some journaling

I love this little face.


Isn't it too cute?

Little Max and his loving family are finally home.
It has been two whole days since they left here and, as dang much as we love them, we are hoping they stay there for a long time.


However, we might have to work out a split-custody type of situation with Kathryn.


She sorta became part of the family.

With things a bit quieter around here, I had my first day since school started where I didn't have much going on. So yesterday I decided I would spend a few hours just reading and enjoying the peace and quiet.
I was excited.
But I couldn't enjoy it.
I made myself do it, but then I felt agitated and guilty.

What a nerd.

So for family night last night, I knew I wanted to get out with my family and enjoy the outdoors.


The weather is amazing, but I'm sure it will have to end soon.
Fall is creeping up on us.
So I wanted to take advantage of it with a picnic and good discussion.


I realized something when I took this picture off of my camera just now.
I remember I got kinda annoyed when the boys unknowingly stepped into the background as I was trying to snap a quick picture of Carlie while we walked down to the river.
But now when I look at it, I'm so glad they are there.

And...speaking of fall being around the corner...
Of course that means the fall season of soccer is already in full swing around here.

Chris is helping to coach Carson's team.
Austin's team was all switched up, but he always seems to have friends around.


Our little Carlie is a definitely out-sized this year.
Her coach wanted to move her team up to a different league.
She decided to try out and stay with her team.
But when they got in the new league, there were not enough teams their age.
So they had to move up to a higher bracket - U15.
She is still only 11 and so she is playing with girls much bigger and stronger.
Hopefully she still loves it as much at the end of the season as she does now.

As life has gotten busier, our garden has kind of grown into a jungle.
But it has been fun to experiment with some new things this year.
Sunday dinner was great...when we wished we had some potatoes to mash to go with our ribs, Chris just went out to the jungle garden and dug some up. Perfect.
And our nectarine tree produced so well that it actually broke again this year from all the weight.
Sometimes I'm obviously not the best at using up all the produce, but it is pretty cool growing this stuff ourselves.
And the kids love it.
Especially since the weeding has come to a screeching halt!



Our church ward split about 1&1/2 months ago.
Again.
It is still very large, though.
We are in a brand new ward and Chris has spent lots of time helping get the new ward established and extending tons of callings.

He and the kids are settling into the school routine.

Austin seemed to have a hard time for the first few days.
He came home very agitated and seemed upset.
I think he just had to adjust to the long days.
I told Chris that I think it is just too long for him to have to be good. :)
He can hardly hold it in that long and it is just exploding out of him when he walks in the door.
But he seems to have gotten the hang of it now and is doing well.
His new teacher told Chris at back to school night that he is very bright and she is excited to have him in her class.

The older kids are doing great in their new school.
And seem to really be adjusting to the changes of middle school life.

Carlie is enjoying taking choir this year.

And Carson is now doing this:


Yep.
And practicing every afternoon.
Don't think I didn't try to dissuade him from that choice.