Family

Yesterday, we waited anxiously as Gustav headed toward Louisiana and Mississippi. We had just driven through those states in July and they are beautiful...we even stayed in Baton Rouge one night! Sean and I watched the news in the morning as the kids played, rode bikes and swam. In the later afternoon we gathered the kids together for Family Home Evening (we played "heads up 7-up" with scripture stories). We then ate dinner and watched a movie together. Simple, but quality time.

I wished I could hold on to last night and not let go. I realized again that this is what life is about...doing the best you can and family. This is what makes me the most happy. We all enjoyed just "being" together without any interruptions: to laugh, play and learn about the gospel. As I lay in bed early this morning holding little Matthew who isn't feeling well, I thought about the families that are away from their homes or in shelters. That would be so hard and our prayers go out to them. It was then again that I felt truly grateful for being in my home, with my family, and safe from any storms.

Thoughts on Sarah Palin?

Before I heard her speak I was a little apprehensive about her qualifications, but now I'm sold! I personally think she is the perfect pick as VP. What are your thoughts?

A New School Year Begins!

After a fun-filled summer everyone is ready for school to begin. Austin missed the Kindergarten deadline by a week, so he'll be at home with me for one more year-yahoo!It's only Jake and Taylor again. They both love their teachers (so far) and just walked right into the school the first day without even a backward glance:( I ended up going into each of their classrooms just to say bye again (I know, pathetic).
This week also started the craziness of sports and music: Jake and Taylor take piano...we also have swimming(3x/week), soccer, football(2x/week) and softball. Jake just lost his 2 front teeth...just in time for school!

Taylor and Ariana
Jake and Ryan











Taylor's softball team made it into the pre-season tournament championships. The championship game is tonight, so we'll see what happens. Sean has been pitching at her games, since he's helping coach (ask him where he's sore every time he pitches). Also, Jake got home late from football practice last night and was so excited about this team sign. He got a flashlight and asked for dad's help putting it up in the dark. Here is what it looks like in the light.
















I have to say that I am so proud of Austin. He read his first book yesterday all by himself. The book is called Biscuit. It is Austin and Matthew's favorite book. Life is so fulfilling as a mom (most days)!

Lake Lewisville Revisited

Our great friends the Chesters invited us to go on their boat to the lake. We love the lake and we love them, so it was a "no-brainer". Our boys are pretty much over there every day. Our neighbor Matt also came along for the fun. We swam and went tubing the whole afternoon. It was Matthew's first time on the tube! Austin always wanted to slow down, Jake always wanted to go faster, and Taylor didn't want to get in the water because of Alligators. She would jump from the boat to the tube. Sean and I also had some thrills on the tube.

THANKS MOM

I have an amazing mother who I love unconditionally. She flew in and watched our kids for 5 days while we went to Mexico and that made me love her even more :) The kids had a great time with the "dime system" (great idea). Taylor can now make cookies all by herself and the boys got great time with Gramz. She then stayed for a few extra days and those were spent with "girl stuff" and late...late nights talking. (It was worth every ounce of sleep I lost). It was fun to go to the American Girl Cafe with Gramz and Tay too! It was very hard to watch her go at the airport. I tried to be strong, so she wouldn't have a sad trip home. We miss you so much Gramz!

Playa del Carmen

OK, all I can say is...if anyone wants a georgeous and fun-filled place to go...Playa del Carmen IS the place. We were so glad that we took this trip (despite the work of leaving kids, etc.). It was the greatest time we've had as a couple in a long time and it made it even better to have Geoff and Ange with us! We explored, ate, laughed, snorkeled, played cards, ate, watched crazy Resort shows, snorkeled more, ate, parasailed, swam, kayaked, got attacked by a monkey(oh wait, that was just Geoff)and ATE. I would go back there in a heart beat, in fact Sean and I have already looked at going back next year...we'll see. A famous quote from our tour guide, Ricardo... "Let's do dis amigos, let's go"!

FLORIDA: Part II

Noelle flew in to be with us on Wednesday morning. We took the rest of the day and loved every minute of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. The highlight was swimming with the sharks in the freezing salt water. My kids also loved the lazy river and slides. Noelle and I got in some great sister time too.




















The next day Jon flew in and we spent the day at Cocoa Beach...yay no jelly fish. We were body boarding, building sand castles and soaking up the sun. By the end of the day a big storm came...again.














The last day with Jon and Noelle we went to Animal Kingdom. Lots of fun, even with 8 people wanting to do different things. Once again, all of my kids went on the biggest and fastest roller coaster there...I had to stay with Matthew :)

After a long day.













With great memories, we said goodbye to Jon and Noelle and drove the long trek home. We stayed in Baton Rouge, LA on the way home. I loved driving through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The true south. We'll miss you Florida, but we will be back soon!