Hunting season

Dallin got to go shot gun shooting with his dad and the Elders quorum. Then later that day Jory T. and Dallin got to go hunting with their dad and watch him gut a deer. What did I do? Stayed home with a sick child. Oh, the life of a mother.

Jory emailed some photos of the kids riding the mechanical bull at our friend's moving party. Since they've had a little experience in the area, the kids did really well. Me? Well I've never been very good at it. But it was fun to give in a whirl.
Jory T. realized once you start growing, it's a little harder to stay on. He was still the best one there.

This was Cody's first time. The last time we rode one of these was after he was born. It was Uncle Jonathon's bull New Year's Eve 2006. Good Times!!! Yes, I look ridiculous, but I gave it a shot.

Mad Mallets

Dallin has looked forward to being in Mad Mallets since he started school. He was excited to make it into the group. Today was their first performance at a school assembly. He's in the yellow shirt, front row.

Staying Busy

Jory went to Walla Walla to watch Kylie play ball. It's sure been a fun season. The video is short but shows a pretty good hit. She played middle because one girl was injured.

Dallin is playing the drums in band and marimbas for Mad Mallets this year. He's excited about it and enjoys participating in everything.

Camri was elected to student council. I had to learn about this from a friend. She forgot to tell me. I asked her about it and she said with a shrug that she gave a little speech about herself and the kids voted for her.

Jory and Jory T. went to the Priesthood session of conference. They had a good time. I told Jory when he gets his braces off in a few months, I better see his $$$$$mile in pictures:)

We had a fun weekend. We watched Kylie play a volleyball tournament in Kennewick. In between games the rest of us took a boat ride up the Columbia to check out the scenery and see how far we would get on a tank of gas. We made it back without running out and were able to catch her last two games. Here are some highlights.

We also went boating Friday night before dark.

Scouts

Thanks to a great lady, I have some pictures of Jory getting his Life Rank. Thanks so much Amy!!

End of summer and back to school.

A lot has happened these last few weeks before school and since school has started.

I was released from Young Women's and called to be the Gospel Doctrine teacher. Talk about a 180. No more laughing and giggling. Instead I shake and studder trying to get through a lesson. I miss the girls but have to admit, I like not planning activities. I was running out of ideas. They were sweet though and gave me a "Heart Attack." I kept it on my door for a few days and then saved all the notes in a book. I knew it was time to be released. With my kids growing up so fast, I really was feeling like I needed to focus on them.

So we ended the summer with another fun filled trip to Silverwood. Jory's leg was still hurting, so he kept Cody at home and I took the rest of the family. We had a blast. Camri had to suffer through a few big rides, but we managed to hit every roller coaster in the park. I don't think I've ever screamed so much. It was great spending the day with them.

Next, we decided to potty train Cody. It took a whole two weeks. Then one day he figured it out and we've only had one accident since. It was easy as pie. Also, he finally let me cut his hair thanks to the big crane in our back yard. He watched the crane lift buildings and I cut. Camri and Dallin went to school on the 31st of August. Camri is in the third grade and is a social bug. She loves playing basketball at recess. She starts piano again if I can remember to send her. We already missed our first lesson. Dallin is now a big fifth grader. He asked to get a hair cut because it was so long he couldn't see through his bangs. He is earning many webelos pins and passed his WASL. He's a smart and well behaved boy. I always see Cody dragging Dallin away to jump with him.

Jory refuses to let me cut his hair. He rides a skate board everywhere. I've decided that it's a pretty nice mode of transportation. I sent him to the store one day and he was home in no time flat. He's now in the eighth grade and starting high school math. He loves his guitar class and hopefully will start focusing on it more. But his best accomplishment is his Life Rank he earned in scouts. He only has a few more merit badges and an eagle project and he will earn his Eagle. The goal is before he's 14. Kylie is now a Sophomore at Pasco High. She tried out for the volleyball team and made JV. She's really loving it. She is one of the captains and is showing a lot of leadership on the floor. Her last game she made 8 serves in a row and a few kills. She plays strong side and middle back. Kylie also tried out for the 10th Avenue singers. It was fun to help her pick a song and practice it. She called Wednesday morning to let me know she made the group.

I thank my Heavenly Father every day for the opportunity I have to be the mother of these five amazing children. I love spending time and being with them. Nothing could be better!

Boatalicious

Last summer Jory asked his grandpa if he could have his boat. Grandpa said yes and now we get to play on a 1964 Skagit. It runs great. It took us a while to get it licensed in Washington but have finally been able to take it out a few times. I also finally remembered to take my camera. The water was a little rough, so the pics aren't very good. We've had tons of fun boating in the 100 degree weather. I'm addicted and want to go out all the time. Wish you were here Jeni! Sorry we didn't get it licensed when you were.

Jory's injury is a result of a previous tubing incident. As he bounced in the air his other ankle hit his shin. It started out as a big knot on his shin and turned into this.