Another Summer Ends...

I think it is finally time to update. I keep waiting for a convenient time, but it never comes, so I'm just going to dive in.
We had a GREAT summer!! We finished it out with two fun vacations. We did the Mickelson family reunion camping in Ephraim canyon. Here's a picture of the fun meadow we used.



We all had fun driving Uncle Chad's 4 wheeler (except me--I seem to be the only one who recognizes how scary those things are)


And we loved paddling around the pond and fishing--no catches though.

Sorry this picture is sideways, but Tia caught the cutest little frog in the marsh.



Tia and Maryanne entertained themselves by sliding down the little glacier.



A few weeks later we found ourselves heading to Glacier National Park with most of my family. I had never been there. We had wonderful days filled with hiking, playing in the water, and a small amount of relaxing. A few family runs and a bike ride rounded things out. Here's a few pictures. This place was absolutely beautiful. I need to go back sometime.


Brooklyn and Kobe had their birthdays this month. Brooklyn is now 9 years old. How did my baby grow up so fast. She had backyard water party with her friends. Bree was nice enough to be my pizza delivery girl--thanks Bree, you saved me. A yard full of squealing girls is always a joy.

We also had a small family pary at Glacier since that was when her birthday really happened. We brought a pinata and grandma made some cake.


I still laugh at the memory of Lilly going all out on the pinata!

Next is Kobe. He is 11 now. He is getting his arrow of light at the next pack meeting, and earned all 20 Webelos pins! He is so excited for 11 year old scouts. He had a late night party this year. He planned it all out himself. I only had to provide pizza and lots of sugar and salt for the boys to inhale. They played WII, watched a movie, played tag in the dark, and some volleyball (which didn't work so well in the dark so we turned on the flood lights).

I am amazed at how much boys can eat!


And now school has started. Tia has begun her Sophmore Year in high school. I just got her the book so she can study and get her learner's permit (Yes, REALLY). Wow!! Alex is in eighth grade, Kobe is in 5th, and Brooklyn is in 4th. Everyone loves their teachers and life is pretty good. I am substitue teaching for my mom while she helps Hillary with Avery and life as a new mom. So I haven't really gotten to enjoy my quiet days yet. I'm finding that teaching isn't as scary as I thought it would be--maybe I'm even a little good at it, but it is definately busy. I hope I never have to work full time while my kids are still at home. I am appreciating the blessing I have of a wonderful husband who provides for our family so I don't have to.

I have to brag about my 100 mile bike ride. Bree has the pictures already posted, but I have to say WE ARE AWSOME. Thanks for helping me make my birthday goal Kelly and Bree. I couldn't have done it without you!!