A few last notes for September

September has been a great month. In addition to all the fun big things we have done, we have had a few other fun times that are noteworthy but I didn't necessarily capture them in pictures.

September 2nd, our house went on the market following all the preliminary stuff with the relocation company. We also had an open house on the 17th while we were gone camping.

September 3rd, we went to Raging Rivers water park. The park had a wave pool, fun slides, and play areas for the kids. The water was warm enough but still refreshing. I didn't feel like carrying around the camera as you can imagine. Just imagine sunshine, fun, beautiful views of the river, and friends- the Owens. That is the "good life."

September 10th, the Primary hosted an activity about the power of prayer. I found a really neat analogy that I was able to share. The lamp needs power to illuminate and connects with its power source by plugging into an outlet. Likewise, we can connect with our power source (God) through prayer. We can receive light, knowledge, comfort, understanding, and guidance. We had mini workshops that were 10-15 minutes where the kids could meet in small groups to discuss different aspects of prayer. They discussed the fruits of prayer, painted prayer rocks, and were able to learn more about prayer. I thought that the activity went smoothly, and of course I appreciated all the support and effort that all the participants gave.

September 11th, Eve and I sang in church. We sang "He is the Shepherd and We are His Lambs" by Janice Kapp Perry. We were both nervous but did fairly well. I think that the music brought the Spirit and others were touched by the message. Eve asked me if I could tell that she was shaking as we sang. I told her that I was shaking too much to notice. :)

September 23rd, was the kids' elementary school fall festival. We enjoyed a few rides, a bouncy house, face painting, snow cones, and a few small activities. I was glad to use all but one ticket by the time we were ready to go. PERFECT!

Of course we also had all the usual activities, school, acro, soccer practice and games, preschool, church, game nights etc.

Not much action on the house yet. That's okay with me. We are loving where we are for now.

Camping in September

Summer slips away too fast. We wanted to squeeze in a camping trip before it got too cold. We went to Lake Carlyle Friday, and then spent Saturday having some fun on the lake.












After pulling the tube, my Matt did a little water skiing, making it look effortless. I truly enjoyed the trip. We even made it home in time for the BYU football game. Thanks to Kristen for arranging this trip, securing our campsite and for being so adventurous!

Labor Day, Boating to the Arch

For Labor Day we took the boat all the way down the Mississippi River, through a few lock and dams, all the way to the St Louis Arch. Here are some pics:

















It was a beautiful day!

Thanks to my husband for a wonderful boat ride!

Getting down and back took most of the day. In the evening, we had a nice cookout at the Owen's house. Aren't we lucky to have such great friends to be with?

Sterling Starts Soccer

Sterling has started playing soccer through the city we live in. It is really a lot of fun. I have never enjoyed watching a soccer game this much! It is so fun to see my cute little boy playing. He gets so excited when they score a point and when the ball comes his way he gets very focused (most of the time.) Most of the time he plays defense, but he has occasionally played offense. I think offense is more fun for him and me. His team is named "The Mean Green Machines" Here are a few pics:

His first soccer game September 1st.






Sterling at practice and playing on the playground









Stay tuned for more pics as the season progresses.

School Days

This year is a landmark year for Sterling. He started full day Kindergarten. He didn't get much preschool and I knew it would be an adjustment for him. He has adapted very well and is a diligent student! I have watched him in class. I can see him trying so hard to do just what he should! He is growing so much!



Eve started 2nd grade this year. She has been such a great big sister, helping Sterling find his class each morning and sitting with him on the bus. She also offers tons of advice - sometimes a little too much. :) Sterling has figured out the ropes now and seems to be a pro!







Sheri started preschool 2 days a week. She has Sterling's previous teacher and she has been very happy to learn and go to school like her siblings. She was definitely ready for this step and I am glad she has something to add interest to her life now that everyone else is in school. My favorite is to watch her walk down the path at the drop off spot. She is so little and yet becoming so independent!





Sheri got tired of me taking so many pictures and decided to try and hide from me. She enjoyed this little game.


Happy school days! Now that we are in the swing of things, I have finally had time to update my blog here and there. If you have been watching my blog posts, I am sure you are amazed how much blogging I've done.

I just have to pause and acknowledge that my kids' teachers have really made this year and all these transitions SO MUCH easier! Thank you to all the wonderful teachers out there!

A Stop in Omaha

Matthew was recently offered a position (with Con Agra Foods) in Omaha. He has accepted it and so we decided to check out Omaha on our way home from Colorado. With school staring soon, and a few days to spare there was no better time. We were able to get a feel of the area and also were able to see some homes with our realtor.

While there, we explored and had a little free time. The kids needed some wiggle time after being in the car all day looking at homes.







We also enjoyed the church history sites. There is a visitor's center at Winter Quarters and Council Bluffs, Iowa just across the river. These Historic places really give you a chance to remember just how easy our life is and how much the pioneers sacrificed. The kids really seemed to enjoy Winter Quarters. They have a lot of kid friendly things. The sister missionary there was especially sweet and connected well with the kids.





The kids were given a short time to try and pack everything in their wagons to illustrate how the pioneers felt when they were not given much time to prepare to leave Nauvoo.



An example of a log cabin they stayed in during the winter.



The Pioneers had to cross a "mud puddle" as high as the top of the wagon wheel that went on for miles.


Pushing a handcart.



Next to the Winter Quarters visitor's center is the temple and the cemetary with many of the graves of the early saints. I think it is neat that they were able to identify many of the graves based on one or two journals. It shows how important record keeping can be. Isn't the temple beautiful?




We attended church on Sunday, and then Monday Matt started work and I headed home with the crew. Surely it was a much easier ride than the pioneers could have ever imagined!