Some Summer Highlights

 Since I didn't post much this summer (sorry) here are a few of the highlights:

Sam turned 13!

 

 

 

He got a ukulele for his birthday.

We went to the zoo as part of our July 4th weekend.

We went to the balloon launch on the Fourth. There were Star Wars characters about!

The Darth Vader balloon. Unfortunately minutes after this, the wind kicked up and all the balloons deflated. It was fun while it lasted.

We enjoyed our favorite July 4th treat, firecracker strawberries. (I saw the same recipe in Family Fun this summer, but they had renamed them revolutionary berries. Whatever.)

Rusty playing in the Salem Days parade. We got an insane amount of candy at this parade.

 Of course, you've already heard about our trip to Wyoming. Other than that, we spent the summer swimming, picnicking, watching Phineas and Ferb, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Stargate SG1 (we love streaming Netflix!) and generally enjoying ourselves.

Everyone survived the first week of school. They love their new teachers and classes. I think Rusty will love Salem Hills. Xander starts preschool tomorrow and I'll officially have a child in every level from preschool through college.

It was another emotional week for me. There were lots of tears and worries and more than one sleepless night. I am adjusting, though. Ryan is doing great and loving Snow. He made section leader of the Wind Ensemble! I'll be enjoying the time to myself while Xander is at preschool. Life moves on and it's all good!

It's Been Quite a Week

My Grandpa Taylor passed away. I will miss him.

 

My parents and Tiffany came and stayed with us most of the week. It was good to have them here.

I got to see all of my family at Grandpa's viewing and funeral. The service was beautiful and I loved the Air Force Honor Guard at the cemetery. Very moving.

 

Our kitty, Alice, was hit by a car and killed. =( Darn it.

Saturday, we drove Ryan down to Ephraim and moved him into his dorm at Snow College. That was hard! I can't believe he doesn't live with us anymore. I sure hope he will make new friends and have a great time at college. I miss him already!

So, know I'm feeling tired and emotionally drained. School starts tomorrow, and although I love fall, the end of summer always makes me feel melancholy.

I am so thankful for the comfort of the Holy Ghost and the tender mercies of the Lord that have been with me all this week.