.   

Our goal was to get the major things done before school started so we had just under a month to do repaint, put in new tile in the kitchen, and re-carpet.  Before we painted, we also put in all new base moldings everywhere there was carpet because they just had the carpet coving.  The 2 weeks we spent painting were pretty intense for us.  We put in long hours masking, caulking, speckling, etc.   The kids were very patient through this whole thing, coming with us to the house and playing or watching movies while we worked.  It was a good opportunity for Erika and Kyle to do some work, too.  

After school started, the work continued, but at a much slower pace.   Aaron was back to work and only had a few hours in the evening on some days.  I went over almost every day for at least a few hours, doing touch-up painting, refinishing the cabinets, blinds, cleaning, etc.  At that point, it was starting to get old because it felt like we should be done and we were so close, and yet there were still so many little things to finish up.  We finally got the home finished and were able to move back to projects at our own home in getting things ready for a new baby.    We have taken on several projects like this in the past, although it has been awhile, and we don't plan on doing another one anytime soon!  Remodeling the house was hard work, but we know it will pay off eventually.

On August 26th, the kids went back to school.  It was an exciting day for everyone!!  There were mixed emotions, of course.  I was a little sad because we had been working so hard the last month of summer, I felt a little jipped, like we didn't get to do some of the things we had been hoping to do to finish off the summer.  But, it's okay.  We really did play hard with what we did do.  Also, it is always a little sad to have them go back and be gone for much of the day, but a little more quiet is nice, too.   Also, as a mom I always worry.  I hope they will make good choices and do well in their classes.  Part of me is with them all day, wanting to hold their hand or whisper in their ear to help them along.   But, I know they need to experience a level of independence, too, and I don't want to hold them back.  I am grateful for good schools and teachers that I can put full confidence in.  I don't have to worry about them too much because we live in such a great community.  

Erika started her first year at Alice C. Harris Intermediate this year (Junior High).   She will be here for 6th and 7th grade.   It was a big change for her as things are quite a bit different, with different classes and teachers, and even a locker!  We had fun getting her locker ready and going to her class before the first day of school.   She rides the bus to school, which is such a blessing for me.  She has to leave at 7 am, though, which is so early!!   She made it into the advanced orchestra class this year and we are so excited for her to have that experience!  

Kyle and Heidi started their classes at Garland Elementary- Kyle in 3rd grade and Heidi in 2nd.  It was also a very exciting day for them!  

We walked to school and found their seat in their new classrooms.  

Jared started preschool this year and he is SO ready!!  He goes to Mrs. Francom, the same preschool teacher that Erika and Kyle went to.  She is getting older and this may be her last year teaching.  She does a great job, though, and I am excited for him to have this opportunity.   We had an orientation day where the kids met their teacher and their class.  Jared was most excited about the balloon and treat he got to take home at the end.

He also had fun doing the parachute outside with his class.  

We took and evening and went to the county fair here in town on Aug 20th.  The kids had fun going on some rides.  Unfortunately, the weather was not the best and we got poured on and had to end up leaving early.  But, it was fun while it lasted!  

Our family on a nice Sunday evening walk by the Strawberry dam

Over Labor Day weekend, we got to spend a few days with Aaron's family in Orem and also up at the cabin at Strawberry.   We spent a few hours at the park where the kids played together.  We also went to Provo Beach where they had some indoor games and fun for the kids with the rainy weather.  

Erika, Kaidynce, and Kyle doing the ropes course at Provo Beach

The sad thing was that several people came down with something and were in bed throwing up for over 24 hours.  So, I feel bad I don't have a lot of pictures from the reunion.  We didn't get to see everyone as much as we would like, but we are grateful for the time we did have together.   Thayne came up from California with his girls and my kids are always so excited to see their cousins!!

What could be more fun than cousins?  

On September 6, our family had the opportunity of going to the Ogden temple open house.  I can't believe it has been closed for over 3 years now, being remodeled.  It looks so incredible- they pretty much redid the whole building.   You can't even tell it is the same building!  There was a really special feeling there and I am so glad we had the opportunity to walk through it with the kids.