LABOR DAY WEEKEND
We went to the cabin on Friday, and teamed up with the Jeff Miller's for some ultimate fun! We
left on Saturday night with plans to return on Monday.

FIRST DAY of SCHOOL
I cried this year. I cried a lot. This year marks the year when all of my children are in school for the entire day, and when Hailey is now in Middle School (at a new school with people she doesn't know--Middle School is bad enough without those parameters). After kissing and hugging my kiddos good-bye, I finally released my grief, and I wept. I am a mom. That is my job. I love my job. What do I do now that they are all gone? Now that they are all growing up? I don't doubt that I will be plenty busy--being a mom is more than time spent in my kid's company, but more specifically what will I do with my heart?  I miss my kids. I love them home. I love being the one who teaches them, who cares for them. Sometimes I wish I felt that home school was the answer, but I don't, and so I cry.
After crying my eyelids dry, I called my dear husband for his calming reassurance. As soon as he answered, a fresh new batch of tears emerged without warning. "I wish Jacob wasn't our last," I told him. I do not doubt the inspiration received determining that he would be last. I just sometimes wish the inspiration was different.
My heart aches. I really don't like the first day of school, but I am ready to smile, because I know that this is for our good. Doctrine Covenants 90:24 states, "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing and all things shall work together for your good." I will study. I will pray. And I will believe in happy endings. 

Bike Rides

GREENBELT RIDING
We took one last ride around the greenbelt before school starts. I am going to miss my kids!

FEATHERVILLE WITH THE DAHLBERG'S

MUD:
We stopped boating for a time, so we could allow the kid's to play on the beach. 

STORMY WEATHER:
While we were boating, a summer thundershower rolled in, and caught us by surprise!

A storm moved in quickly, and took us by surprise.

BRIDGE JUMPING:

POPSICLE POND:
We call this portion of the river "Popsicle Pond", because the water is so frigid--it freezes to the bone.

Jake killed yellow jackets all weekend. I'm not sure why he wasn't afraid, but he enjoyed his time killing them, and collecting them in a cup.

ALTURIS LAKE and REDFISH LAKE
We spent a few days camping at Alturis Lake, and then an afternoon at Redfish Lake. I was sad when it was time to go home. I love my little family. I love that we are truly good friends. I hope my children are always good friends. These relationships we have are truly special.

 

We had to jump off the edge about 1,000 times!

I love the reflection of this picture.

My Best Friend

Muscle Man...

 

Hershey's Chocolate Chip

YUMMY

King of the Mountain

Redfish Lake