Week of New Beginnings

The first week of school was "AWESOMENESS" as quoted by Rachel. All three kids really like their teachers and found they have friends in all of their classes. Rachel is more than excited to start band. She doesn't want to wait another two weeks to get her hands on her Tuba. She is becoming quite the young lady. I am proud that she is making good choices in friends, music, and clothing.

I took last Monday off work so I could see the kids off to school. I spent the morning doing laundry and cleaning while Dave mowed the lawn and cleaned up the yard. We enjoyed soup, salad, and breadsticks at the new Olive Garden close to our home. It was an enjoyable day. I hated having to go back to work and face the responsibilities there. It was a really hectic work week - we are preparing to change our email system from GroupWise to Outlook over Labor Day weekend. We are a bit behind the curve in being ready due to some late funding and unexpected issues. Sound like fun?

Matthew has been completely wiped out after school each afternoon. Monday night he crashed on the couch about 6:30 p.m. and slept the rest of the night. He's been fighting going to bed early and waking up in the morning has not been easy. As is typical of a seven year old boy, has found ways to entertain himself - usually at the expense of his sisters' sanity.

Alyson spent the week trying to come up with ways to convince Mom and Dad to let her have a slumber party with her new friend. This friend's mother works at the elementary school. Dave agreed to let her stay after school with this friend on Friday and come home around dinner. Next week we'll think about having an extended play date but no slumber party. She keeps trying to change my mind... her birthday is coming next month... maybe then.

Dave and I had the privilege to attend and participate in the retirement ceremony for his friend Trent. Trent retired from the Air Force Reserves after 20 years of service. I had never been to a military retirement before. It was fun to see his family and many friends come enjoy the day with him. Of course there was plenty of food and drinks for anyone interested.

Rachel is counting down the days until her 12th birthday - 40 DAYS!

Summer has come and gone!

School starts in one week!  Where did the summer go?  Well...

We had a lot of activities going on this summer.  Dave and the kids were quite the travelers.  I was able to join them on just a couple activities.  Here's a quick rundown:

• The Meteor Crater
• Petrified Forest
• North Rim of the Grand Canyon
• Glen Canyon Dam
• Four Corners
• Anderson Family Reunion - Salt Lake City, Utah
• Grandma and Grandpa Ankeney's House - Hereford, Texas
• Woodbadge Training - Sid Richardson Camp
• U.S.S. Texas - Houston, Texas
• Uncle Dave and Aunt Cheri's House - Cedar Park, Texas

I enjoyed traveling and seeing the country.  The kids definitely got to see a lot.  They had a blast!

My favorite part of the summer was time we spent visiting family and friends in the Salt Lake Valley.  I am so blessed to have family I love and look forward to spending time with.  Whether we were playing capture the flag in the park, watching fireworks, hiking to the waterfalls, playing cards, or midnight runs to Chili's, it doesn't matter - we love our time together.  The true meaning of life is defined by our relationships with each other and the Lord.  When we are able to get together, I am reminded that it's just being together that matters most.

I don't want to bore you with long updates, but I thought I would share some pictures from our adventures:

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