We worked around the house on Labor Day morning, then went to see Cars 3 at the theater.
We all liked it and it motivated the twins to get out Isaac’s old Cars cars. I miss him playing with those toys!
All the kids had to stay upstairs while I prepped for our back to school dinner that we were going to have that night. I got some balloons as part of the decorations and as I was driving home I couldn’t figure out the weird sound I was hearing. I finally realized that one of the balloons had tried to escape when I closed the door. I had to pull over to get it back in the car. Made me laugh.
Our theme for the school year is “we lived after the manner of happiness”. The table decor reflected that theme.
The kids chose hamburgers for the dinner, of course.
During dinner we discussed what the Nephites did to be happy. Served one another, worked, went to the temple, spent time with family and friends, were obedient, read the scriptures, etc. We talked about how we could do those things to be happy also. We also talked about how our choices will determine our happiness and that we have the power to make a happy life. I had some smiley face stickers made that we put in places to remind us of our theme.
Then we had a little photoshoot with those balloons.
Lee gave the kids beautiful blessings that night. My favorite back to school tradition! Isaac must have been tired, he didn’t make it through all the blessings.
Tuesday was Isaac and Grace’s first day of school. They scored donuts for their first day breakfast.
It’s hard to believe they are in 3rd grade!
But they aren’t too old to hold our hands!
Emma and I went shopping while the twins were at school. We marveled over the red sun that was still shining because of nearby fires. Our car was covered in ash when we left the mall. Crazy!
Isaac and Grace came home with very good reports of their first day. We celebrated LaLa’s birthday later that night with friends.
Then we hurried to the stake center where we met with Pres. Pederson for my official release as camp director. Mixed emotions for sure, but I was already in the thick of Primary. My multiple Primary to-do lists were evidence of that!
Dark and early Wednesday morning Emma was out the door for Senior Sunrise, seminary, and then the first day of her senior year. I can’t believe she is a SENIOR!! Where has the time gone?
The sunrise was obscured by smoke, but it was still a good start to her last year of high school.
Later that morning the twins were off to their second day of school. I couldn’t help but take more pictures.
It must have been exhausting for all of them because they all came home and read on the couch that afternoon.
Thursday I met with my secretary and did a lot of other Primary stuff. That night I went to Waffle Window with a bunch of ladies for a girls night out. Oh man, it was yummy, not to mention fun!
On Friday Isaac wanted me to watch him play basketball. For some reason he looked so old to me while he was playing!
Lee and I went to ward temple night that night. Our first in our new ward. Kind of fun that it is the same night as Canby 2nd ward temple night! We were fine with that.
Saturday morning found Emma taking the ACT. Ugh. Not fun for her! The twins went with Lee to the missionary breakfast. They love getting to go to that!
When Emma was done taking the ACT Lanna came over to balayage her hair.
!
She looked beautiful!
That night we spontaneously had the Hawkins over for dessert and games. The kids jumped on the trampoline in the rain.
They got pretty wet!
The next day at church Anna and Grace were matching, which warranted a picture. Cute girls! Primary went well again, but I was ready to have permanent teachers called and things up and running soon!
Isaac worked on a programming website after church. He is very interested in computer programming and is convinced he will work for the Hawkins and HawkSoft someday!
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