Lots of Catching Up

July has been a really busy month for us.  The kids didn't have much of a summer, so we had to cram it all in.  We just returned from a trip to Lake Powell, which will get its own post later on, if I ever get to it.  Just after Ethan had his birthday, we had his baptism.  We are lucky to have such great support from all of our family.  

We never run out of food at our family gatherings....

Ethan was lucky to share his baptism day with 2 of his friends.  It was a really sweet baptism that we did as a ward.  His brothers got to help in the program giving talks and prayers.

Kirk and Ethan arriving at the Stake Center (which we were locked out of for a little while).

Ethan got to join David and Jacob at Cub Country this year.  They looked nice when they left, but they came home covered in black dirt.  I think this years cub country was the dirtiest my kids have ever been.  

We finally made it out on the boat for a quick trip before Powell.  The boys love the tube!  David, Jacob, and Ethan have also learned to knee board this year.  They were unsuccessful on this trip, but we were able to go again for family night, and they were all successful.  Next time will be Tyler:)

The kids are all back in school.  Here are a few pics from the first day-

Ethan-we can't wait for that other tooth to grow in!

Jacob-still trying to make smiling look painful;)

David-master of the fake smile

Ethan's cousin slept over the night before and got to come see his school the next day.

The twins lucked out!  All of these boys are in our neighborhood and they are all in the exact same class.  They are going to have a blast!

Despite their complaining and negative attitudes about starting school so soon, the boys ended their first day very happy!  They all love their new classes and teachers.  Ethan's teacher is a BYU fan, which is a perfect fit!  David and Jacob's teacher seems great as well.  She is like a "grandma" and "smells like pears" whatever that means.  I can't believe how quickly they are growing up!  Next up, Tyler starts kindergarten:(

Fiery Darts and Cub Scouts

Our sweet neighbors invited us over for Family Home Evening.  They prepared a great lesson on the Armor of God.  But first they had the kids talk about some of the "fiery darts" that might threaten them.  For some reason our son David had gambling on the mind and immediately brought it up.  We all laughed.  The lesson went well and we discussed things they encounter like cheating at school and so on.  They we talked about the Armor of God.  It was great. 

Yesterday I was driving the kids home from school.  It was snowing and lots of people were out shoveling.  As we passed a neighbors house, David unrolled his window and yelled out to him, "Hey!  You owe me $5!"  I was a little embarrassed, but luckily, I don't think he heard David.  I asked what that was about and apparently David had bet him $5.  David had to pay him if Utah won and he owed David if BYU won.  BYU won and David wanted his $5.  As he told me this story, Jacob, his twin brother says, "Uh-oh David, you just did a fiery dart."  Those boys keep me laughing!  

Last week we had pack meeting.  It was awesome.  One of the leaders invited his friend who teaches ceramics at a near by high school.  He brought a spinning table and made pots right before our eyes, I was thoroughly entertained.  Along with being very talented, he was great with the kids.  He talked to them about how when they make something with their hands, it is unique and there is not another one in the world just like it, and that is why hand made is so special.  He gave each of the kids some clay and let them play with it/make something with it.  It was such a nice night.  At the end, they handed out the kits for the pinewood derby.  The boys were all so excited.  When we got home, Jacob said, "Even if my car doesn't win the pinewood derby, it will still be really special because I made it."  I was so pleased he was able to make that connection, what a great kid!