A Couple Things

Tyler got an award at school today. Outstanding Patriotism. Maybe because he's the President? It was neat to watch him do his first spirit assembly as Student Council President though.

Tyler also led the Pledge of Allegiance at the District Board Meeting (maybe I'm seeing a theme with the patriotism.) Our school hosted and they asked him to do it. Go Tyler!

Took the kids out of school a little early and hit Six Flags. Mostly to activate our passes before the deadline since Adam was around, but also for a little family time. Nice way to kick off Fall Break (which I have a love/hate relationship with.) Should be a nice, hopefully low-key, week though.

For Lauren...

One of my favorite Sundays - the primary program is today! Tyler's last one. For the first time in like four years I will sit by Adam and just watch our kids. These two are accompanying the primary on piano. So proud of them.

Audrey and I went to Women's Conference last night. I love how excited she is for it - mostly for her friends and the food, but I'm pretty sure she feels the spirit a bunch, and how special it is for her and me to sit together and listen to such awesome, empowering messages for women. Afterward we stopped at Target (because we knew the boys weren't in bed yet) and picked up the pajamas she's been wanting. She loves them, and Rey attacks her in them:

Speaking of Target, here's pre-flu shots. All four of us got flu shots this week and Tyler almost passed out. That was fun. By the way, the pharmacist at Target is so awesome, she is like my bestie now.

I spent the afternoon with two Kindergarten mom friends making this tree for Cole's classroom. Basically they did most of it and I did like 20%, and the rest of the time took notes on their awesome craftiness. Love, love Kindergarten.

It has felt like fall and I'm ready. Some years I'm like slow down, but this year is more bring it on. I'm ready for the cinnamon candles, Halloween costumes, and Trader Joe's pumpkin everything. I do try to wait 'til October 1st, though I picked up some new Halloween books at Barnes and Noble the other day because I can't help myself! One of my favorite fall hacks - fake out herbal chai tea latte:

I want this every year and never get it. Pecan pie stuffed in a pumpkin cheesecake, Cheesecake Factory!!!!

Adam made us this fun dinner and movie night. Kids thought it was the best dinner ever, and made me wonder why I didn't just make them cheese and crackers all summer. So fun.

Went to a fun swim birthday party and it was freezing but kids had a blast, and love all our wonderful family friends here.

Fort reading:

So glad she is hooked on this series:

Rey! She is not my favorite this week. I feel part bad for her, and part get away from me. She has fleas and it's driving me a little nuts. Just when I think they're gone, I find another one. The dumbest.

Fall season baseball is back, and it is so fun. Really enjoy playing at Hart. Gorgeous weather on the ball fields, less pressure on the boys - kinda like baseball boot camp. Tyler seems to have a good team and his coach is a friend of ours.

Hangin' at the batting cage before Saturday's game.

Tyler played great. Had an awesome hit, pitched, played short stop and outfield. I reminded him that last fall ball season he was in a hitting slump and didn't hit 'til the last game! It was his first season with the pitches coming fast. He's worked hard and come far in a year. His team won (which was nice after a spring season of being mercied), and they looked really great for their first game. Adam and I divided and conquered. Cole and Audrey also won their games, Audrey scoring the only goal in the whole game. It's been a great weekend and we're ready for a new week. Ladybug fall session starts tomorrow!

Sport Saturdays Are Back

I think we're ready! It's so fun to watch these three enjoy their sports, especially Cole who's playing soccer for the first time - bouncing and running around the field. I can tell he doesn't quite know what's going on yet, but knows enough to follow the action. He told me he scored three goals, but I'm not so sure...

His team - the Rebels!

Audrey's team looked pretty good for their first game. They tied 3-3 and Audrey made two goals, playing forward most of the game. No name yet - but something Unicorns. She loves soccer soooo much.

Love these two, and gonna enjoy this year while their fields are right next to each other and I can watch both games if they happen to be at the same time. Won't always be that way.

Tyler had fall baseball try-outs. It's nice playing fall ball at Hart. The fields are so nice, and they have night games, and actually great concessions. It's the little things. Fall season is like non-competitive baseball bootcamp. Looking forward to it, and Tyler felt good about his try out.

Made it to wonderful Paisley's baptism, and ended the night with a double date with the Moffats. We'd been trying all summer and it finally happened! Great evening.

Firsts

First soccer practice ever and this little guy had so much fun. I wasn't sure if he'd complain about all the running in the heat, but he had a blast. He's on the same team as his buddy Jacob, and Jacob's dad is the coach, so that helps! Cole can't wait for his first game this weekend.

First time running for Student Council, and first WIN! Tyler ran for Vice President of his school, but got the most votes of twenty-two 6th graders who ran, and ended up PRESIDENT! So crazy fun. Sounds like he gave a great speech, with a killer Yoda impression. He worked hard, and we're really proud of him. Go Tyler!

The speech and poster... everything was Tyler's idea. Plus helps when your dad is a kid acting coach - you learn how to land all the jokes.

  Kicking myself I didn't video him practicing, but he was so chill about everything I didn't wanna psych him out.

 I had told them when you run for Student Council, win or lose, you get to go to Menchie's. This time we happened to celebrate.

Labor Day Long Weekend

Kids ran their Fun Runs, which ended up being fun exercising in the gym thanks to 110 temps. Thanks to all our family for donating to our wonderful school.

Swam at two friends pools, Friday and Saturday. Tried our best to beat the heat.

Finally had my birthday celebration with these guys. I have been sufficiently spoiled to say the least. Tons of love, and the most thoughtful gifts. I think I'm ready to be 40 (well more like ready or not.)

Finished Wonder (so good!) with puppy snuggles. Now Audrey is deep in the book and loving it.

Rarely am I crafty, but helped Tyler execute his poster design for Student Council elections.

When your brother photobombs your photoshoot:

Nice run this morning - running early on holidays has become one of my favorites because it is so quiet out. Spent the rest of Labor Day at Hurricane Harbor all five of us! So happy to have Adam with us - maybe our last time 'til next summer. We've loved our season passes.

Worth it for the wave pool alone. Maybe it's been broken all summer because the waves had been laaame. Not today - big awesome waves finally and the kids had a blast.

Leftover birthday key lime pie is perfect for dinner after a day at the water park.

I think we're ready for back-to-the-grind tomorrow.

Turning 40 Wasn't So Bad

 I had a super yummy lunch with dear friends - tiny sandwiches, scones, dessert and tea!

More friends and sun time by the pool:

Got flowers from my boss and friend, Patricia:

Saw Hamilton with a great date! It was so, so great. Perfect 40th birthday treat.

My kids think I'm number one!

Got plenty of Rey snuggles:

And these guys. These guys had planned an awesome dinner party at home, then our power went out! We rescheduled our little family party until Sunday, and will hopefully hit the beach or Hurricane Harbor this weekend to say goodbye to summer (though it looks like summer temps are sticking around.) We ended up at Chili's for the evening, enjoying the company and AC. I'm one super lucky girl.

So, so grateful for these 40 years and hopefully many to come. Thankful for family and friends who made me feel special this week - and that I got to see so many of them this year. Here's to 40 and whatever lies ahead. Hopefully more of the same, plus lots of travel.