4-Wheeling

On Labor Day we thought we'd have a quiet day at home (which we welcomed since the mud run and wedding were quite exhausting) but it turns out that our neighbor, Brother Ramsey, invited us to go 4-wheeling. We were pretty excited, especially Justin!
We had a fun picnic together out in the desert where the boys enjoyed all the root beer they could drink. Bro. Ramsey will definitely be one of their favorite people now. After a quick lesson for me on how to drive a manual 4-wheeler, we were off! After a while Ez just wanted to go back with Bro. Ramsey to have chips and root beer. So I stayed with him and then Nolan headed out with the men. I was happy to relax in some shade and read while Ezra roamed around. The boys headed up the mountain to see a mine opening. They had a good time and Nolan ended up riding with Bro. Ramsey because he could be in front and see what was coming. Justin and I had one last ride. We even found some mud to drive through... as if we didn't get enough of that in the mud run! What a fun, spontaneous excursion! We're so grateful to Bro. Ramsey. Our boys just love him. 

Off to the MTC

So far, things haven't slowed down yet. It's been crazy with kindergarten, preschool, and soccer starting. Throw in a mission farewell, a mud run, a wedding, and some 4-wheeling in two weeks and it gets downright crazy! But I've been really looking forward to the special day I had yesterday. My nephew, Bryson, entered the MTC. He said goodbye to his family in St. George and then flew with my Dad (who can fly standby) to Salt Lake City. I heard that it was pretty difficult for everyone, especially Ethan, his youngest brother. Bryson is really close to his family. In fact, he often chose to spend time with his family rather than being a social butterfly. I don't blame him... he's got a great family! My sister, Keeley, is a wonderful mom and I know it was pretty tough for her to say goodbye to her son.
Lacey and I picked them up at the airport and drove to Provo to have lunch. During the drive Bryson reminded us that it was the first time he'd flown since he was a baby. He joked that it brought back memories of our family's trip to Montana. The good ol' days! We ate a P.F. Chang and Bryson was a little quiet and didn't have much of an appetite. We couldn't get him to touch the dessert. I just wanted to hug him and tell him it's okay to be nervous... but I knew he just needed some space. He really was handling it so well. I can't imagine knowing that you're leaving your family for two years! He's so brave.
We pulled into the MTC where they have you drop off missionaries and unload luggage curbside. Bryson said, "My stomach just doesn't feel good." We told him that that's normal, that he'd feel better soon. We got out, grabbed his luggage, and Grandpa John started to go in for a hug. That's when Bryson lost his lunch. Poor guy. Right there behind the car. All the emotions and anxiety is a lot to handle. But things move quickly so he rinsed his mouth (I'm so thankful I had some water for him!), gave us each a hug, turned around for a picture, and he was off! I think he felt better after ditching the Chinese food. He was all smiles! I just get emotional thinking about the courage that these young missionaries have. I love him. I'll miss him. He's going to do a great job in Tampico, Mexico! 

Thanks to those who helped watch the kiddos for me... it made the day very special knowing that I didn't have to worry about them.

Ezra Talk

While walking through the grocery store yesterday, Ezra looked up at me and said, "You're the best mommy. And I have the best Daddy!"

Ever since going to Bryson's farewell two weeks ago, Ezra wants to play outside so that he can go on a "mission." I'll say that it's time to come in and he says, "But Mom, I have to go on my mission." And when we ride bikes he sits in the trailer and shouts to everyone he sees: "My name is Bryson and I'm going on a mission!"

Ezra's first day of preschool came and went so smoothly. He loved it! I pulled up in front of Ms. Anna-Marie's house and slid the van door open. Ez hopped out and ran to the back door. I got out and quickly followed so that I could take a picture. He turned back and said, "Mom, why are you coming in?" It was a relief to know that he was ready to head out on his own. And when school was over he came running back to me with a big grin on his face. I asked if he had a good time and he said, "Yeah, I loved it!"

There are 4 kiddos in Ezra's class and he's the only boy. I think he's going to get lots of attention. I'm so glad he is enjoying it!

At an activity day night, the girls ate all the donuts while I was inside getting them water. I mentioned to Justin how they'd gone crazy for donuts and I guess he thought I felt bad that I didn't get one because at my meeting with the other activity day leaders, Ezra came around the corner with a wagon full of assorted donuts for us! I was shocked to see him! He pulled the box of treats in and he said, "We went to the store to get donuts for you. So eat them!" What a fun surprise! Nolan missed it because he fell asleep in the van. Too worn out from his second soccer practice.

Soccer Season

After Nolan's first day of kindergarten, he had his first soccer practice that night. It was a big day! We were a little worried since he doesn't come from sporty parents, but he did a good job. He's good at dribbling the ball and he runs fast. Coach W. is going to do a great job! And it's nice that Nolan's friend, Carter, is on his team. We've talked a little about how the actual game is played, but it seems that he might have forgotten the purpose of the goalie. The coach's daughter was helping out with practice and she was being goalie while kids came up and tried kicking it through the cones. Well, she blocked Nolan's ball and he was NOT happy about it. Now mind you, it was hot and this was almost toward the end, so he was a bit burned out. But he proceeded to scream at her, saying, "You're just not allowed to stop my ball!" And then he said, "I'm just done with this." He stomped on over to me and Justin and plopped himself down. Coach W. decided that would be a good time for a water break. We explained to Nolan that she was just practicing being a goalie and I think he realized that it was okay after all. He got back up and finished practice just fine.
At the end they were deciding on a team name. One kid threw out The Grizzlies, another one suggested The Blue Sharks. The coach asked Nolan if he had any ideas and he told her, "Victor. Pink Victor." Surprisingly, it got 5 votes but it turns out they'll be the Blue Sharks, thank goodness! We're looking forward to a fun soccer season.

