And They're Off!

Cooper participated in his first Cub Scout Pinewood Derby!

He and his daddy worked on hard on their "artillery red" car, and Coop was so excited to race it.

Although he wasn't the winner, he sure had fun.

That's his, front left.

Cute boy watching the races.

Good thing we had an official to keep this official!

Way to go Coop!



Roomies

Twenty-five years ago I went away to college (and took a life-long friend with me).

We ended up being roommates with the most amazing girls.

And we're still friends!

Martha came to visit, so of course we headed off to lunch and a few hours of visiting.

Marth's not looking at the camera, but in the shot where she was I tried to fix everyone's red eyes and ended up giving Kristen gray circles under her eyes.  I figured Martha would put up with her sideways glance better than Kris would with her football eyes. Just call me talented.

Rhonda, Kristen (from my hometown), Martha, and Mindi



Dance the Night Away

Our beautiful daughter went to the Homecoming Dance!

She had borrowed a dress before she had a date, but luckily that fell into place.

She's stunning.

(Mom wanted her to wear heels with the gown, but she was uncomfortable being taller than the guy, so she carried her shoes all night)

Big brother came by to give approval of the dress . . . and the date



Some September Snapshots

I'm her loudest cheerleader - and biggest all-around fan!

Matching uniform colors and numbers!
Playing with Aunt Sandy - she came to visit our mom.

We were able to bring Mom to my house each afternoon from the rehab center.

It's so good to see her smile.  She and McKenna are very close.



Reading



Lookin' spiffy in her birthday outfit from Grandma & Grandpa

Team One for the Pizza Faceoff

Goofy Grandpa

Joy and Scott Newey came to visit Mom and Dad, as they were in town for General Conference.
They lived in Fair Oaks with us and have been friends with my parents for more than 40 years.



The Primary Program

This was no doubt my favorite Primary Program (since the last one, and until the next one).

Maia was in it for the very last time!

(She's moving on to Young Women's)

Cooper gave an amazing talk, without being the least bit nervous!

(about how we must do what we believe, "all my life!")

Ivy sang a short solo, with complete confidence and cuteness!

("I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints")

Soccer Season for Ivy

Our littlest soccer player sure had fun. Lots of friends, lots of running, and yummy treats afterward.  What's better than that?

Big brother ended up with the same color of uniform and same player number (4) for his team!

Here's hoping mom can find the pictures of his season too - I know we took them.



Cute Cub

I know a little boy who LOVES Cub Scouts.

He's a Bear, for a little while longer anyway.



My Six-Year-Old Cowgirl

I'm efficient.

I had a barn in my garage and I couldn't let it go to waste.

A Pink Cowgirl Party is all we needed to fill it.

Luckily, I had a little girl turning six one week after the dance.

Luckily, that little girl owns pink cowgirl boots and loves horses.

Luckily, she loves to party in pink!

Little Summer was invited to her first birthday party!

Once again, daddy does a great job in leading the party games.

But where are his chaps and spurs?

Excited for the gifts . . .

but got up without prodding from us and gave each little guest a hug after she opened his or her gift! 

Matt's not quite sure what to do about the hug, however.

The actual birthday day . . . we celebrated with just family.

And that celebration included gifts as well!

Long before my mother's stroke, I had promised McKenna we'd host the dinner for the Sadie Hawkin's Dance.  She and her friends had invited boys to the dance, planned fun games at the park beforehand (like having a pudding fight), and prepared dinner to eat before heading to the dance.

It was a Western theme, so I had envisioned turning our garage into a barn setting for the chicken and potatoes they'd be serving.  

So, two days after the stroke, and one day after the Change of Command, I got busy. 

 And stayed busy all day. 

Yee Haw!

I was glad to hear that hangin' in the barn and eating was their favorite part of the evening!