Michigan Trip

So it is no secret that I love BYU.  And I love BYU football.  So when we found out they would be playing against Michigan in Ann Arbor, we knew that we would love to go.  While Tod was in Germany, we decided to really make it a reality and make some serious plans.  First obstacle...those 5 kiddos who need to be watched...and both our faithful babysitters were going to be out of town the same weekend.  When I asked Tod's mom if she and Steve would come up, she said they would be glad to make the trip.  And of course the kids were thrilled.  It was so nice to leave them in such capable hands.  There was so much going on that I had to leave a typed up schedule of details and events (soccer games, soccer treats, soccer tournaments, women's conference at church, etc.)  Such an ordeal to leave a family, and I am so grateful to all who helped out.
Next obstacle...my temporary teaching job...but I got approval to just teach half day Friday and get a sub for the other half.  Done!  And we were on our way.  Tod picked me up at the school (after a tearful good bye to my little Cole- man), and we grabbed some quick lunch at our favorite Capriotti's.  The drive was long, but so enjoyable...it is amazing how easy and pleasant driving can be when it is only the 2 of us.  Of course, we missed the kids (a little bit!?), but life was pretty grand.  And it wasn't long until we entered the great state of Michigan.

We spent our first night in downtown Detroit.  Despite all the stories and Cindy's worryings, we found it fairly safe and very enjoyable.  The baseball stadium was beautiful and the fall weather was perfect to take in a Detroit Tigers game.

Our hotel was stunning and had an amazing view of the city.

The next morning we headed to Ann Arbor...again, the weather was absolutely perfect and for us who are lovers of college football, the environment was unbeatable.

We got to see several old friends, and that was definitely fun!

We had great seats and I loved watching BYU take the field.  I still get so excited!

And I can't really say much about the rest of the actual game part because BYU did awful and got creamed.  But good thing I was with my best friend, and we still had a great time being together.

When Tod was gone for those many weeks during the summer, I missed him so much.  I kept thinking to myself, "I can do this because I get to go to Michigan with him!"  And it was worth every bit of the wait.  Away from the kids, the pressures of real life, jobs, church, etc., we have a great relationship.  We enjoy the same things, and we have fun together.  After almost 15 years, we still have lots to talk about and lots to experience.   I love being with him, and he likes me too.  We make a great team.
(We spent our second night in the Chicago area where we enjoyed a trip to IKEA and a yummy dinner at Cheddar's).  Such a great weekend.

Back to School Again!

The first week of school is in the books, so I wanted to get these back to school pictures posted before the whole year zooms by!  Everyone was excited (and a little nervous) for the big day.
First, bright and early, the elementary kids headed out:
Cole is entering 1st grade!

And Regan is in 3rd grade!

We got to the school so early, we had to sit in the parking lot for a few minutes!  Surely a once in a lifetime occurrence for us!  These two were just so excited and ready.  They loved seeing old teachers and friends, and it was a beautiful morning.
After they assured me that I could leave (it was more me lingering around hoping they needed me...which they did not), I headed home to help the girls off to middle school.
Jordan is starting 6th grade!

And Ashton is in 8th grade!

These two weren't quite as zippy as the elementary kids, but they were still excited.  I am so glad they got to go to middle school together.  When I dropped them off, my heart skipped a bit as I watched them head into the sea of students.  But then I saw Ashton motion for Jordan and her friend to stay with her...and I instantly felt better.  Still as we pulled away, it was hard.  From the backseat, Luke was saying "bye Ashty, bye Jordy."   We will miss all the kiddos while they are away for the day, but I am so thankful they have the opportunity to attend school.  They will have the chance to learn and to grow, to face hard challenges and to have successes.

Looking forward to a great 2015-2016 school year.

Last Days of Summer Vacation

As school grew closer, we were counting our remaining precious days of summer.  With Tod being gone, I didn't really have the energy to do anything too extravagant, but I still wanted to make a few more summer memories.  And that is exactly what we did.

On Thursday, we headed to "Unpack Your Backpack" and met some fabulous teachers.  It required some coordination and help from friends to get to 2 different schools in a short amount of time.

Cole has the fabulous Mrs.W for 1st grade.  Regan had her, and we are thrilled to have her again.

And Regan is heading into 3rd grade with Mrs. R.  She is so excited, and we know her teacher will be great!

We rushed home and took Cole and Luke to a friend's house, so we could head over to the middle school for 6th and 8th grade.  Pictures were only allowed at the house before and not actually at the school!!  Haha.  It was a whirlwind of locker opening, schedules, finding rooms, seeing all the new remodeling, greeting old friends, and meeting 14 different teachers!

The next day, Friday, was our last real day of summer vacation....why not a trip to one of our favorite places, Wild Cat Den?  And of course, we had to have some KFC to make the trip complete.  It was a very fun, beautiful evening.

At this point, we were really missing Tod....he had been gone since the beginning of July.  There was the temptation to just exist and not really try to get out, but I just felt so strongly that I needed to carry on and try to really enjoy this time together with my kids. These 5 are my world, and I love being their mama.

And isn't this picture just fitting...ragged jeans and all.  I survived these few months alone!!  It wasn't always pretty but we made it.

As we were driving back home, it was just the most beautiful evening ever.  Iowa is truly breathtaking.

On Saturday, we had some wonderful friends who invited us to join them for a day of camping.  Yes, I said a day of camping.  That is how we roll, and it was perfect.  But first, Ashton had her first soccer game of fall season.  They lost in a close match, but it is already evident that they are much improved from last season.  So proud of her. She was so nervous.  They have been practicing so hard, and it shows.

We then headed out to the campsite (Regan and Jordan had gone out earlier), and were greeted with some fresh, hot Iowa corn.  Delicious.

Then it was time for some fishing.  The kids absolutely loved it.  And Cole even had some success!

I am so thankful for amazing friends...more than ever while Tod was away.  They helped me in so many different ways.  I am always so thankful for patient friends who love my children.  My kids really had such a wonderful night...the perfect end to summer.