Loving Fall

We are full swing into soccer season now. I love watching my kids games! If my camera were faster I could give pictures, but for now you'll just have to trust me.

We have finished the basement--except shelves in the bedroom closet. I am working hard on moving all the kids into their new rooms. I'll post pictures when that project is done. I'm about halfway.

Two weeks ago my wonderful neighbor asked us if she could practice on our family and do a photo shoot. Since I am in need of updated pictures I was happy to oblige. Here's the results. I think she did quite well for a first try.

My little babies are growing up so quickly!



I couldn't resist a few out-takes. Yes, they love family pictures!
They look a little grainy after I uploaded them, but you get the idea.

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!!

I'm finally getting around to doing an update. Really, my life feels so busy but it's pretty much daily grind stuff--nothing especially interesting. BUT, I need to be better at recording even the daily stuff because that is where the best memories come from.

Tia had a traumatic month. She gave herself a stress fracture in her right tibia one week before the state competition and couldn't compete. She was devastated! (understandably) So she has spent the last 5 weeks with crutches, heating pad, and very little walking. This week she passed the hopping test with no pain, so she can return to the gym next week. HURRAY! As you all know, Tia is not very good at sitting still. She did manage to get some cross training in with the swim team, and some spin classes though.

We all had a great time at the Strawberry Days race. Brooklyn ran the 5K for the first time. I am so proud of her. Alex and Kobe both did it in around 21:00 I think. I still need to get pictures from Bree. Maybe they'll get put in later. We kept up the Mickelson tradition of every kid getting drawn in the raffle. Tia didn't even get to run, but she won a prize--go figure.

Alex and Kobe are doing alot of soccer. Alex has switched clubs in hopes of better coaching. So far he loves the new team. Their AAA team is playing in a tournament next week and asked Alex to guest play with them (he plays on the AA team). I'll give updates afterwards if it goes well. He's pretty excited though. Kobe's team moved up to AAA this year. Their tournament season starts in August, so you'll have to wait until then. Rest asured, Kobe is still the best defender in the WORLD!

We had SO much fun for the 4th of July. We met my sister and brother (Bree and Cory), and Steve's sister (Brenda) and their families for the hot air balloon lauch. That is always so amazing. Later in the evening we had a great BBQ at Bree's house and watched the city fire works and lit some of our own.

Brooklyn and Steve at the balloons


Our group



Tia, Alex, and Kobe



Tia with her crutches....so glad those are gone this week...let me say in her behalf: they are only cool for a few minutes, then they drive you crazy because they really slow you down!



Here is Brooklyn's "Cartwheel of Fire"



Paul and Alex lighting bottle rockets (should I admit we had those?)



Everyone watching the bottle rocket--I like Bree's girls covering their ears in the background!



I thought I'd throw in a few pics of Kobe eating my famous Orange Beef--one day I'll get him to like Chinese! All is not lost however, he does like Thai food.



Tia used one of her many afternoons with nothing to do making this cute cake. She's getting pretty good. She even made the cake from scratch...lots of time on her hands these days. Can you guess who it is? Kobe had no trouble eating this one.



Bree and I have our second 50 mile ride happening tomorrow morning. The quest for 100 is on! We are going to try to get some pictures. Bree will probably get them posted way before I do though.

Steve is nearly back to full speed after his knee scope. He is running and cycling and very happy to be doing so pain free. He is enjoying life at youth conference this week. They are river rafting outside of Jackson Hole. I am enjoying the freedom of only two kids this week--HEAVENLY!

Shamae

Happy Birthday Alex

Happy Birthday Alex!



Alex is 13 and officially a teenager. Where has the time gone? I am not old enough to have two teenagers, and yet here they are.




We celebrated with dinner and cake at Grandma's House--it was nice to have Aunt Wanda and Uncle Rich in town to celebrate with us. Thank you Trace and Amber for the great pictures. Alex has decided he needs to save up for a lap top, so "Just the money please." Steve did take him out for a boys dinner, though.




Of course Alex is the best oldest son I ever had. I am so lucky to have him around. He keeps us laughing and I can count on him for help whenever I need it. He has a strong testimony and takes his priesthood responsibilities seriously. He is almost ready to do his Eagle Project.

thanks Alex!

**See you all on Saturday for the race and Father's Day!