Random August

 Since we had Lagoon season passes this summer we figured we'd better use them. Audrey begged to go ALL THE TIME. We went with the Holts and had a lot of fun. 

We celebrated Lynette's and Amelia's birthdays together. I like the Starley tradition of Sunday birthday dinners. We get together, and Lynette always makes good food. Win/Win. 

Adam and Sarah had a belt promotion to yellow belt. They hadn't been there very often during the summer, but they'd progressed in their ability to go Kung Fu on everyone. 

While we're living life and thriving at home, Mike is doing cool stuff like pretending to shoot down airplanes and then trying to not get shot down when he's the pilot. 

I'm guess that at some point I won't constantly post all of our Thanksgiving Point trips, because we go a lot, but today isn't that day. 

I forced the kids to go on a walk up Yellow Fork Canyon. We took the opportunity to check on our Geocache, and it was still being found. Audrey was in a fun mood and wanted to stop...constantly...to feel the fine dirt. 

Back to School Baby!

 Want to know what I love? School! I love school. More specifically, I love my children going to school. ;) Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, and love spending time with them, but I'm always ready to usher them out of the house when the new year begins. 

Adam headed off to school first. They start 6th graders a day earlier so they can find their classes and get used to going from class to class on their own. Adam was very ready and excited for Junior High. When he say I was taking a picture, he and Gray took off running. I still got the requisite action shot. 

The next day Adam had his second day of 6th grade. Steven is now in 8th grade and the king of the Junior High. Sarah started her SOPHOMORE year of High School. Yes, a sophomore. Crazy! Time flies! Even as I mention my elation of them going back to school I'm reminded that I only have two or three more summers with Sarah before she goes away to college. Sigh... 

Happy 40th Birthday Kristal!

 My little sister turned the big 4-0 on the 15th. Since we're all close in age, we have have quite a few of these in a row. I threw Kristal a party at my house. She and Kacee came over and we had dinner, cake, and ice cream. My friend  Kristal was very grateful she had 40 candles to blow out. ;) Happy Birthday lady!

Happy 8th Birthday Sweet Erik

 Erik's birthday hit me harder than usual this year. I don't know if it had to do with it being his 8th birthday, if it was because Mike wasn't around, because the kids were bickering, or a combination of all of it. I was in a bit of a funk for a few days. I don't usually do sentimental posts on Facebook, but I decided to be honest with how I felt. Thankfully I have a lot of family and friends that were incredibly kind and supportive. 

We visited Erik and hung out for a bit. Audrey was insistent she "help" with his flower arrangement. She always helps lighten the mood. 

Knowing that our separation is temporary always helps to lesson the pain, but we still miss him every. single. day. At least the end seems near, so our reunion may be closer than ever. ;)