Aurora is Nine

We celebrated Aurora's ninth birthday on August 26th. She really wanted a telescope and binoculars for her birthday because she loves astronomy. We decide to just get her the binoculars for now because she was having trouble seeing through a telescope on the Avila Beach Peer and for her two eyes are better than one. She was excited to get some more barbie clothes for her barbies and the movie Sandlot. She is not a frosting lover so we did plan chocolate cupcakes with play-doh  ice cream. We are so happy to have this sweet and mischievous girl in our family and it is so fun watching her ice skate.    

Court of Honor

Last night was Avery's troops Court of Honor. He earned a few  merit badges. He is still enjoying scouts and likes going to all the various activities  Below is a picture of his troop.

First Day of School

Avery started 7th Grade and Aurora is now a 4th grader. 

Copper Cup 2014 Ice Skating Competition

Above is a picture of  Aurora and her coach. Aurora did awesome at this competition, her coach was so happy with her performance. They worked all summer on improving her routine. Her coach was frustrated with the officials because they changed the order of her group to accommodate for a skater who had forgotten her dress but ended up getting it in time anyways. The top three skaters were super close and her coach felt that if she had gone second to last (like she was suppose to) that it would have benefited Aurora's score. Going last and skating well in a competition benefits the skater because they are the last competitor in the judges mind. Anyhow, she is now in freeskate 1 and taking two lessons a week. She is looking forward to her next competition in November and still loves the sport. She is currently breaking in new skates that have a good jumping blade on them and is practicing several new jumps.

Scores

Lagoon

A couple Sundays ago we took the kids to Lagoon. There are mostly pictures of Logan because he was with me most of the time and I had the camera. Logan loves rides, he really likes roller coasters and went on everyone that he could. Avery and Aurora enjoy going on some of the big rides but I think Logan will be the one going on all the big rides with Joseph next year. Rattle Snake Rapids is my favorite ride there.

Visit with Jenny

Me and Naomi.
Below is Amelia.

Even though we saw each other in California Jenny and her family were able to stop by and stay a night with us on their way back to Nebraska. I love the time that we are able to spend together even though it is always too short. My dream is to live closer one day. She and I have been the best of friends for 22 plus years and I am grateful to have her still in my life. She has been there through all the ups and downs. I am also so happy that our husbands get along so well. These friends have been such a great support through our disaffection with the LDS church and even made a special trip out last year to offer support. She has two darling girls and 3 terrific step-children who we missed seeing this trip. 

Part 2 St George

E helping me make a cake for dad/grandpa so we can celebrate his birthday.

All but two grandkids. 

E and Logan.

My dad and me. I fear that I don't have much time with him so I treasure every moment we have together.

P and Aurora.

P and E. Such cuties. 

We spent a couple of days in St. George with my Grandmother, parents, sisters family, and brothers family. We enjoyed visiting with all of them. I adore all my nieces and love being able to play with them. They are all so cute and smart. I enjoyed listening to my dad sing and tell stories from his childhood as well. We spent a couple hours at the children's museum on Friday. Friday evening we had a BBQ at my grandmother's/parent's home. We also had fun swimming in the hotel pool a couple of times.