Random August

 Sarah completed her second month as a missionary, and I attended Lillian's farewell. 

Sarah made it to her area and we got a huge kick out of the condition of her apartment. She's being given a lot of opportunities for growth. 

Audrey's summer piano recital

Audrey's piano studio does a more casual summer recital where they can pick a "fun" song to play. Audrey chose Hedwig's Theme and did a great job. 

Hello Surron!

 Steven has been BEGGING to buy a motorcycle for years. He's continually heard responses like, "Over our dead bodies" and "You'll shoot your eye out", but instead of eye, you'll become road rash. (or something that effect) We finally decided on a dirt bike and told him that if he'd get a Surron instead of a gas powered bike, we'd go in halvies with him. We bought one Surron, borrowed one from the Parks a few times, and decided to buy another. They're fun. Steven loves them. We love them. Audrey loves them. They were quickly crashed and broken in, but have been put to good use. 

RIP Diamond

 Yesterday we had to say goodbye to our sweet perma kitty Diamond. She developed kidney disease a couple years ago and her body finally gave up. Even though we knew this day was coming, it was sad once it happened. I left her curled up on my bed and when I came back, she'd passed away. We had her cremated, and she's sitting a little box by Mosey. (Hopefully those two are finally getting along in heaven) 

If you don't know how we got Diamond, it's kind of a sweet story. I found her outside Mike's parents house one day. She was a tiny baby and I didn't want to leave her in the street. I brought her home to call animal control and told the kids to not get attached, because she wasn't ours. Sarah of course got attached, but dutifully put her in the carrier. She then cried quietly at the window saying, "Diamond, Diamond..." Two weeks later, Mike "rescued" her from the shelter and brought her home, repairing Sarah's broken little heart. We had her for a little over 15 years, and were sad to see her go. 

Steven's last first day of school

A week after Audrey, Steven started his last, first day of High School. Sigh... It's really true when they say the days are long but the years are short. We're excited to see what his senior year has in store for him. He was accepted into the JATC Fire Science and EMT course, which will help him become a firefighter. Here's a look back at his other first days of school. 

Wall Lake camping trip

 We hadn't been camping in the Uintahs in a while, so we planned a weekend trip to Wall Lake. Adam didn't want to come, so Jackson took his place. We didn't catch any fish, but we had fun cliff jumping and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. (and our new camping chairs) Every time we go into the mountains I tell myself we need to do it more often. 

Adam and Audrey's first day of school

 The sun was a little much for our pre school pictures, but Adam wouldn't let me take on after school, so he embraced the glare. ;) He started his Sophomore year at Providence High School. 

We took a bright pic of Audrey, but she allowed me to retake it after school when the sun had moved west. Mike took off the morning to walk Audrey to school. She is in Mrs. Daphne Millers class, which has been a great fit for her. 

Happy 12th Birthday Erik!

I know I've probably said this before, but it seems kind of strange to say "Happy" Birthday to an angel baby, but I want to always celebrate his life. We chose tulips because they are Sarah's favorite flower and know she wishes she were here with us. 

“O death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor 15:55&57

I’m not going to lie, it still stings, but I’m so thankful to know that through Jesus, death isn’t the end, and the grave won’t win.

“Happy” 12th birthday to our sweet Erik.

DC Day 3 - Dulles Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

On our last full day in DC we visited the Dulles Smithsonian Air and Space Museum . Mike is the only one that had been there. (Which was true of most of the trip) His friend, Bryan Tikalsky, lives in Virginia and came to visit us during lunch. It was pretty awesome, and everyone enjoyed the visit. 

DC Day 2 - Arlington National Cemetery

 DC Day 2- We started our morning at Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was sobering and beautiful. Our country is far from perfect, but I feel so blessed to have the freedoms I possess and the men and women that fought to give it to me. The history is fascinating and I didn’t know the Arlington House belonged to Robert E Lee and they started burying Union soldiers in the “front yard” to stop his return after the Civil War.

After Arlington we headed to the Washington Monument and were lucky to have ticket to go to the top. It was cooler than we expected and you can’t beat the views. This is my first time to DC and I had no idea how beautiful it is. I look forward to coming back someday, since we’re barely scratching the surface.

We headed next to the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam War Memorial. I wonder if anyone in my generation can look at the Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool and not hear, “Forrest! Forrest!” and “Jenny!!”

The boys headed home in the afternoon, so it was Audrey and us in the evening. She begged for a scooter ride and then requested we stop at all the exercise stops. Having one adult child and two teens really makes me appreciate our super caboose that “knows” we’re still super cool. ;)