I have been racking my brain trying to think about what to write and what we've been up to. Now that I look back at this month, we haven't had a spare second. I'll give you some "smidgens and dabs" of what has been going on for each of us.
Family
1. Labor Day Weekend. I didn't want this long weekend to be completely lame (or filled with yardwork as most weekends are), so I got planning. On Saturday, we saw the new "Paw Patrol Movie." James ate up every second of that movie. It was cute to see James so excited. We got popcorn and I didn't know Isabelle was capable of eating so much. I thought she was going to get sick.
On Labor Day, we went hiking. We hiked the Willow Lake Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Full disclosure here-- I was disappointed. Many online reviewers said they saw Moose, but we weren't lucky enough to. Also, the water/lake at the end of the hike was nearly non-existent. Apparently it's best to go earlier in the year. It was great to get out as a family though! I love how friendly people are when you see them hiking. Unfortunately, we thought we'd be warm enough and left our jackets in the car. (Big mistake) The hike back to the car was much warmer though since the sun decided to come out.
2. New sod. I have been watching Facebook Marketplace like crazy in search of free sod. I found some less than a mile from our house and jumped on it. The timing made for an extremely busy week, but we couldn't pass up the free sod. Watering the new grass has kept us busy. We will need to get sprinklers figured out for that area in the spring. The sod didn't cover the entire space, but we'll get more eventually. We're very grateful for all the free sod we got.
3. Dropping off Jacob at the MTC. We were able to spend some time with Jacob before he had to go to the MTC. I made lasagna and rolls for dinner. I also found a fantastic deal on a brand new trampoline that day, so after dinner, Andrew and Jacob put the tramp up. It was perfect timing to get the trampoline up the night before Andrew left for his brother's hike. Later, Andrew and Jacob went to Winco and we played Munchkin. Jacob is a quick learner-- that game is intense! Wednesday morning we went on a walk, had Papa Murphy's for lunch, and stopped by Sodalicious on our way to the MTC. Jacob had never been before and was a fan. James was extremely sad to say goodbye to Jacob and cried a lot.
4. Simon's Baptism. This event was already post-poned once, so we were extra glad it could happen. It was a special day. The spirit was strong, especially when Lindsey spoke and Jessica played the violin. The doughnuts afterwards were the best I've ever had which is saying something. (I've had more doughnuts than I should admit.) Hit up Day's Market in Provo.
5. Oquirrh Mountain Temple. When we drive to preschool, we have a spectacular view of the Oquirrh Mountain temple. The kids thought it was called the "Ogre Mountain Temple" and were not thrilled because in James' words, "I don't like ogres!" It was hard to want to correct how they said the temple name. I explained to the kids that Andrew and I got married there and they have asked many times to go visit. We finally made it happen and had family home evening on the temple grounds. We brought pizza and took a walk around. It was an unforgettable night.
Andrew
- Recently moved offices for work. His company recently got some exciting news and Andrew now gets the last Friday off every month. I put him to work on his first Friday off and substitute taught while he stayed with the kids. We then went as a family to the rec center pool since we now have passes.
- Played on a Softball Team with Chris (BIL), Jake (my cousin), Doug (my uncle). Joel (my brother), and others. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture. I had big plans to, but their team had to forfeit the last 2 games because they didn't have enough players. The kids cheered so loudly for Andrew and it was precious! Andrew was the pitcher for many games and was good at that. One night (when we weren't there of course), he hit a home run! Unfortunately, all the other teams in the league were much better, and Andrew's team got destroyed every game. (Like 23-3 not joking. It was sometimes painful to watch.)
- Drove to Boise and went on ABH. He forgot his hiking boots in his car, but was able to borrow some hiking sandals. Andrew talked about this when he spoke in church on Sunday. I spoke as well.
Jenna
- Found a friend in the ward and neighborhood that I love-- Valerie. Valerie invited me to join her Book Club and I had the best time. I also convinced Valerie to try High Fitness with me. We go to High Fitness together every Wednesday. We do lots of playdates and even went to the adult session of Stake Conference together (since both of our husbands happened to be out of town).
- Enjoys listening to Andrew read aloud the book, "Project Hail Mary." Andrew talks in accents that are out of this world. Finding a book we both want to read is rare, but this one was on both of our lists.
- Loves subbing!
James
- Had to say goodbye to one of his best friends, Philip, who moved to Oregon. Luckily, he got to go to Philip's pirate birthday party before they hit the road. James and Philip have been friends since they were babies. Shaylee and I started the book club in Pleasant Grove together (which is still going strong even though both of us have moved).
Isabelle
- Started ballet. She's only gone once and I promise I will get pictures. It's absolutely adorable to watch her. She has so much fun dancing and did not want to leave at the end. Often at home, she asks google to turn on ballet music and wears her "ballet dress."
