Updating the past few weeks

We have had lots going on and have been busy the past few weeks, so I need to do a marathon update.

The first thing that I have to tell you about is our "Big Surprise!" It wasn't a surprise to me, but I had fun helping to pull it off! I got a phone call from my beautiful niece, Nicki, towards the end of July. She had found a great deal on a plane ticket from Idaho to Huntsville, and called to see what I thought about it. Of course I told her to buy it, and come visit. She hasn't been in 2 years, and we were dying to see her. So, she did, and asked me if I could keep it a secret from everyone else, which I agreed to. I casually asked my mom and sisters if we could get together for brunch the Saturday after Nick flew in (she flew in on a Friday evening), but they didn't seem too enthusiastic about it, so I decided that I would have to resort to more drastic measures. I told my mom to spread the word that I had a big announcement to make, but I would only tell everyone once they were together at the shop (Kristi's chocolate shop). Of course that drove them all wild, and they imagined everything from an announcement of pregnancy to us moving out of state. It was great fun to see the looks on everyone's faces when they saw Nicki! I got the following Monday off work, and the kids and I stayed up at the farm for an extended weekend. We had a great time hanging out, eating pizza, shopping and swimming. It has become a sort of tradition when my nieces are here that we put the kids to bed, then head out onto the front porch of the farm house to watch lightnin' bugs, swing and talk. We had a great time doing it this visit, and we giggled about lots of girl things! Nicki is hopelessly in love, and we dreamed about and planned her wedding! I hope her boyfriend doesn't mind! Here is a picture of Nicki on the swing:


The kids and I headed home on Monday afternoon so Josh and Megan could get ready for their first soccer practice. It was hot as heck, but they enjoyed themselves. Kyle had practice the next night, and he is happy to be playing with some boys he has been teamed up with before. Their first games are this weekend, and they are all so excited. We don't have Kyle's schedule yet, but we know that Josh and Megan have overlapping games. The good news is that the fields are right beside each other, and since Megan and Kyle have the same coach (different teams, though), we know that they will not be playing at the same time ever.

Last Wednesday night our YW did a service car wash. We wanted to thank all the ward members who donated to our fundraisers and helped send us to camp. We had so much fun, and I think some of the girls saw more water that some of the cars! Here are a few pics from the night:


One of the best pictures of the night, though, belongs to one of our Laurels, C. Those involved in the "incident" asked me before hand to make sure I got a good picture of it, so here it is:



The kids and I went back up to Fayetteville this past Friday night. We met Nicki, Kristi and Kurt at the theater, and went to see The Mummy. We went swimming again on Saturday, then headed back home on Sunday morning. We had to have Nicki at the airport by 10:30, and it was so hard to say good-bye to her. We are all planning on not making it another 2 years before she can come again.

Seminary started this week. Kayti is thrilled, Josh not so much. Josh hates getting up early, and sitting through classes is almost torture for him, so put the two together and the boy is not a happy camper. He has been a really good sport about it, though, and we haven't heard too much complaining out of him.

Last night Kyle had a Court of Honor. I was so ticked at myself for forgetting the camera! Kyle earned 4 merit badges, and 2 ranks, and he is now a First Class. We are really proud of him for working so hard!

Tomorrow night I am headed to the temple with 3 of the 4 kids for a youth temple trip. This is the first time that I will have been with Kyle, and I'm excited to go. We've got lots of picture moments this weekend, so I had better make sure the camara batteries are charged!

I have to take just a minute to tell the world how wonderful my hubby is! He has taken the kids to seminary every morning, and to soccer practice every night this week. I know that he can't be available to do it all the time, but I sure do appreciate it when he can and does. I guess, though, that I should get off of the computer and show him that appreciation by getting some dinner cooked!