Just Run With It! (Aug - Sept 2018)

Fall is also the season for . . . Cross Country!  Aly loved running, worked hard, and gave it her all, as always.  Unfortunately she started having some heat exhaustion issues (one day the heat index was 103!)  She wouldn't quit however, and loved being with friends, supporting the team, and running whenever her body would let her.

This year they had an invitational meet in Orlando and you know what that means . . . Disney!

Love my active, sporty girl!

So, funny thing at the end of year banquet . . . They called Aly up as a senior and gave her a letter.  It's some sort of mix up in the system because she ran varsity XC in Kentucky for one year as an 8th grader so it shows that she is in her senior year.  I guess next year she'll run as an alumni?? ;)

Friday Night Lights (Aug - Oct 2018)

If it's fall that means it's time for . . . FOOTBALL!

Matchy-matchy, same-same!

This year we were avid Eagle fans and went to every (home) game.  Why?  Well, of course we like football and had fun watching the games, but the main reason was to see Lise perform in Color Guard with the marching band!!

Half way through the summer Lise started practicing with the marching band to learn their half time routing, cheers, school song, and much more.  It was a lot of work and a lot of hours, but Lise worked hard,  even enjoyed herself a little,  and became an excellent performer!

First off there's the pre-game show where they do the fight song, school song, star spangled banner, etc.

I got Analise to look over at me and smile.  Love it!

It became a family event with me hanging out with my friends and the girls doing the same.  We got free t-shirts, plastic footballs, popcorn, and hamburgers.  A football game is so much more than just the game!

Lots of confetti and smoke whenever the Eagles score!

During the game, Lise hangs out behind the end zone dancing and cheering along with the band for the entire game.

And now . . . the half time show!!

This year they did their show to the music of pop legend Journey.  It was pretty cool.

After 1/2 time the student body has this tradition of  this huge build up cheer that turns into everyone spraying silly string everywhere.  Kate decided to collect it up one game and turn her arm into a massive wad.  Yum . . . 

Lise had a lot of fun traveling to away games as well.  She really loved making friends, being a part of the group, and would often go out on the front lawn to spin her flag for homework breaks.  So proud of my talented, graceful girl.

All that hard work makes you exhausted!

For their final performance, the group performs their entire routine on the stage of the Mattie Kelly Arts center.  It was really neat to see it up a little closer.  It was also super loud!!

Good job, Lise!  You are a very talented young lady and a lot of fun to watch.  Your smile is amazing!

Homecoming (September 2018)

September is the time for . . . Homecoming!  The 14 and 15 year old youth in our ward got together for a dinner and of course PICTURES!  So fun to get dressed up and hang out with good food, good friends, and fun!  After dinner it was off to the dance and then back to another house for dessert and a movie.  Homecoming was a success!

Aly didn't go with a date to Homecoming this year, but she also got together with a group of friends for pictures and dinner.  What a bunch of beauties!

Life is Good (September 2018)

So, by September we are in full school mode.  But even though we've hit the stress, homework, no sleep, exhausted phase, we still find ways to enjoy the journey and make life a little easier.  For example, Kate using her neck to carry her lunch to school every day.  It keeps her arms free and balances the load from her backpack.  Genius!  

Also,doing your 25 minutes of  reading homework upside down is way more enjoyable than reading the normal way.   Or you can always write a book in your writing journal or make your own pinwheel.

Quote of the week from Aly, "So last week I was on time to 3rd period and I was like, 'Wow Aly, you've really got your life together."  😂  (This year Aly wanted to sign up for more clubs and ended up joining the Academic Team.  Go Aly!  You never know what that girl's is going to do . . . )

Trying out new expanding foam face masks is a treat for everyone, whether you're wearing them or watching them . . . 

And if you're still looking for something to do,  you can always weave your own jean material rug . . .

. . . or create your own Perler patterns online.

Picture taken after early morning seminary.  Look how pumped they are for the day!

Other fun things are super hero days at school . . . 

. . . and having lunch dates and field trips with mom!

And finally, when all else fails, go out with friends and do a photo shoot!  

Hurricane Gordon was hitting somewhere along the Alabama/Mississippi border, which meant tropical storm conditions for us.  What a perfect time to go to the beach and take pictures right? 

The beauty after the storm. . . 

We had a rainbow with a blue sky on the way to church.  Loved it!

Chris also sent me a picture of the beauty of Afghanistan.  What an amazing world we live in.

So grateful for creative, beautiful, funny daughters, that I get to watch them grow up and share in their experiences, and grateful for this beautiful earth we have to enjoy.  Life is good.