I am constantly taking pictures of the clouds and sky.  Sunset, especially, is just so beautiful.  At stop lights, I’m sure other drivers are amused at my trying to get the perfect shot.  And if I’m driving, I often hand the phone to one of the kids to try and capture the beauty.  Enjoy!  

I’m a bit late in talking about the start back to school this year.  It was a whirlwind beginning, and here we are about seven weeks later.  We have finally adjusted to our new fall schedule again.  Every year it takes several (or seven!) weeks to get back into the swing of things after school starts, and this year has been no different.  The kids are doing great!

A high-five for 5th grade!

In early September, James participated in Mountain Lab with the entire 8th grade at his school.  Mountain Lab is a two-day overnight camp in the mountains; about 20 minutes from school.  Every year the students attend, including all of the 8th-grade teachers and principal.  It is an event that marks the 8th-grade year.  Traditionally, this camp has been the highlight of many graduating students when reflecting on their entire
K-12 experience.

Students participate in various classes or “labs” throughout their time, take notes, and turn in their workbooks for credit after returning to school.  Classes included engineering, archery, ax throwing, leatherworking, orienteering, low and high ropes courses, fire building & mitigation, & hiking with survival skills.  Students experience “hands-on” science and outdoor education and participate in team building and character activities.

James was in a cabin with eight of his buddies, a teacher, and a parent volunteer and had a blast.  He hardly slept and ate a ton of junk food, but he had fun and made great memories with his friends.  One more reason we love our school – providing opportunities like Mountain Lab for our kids.  

James (kneeling in the shadow) and his group succeeded in starting their fire and were rewarded with marshmallows.

Last week we attended an assembly at Anna’s school.  Assemblies happen every Friday morning and her entire school, K-6th grade, gather to say the pledge of allegiance, sing a patriotic song, hear a short presentation or video or performance, then recite the school creed together, shouting the last line “We are Titans!”.  The whole thing only lasts 15 minutes and is a great way to build the student community every week.  Often the principal speaks on the character trait they’re studying that month, but at this assembly, the 4th, 5th, & 6th graders shared the songs they performed for Grandparent’s Day last month.  Anna’s 5th grade sang The Colorado Trail.  Every assembly I attend I end up needing to find a tissue – hearing the kids sing and recite the words of their creed is so moving.  

Anna is in the middle, to the left of the teacher.

We’ve been attending more football games at James’s school recently.  Last week we all went to cheer on James’s best friend, Caden, playing 8th-grade football.  It was such a beautiful fall night to be outside. 

The following night Kenny took the kids to the high-school football Homecoming game.  James wanted to attend and Jr. High students still need a parent accompanying them.  So, Kenny offered to go, and then Anna heard some of her friends were going so she decided to tag along.    

I love that our school community supports each other all the way from kindergarten through high school.  When we attend these games, James finds his friends and hangs with them, Anna runs around with her elementary friends and the parents sit in the stands and cheer and chat with each other.  At the 8th-grade football game we attended, all of the Jr. High students hung out together in a clump on the track near the field, supporting their friends.  We are so very thankful to live near the kids’ schools now so we can participate regularly in events like this. 

After my sister’s family came to visit in late July, we all headed to NE at the beginning of August for several days.  My brother’s family met us there too and we enjoyed some time being ALL together.  

My parent’s 50th wedding anniversary was February 5th, but we celebrated during this trip home.  We also celebrated Dad’s upcoming 70th birthday.  The only thing Mom & Dad wanted for their anniversary was to have our three families come home at the same time.  No small feat since we’re all pretty spread out.  August worked the best for Sheila & Martin to come, so that’s when we planned our get-together.  

Mom and Dad arranged for Brian’s family and our family to stay at a beautiful lake house at Lake McConaughy.  It was such a gift and we so appreciated it.  We enjoyed lots of meals altogether in town at mom and dad’s, but it was nice to have a place at the lake for all the kids to roam around.  

One morning, James, Anna, Jackson, Emerson, Ryland, & Eve all went on a hike.  If you look very closely at the middle of the picture, you’ll see all of them standing on a distant hill.  

We had family pictures taken while we were all home.  With 16 of us, Larry, the photographer is becoming an expert on getting everyone situated and smiling.  

In the end, mom and dad ended up with an anniversary party too.  Once word got out that our three families were coming home, a good number of extended family members decided to come as well.  We had a wonderful time together and so enjoyed seeing family we hadn’t seen in some time.  

Dad and his siblings – Bonnie, Ken, Don & Connie

We enjoyed one day at Lake McConaughy with my brother, sister, and their families.  The three of us grew up with the lake being a regular part of our weekends in the summer.  We played on the beach, went for boat rides, and when we got older, we learned to drive the boat, ride on inflatables pulled behind the boat, and water ski.  In high school, we spent time there regularly with friends, too.  Now that we’re all grown, with families, we’ve never been to the lake altogether, so this was a priority for us on this trip.  Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate and we had to cancel our boat rental.  But we still enjoyed a couple of outings down to the water.  

We also celebrated Sienna’s 8th birthday while in NE!  Lindsay & Anna walked the field around the lake house and collected a wildflower bouquet for Sienna.  The cousins drew cards for her.  We spent the day at the lake which she loved.  G’ma & Pa cooked a feast for everyone at their house for dinner; including one of G’ma’s signature angel food birthday cakes.  And the day concluded with a girl-cousin sleepover at the lake house.  Eve did Sienna & Anna’s hair, they watched a movie, ate popcorn, and went to bed later than usual.  Such a fun time for these girls to enjoy together.  

We are so thankful for the wonderful time in Nebraska this summer enjoying time with family!