Off to Kindergarten

Nolan had a great first day of school. When he hopped in the car I said, "How was it, buddy?" He said, "Mrs. G is funny!" I asked what she did that was funny and he said, "I don't know. She's just funny all the time." I think he'll love having a teacher with a great sense of humor. She definitely seems very cheerful. I think it's going to be a great year!

Farewell Elder Lawrence

August 26th was Bryson's farewell. I still can't believe it's time for him to go on his mission. The people of Tampico, Mexico will be lucky to have him. Justin and I were so impressed with his talk. Afterward we had a wonderful luncheon at Keeley and Bryan's house. My mom and I had made lots of cookies, they ordered big sandwiches, and several people had brought yummy salads and fruit. It was such a wonderful day. We missed having Grady and Darian there but it was great to have such a big crowd to support Bryson in this upcoming adventure. He leaves next week and I get to see him off to the MTC!
This boat was Mark's (Bryan's brother) family's and the kids loved going on a "boat ride" and Travis and Ezra had a good time in the chip bowl after everyone else was done. 

Some other highlights of our last summer vacation:

1) While in St. George we enjoyed a gorgeous day of rain. All day long. I was so lucky to be there to smell that one-of-a-kind St. George rain.

2) My mom watched the boys so that I could do a little shopping for our upcoming cruise to Alaska.

3) I met up with my good friend, Ashley Echols. Her son Max is Nolan's age. Ashley is one of those people that I always feel close to even if we haven't talked in a while.

4) We celebrated Grandpa John's birthday. The boys and I took some cookies to his office but he had already had some of the cookies for lunch while I was at Ashley's house! O-well. But the boys were pleased to walk around his office since they can't ever go to visit their Dad at work (government stuff can't be leaked to toddler boys!).  We had a delicious dinner at Texas Roadhouse and then went to Costco where we let the boys play the drums, oogle at the toys, and get squished by the biggest teddy bear they'd ever seen.

5) We played at the Main Street water park. Always a hit! Ez could barely keep his swim trunks on and at one point the big geyser surprised him. He was startled but remained a good sport in the end. It's great having kiddos that love the water.

6) I have an old home movie of myself playing with this hand mixer. All the kids always love it. Too bad there aren't two since the boys fought over it. We had to hide it after a day or two. The nice thing about Grandma's is playing with all the things they don't see very often.

Cake and pantiliners

The boys and I have been having fun in St. George this week. Dad is back home working hard. Today has been so funny here. We were ready to start in making cookies for Bryson's farewell luncheon, but we couldn't find the second cake mix that we knew we'd had. But it never turned up so my Mom told my Dad to get another cake mix while at Wal-Mart. He headed out and then we realized he'd be a while so my mom ran to the nearby store instead. She took the "German Chocolate" cake mix to exchange since she'd bought the wrong one yesterday. Well, she got home and I started mixing up the cookies. Then I said, "So where is the other cake mix?" And then I saw her horrified expression and started laughing so hard! She had only exchanged the cake mix and forgot to buy a second one! I laughed so hard and my mom did, too, even though she admitted that, "It's not that funny to be so dumb."
So we called my Dad back to tell him to get a mix after all. Luckily it wasn't too late. My mom had mentioned earlier that she could use a box of pantiliners. My Dad had been a good sport to write down the info and be willing to buy that item for her. He's so manly!
So while my mom was on the phone asking for the cake mix, my Dad said, "Well, I'm just looking for your pantiliners. I'm assuming they're here with the bras." I hear my mom say, "What? Bras?! No, they're in the drug department." I laughed so hard I cried. To all of us women out there, it seems hilarious to look for pantiliners in the bra department! So then they're discussing specifics, using words like, "On the go" and "thin" or "long," "unscented" and "22 or 50 count." My mom got off the phone and told me, "Dad said that there were several women laughing at him."
I love how my parents can make me laugh!

Day Out

We recently headed up to Park City for a little family hike. We did a couple of miles and Ezra did so well! Maybe he'll like hiking as much as Nolan. There was an exciting moment when Nolan was in the lead and he started squealing, screaming, and dancing around. I saw a bee fly away from him but it turns out that he was scared of a snake that crossed his path. I never knew he hated snakes so much! It was just a little one and seemed very scared of us as well. Nolan kept saying, "That was the worst part of the hike!"

After our hike we went to eat some delicious Mexican food. Then the kids recognized the Rocky Mtn. chocolate store from when we were here a few weeks ago with my family, and so we let them  pick a treat. 

 Then it was off to make a couple of returns at the factory outlets. Justin was not thrilled about being within visual range of clothing stores, but he watched the boys play while I quickly went in. As we were driving up, there was a huge line of cars waiting to get in and park. We thought it was just school shopping on a Saturday. Well, it turns out that Derek Hough was there! What a pleasant surprise. After making returns I came back to tell Justin that I was headed to the restroom and then we could leave. Well, the "restroom" also meant going to find Derek. I was bummed that he wasn't up and dancing, but it was still fun to see him at the front of a long line of women that were waiting for photo ops and hugs with a complete stranger. I guess Derek doesn't feel like a stranger. No, I did not wait in line. If my mom and sisters had been there, we probably would have. My sister Keeley just loves seeing celebrities. I remember when we saw Patrick Swayze in Vegas once... it made her day. Anyway, back to Mr. Hough. Here he is below. I snapped some pictures while he was with other people that waited their turn. Then I ran back to Justin and showed him the pictures. He said, "I thought you were going to the bathroom."

Last week I made a Costco trip with Lacey. The boys think that it is so exciting to go into the cold fridge room. They were clinging to each other for warmth and I just happened to have my camera in my purse.