Some More Lasts for Joseph

This morning Joseph woke up early to go to the temple and out to breakfast with one of his BFFs Scotty, who is going out of town for a family trip, so this was their last chance to see each other. I'm glad Joseph has had such good friends. He's gone to the temple with friends on Tues, Wed, Thurs, and now today. I'm sure he's got plans to go tomorrow too, cause this kid is intense. He's been busy saying good bye to friends. He came home and crashed for a few hours on my bedroom floor. And I love this picture I got of him - seems like an appropriate bookend photo for the end of his childhood - my 18 year old sleeping in a stink bug pose on my floor, just like my toddlers.

Ethan has been at Summerfest this week. Tonight they had a concert. When I took Wesley to LBB on Wednesday I went by the Missionary Mall on University Parkway to check out shoes. I couldn't decide, so I suggested Joseph come down with us to the concert and we'd go by there and get him some shoes. Plus Joseph went last year so that might be fun to go support Ethan. Eth had a great week in the classes and at the dances. He stayed in the dorms (he paid extra to enjoy the all you can eat student meal plan!) Ethan did a great job at the concert, a lot of solos. He texted Corey earlier in the week saying he's never been more excited about music, or more excited for Corey to hear it.

During one song when they announced who was soloing, I heard some girls in the row behind me say "His name is Ethan!" 

After the concert, Corey, Joseph, and Ethan enjoyed chatting with the head of the music department. Corey's always networking and working on helping his kids get into BYU. 

We left at 8:40. The Missionary Mall closed at 9, so we were in a hurry to get to the store. I got a chuckle out of these signed outside the elevator.

And inside the elevator, lol. These students are serious musicians

We left at 8:40. The Missionary Mall closed at 9, so we were in a hurry to get to the store and got there just in time. Joseph went for the Dansko shoes, even though Corey thought they were ugly when I first shared pictures of them on Wednesday. They said they are really really good shoes for missionaries that are on foot, which is what Joseph is most likely going to be in Guatemala - walking and riding the bus. So, Joseph went for comfort and decided they don't look that bad anyway. Then he had to decided between two different types of black shoes or does he get the same shoe in black and brown. Decisions decisions.

Yeah, we're getting the last few things, Joseph's heading out on Tuesday! Wonderful promises to our missionaries from a prophet of God.

We bought shoes for Joseph and Corey! Corey's needed a new pair for a while! Corey and Joseph are going to have a little contest to see who can wear out their shoes more in the next two years. We left around 10 and were ready to finally go out to eat.

Unfortunately most restaurants close at 10. I google searched for restaurants and we round that yay, Cafe Rio stays open until 11! Joseph and I both got tacos. Joseph ordered black beans with his, and poor Joseph has never liked beans! Did you see the picture at that post there - he didn't like them but would eat them, but had to use a nose plug to help him gag them down. At Cafe Rio, as he prepared to take a bite, he moaned "Beans. Ok, let's get this over with!"

Followed with "Ugh... two years!!" ...cause we can guarantee this young man will be eating a-lot-o-beans in Guatemala! He lamented "This is one of my last chances to not eat beans, and I ordered beans!"

But he muscled them down. "The rice tastes okay, I don't know why they would want to ruin their rice with beans!" It was fun.

Our last date night before Joseph leaves, it was fun to share it with him.

Family Pictures 2018

Rochelle sent me the link to our family pictures last night. I didn't see it until this morning cause we were gone until 1 a.m. at the Manti Pageant. So, yay, what a fun thing to see in the morning! Here all my ducks in a row, with Owen crying for his daddy -

Here below is one of the good family shots, even though the little girls aren't smiling... We might need to do a little photo shopping to get a perfect picture. Owen's happy now though.

Here are my favorites of the kids - Joseph, he's heading out in just a few more days! He's sporting the missionary look, minus the badge

Melodie - getting contacts soon, so she thought she's do a few without her glasses, she looks all grown up!

Ethan - we all came to BYU to do the photos so he wouldn't miss too much of his Summerfest Music Camp.

Hyrum, the wind was blowing contrary to his hair, so I'll try to fix that later buddy, but I gotta post it for now. Don't worry, you still look good!

Wesley - He's got a good smile!

Abigail - we joked that we did the family color scheme to match her eyes and braces.

...But we're actually trying to do a Guatemala Flag theme in honor of Joseph - white and blue with a little brown and green to represent the logo and quetzal bird on the flag. Lilian - she was feeling pretty in a lacy dress, an early b-day present, her birthday is on Saturday.

Sophi - she was pretty serious in all her photos. Cute little girl

Natalie - I thought she looked like Shirley Temple in her photos. She's a cutie.

Owen, we were happy we caught a smile on him! He was still wary of what was going on and kept a close eye not to let Corey move too far away from him.

And of course, everyone's favorite little person, DANIEL!!

It's so hard to choose just one of the cute baby.

Yay, we did it. The last thing on my to-do list before Joseph leaves got checked off, and it was a decent turn out. Until next year!

Speaking of which... next year, do we do pictures without Joseph represented at all? Or do we hold up a 8x10 framed missionary photo or flag or something? I'm open to suggestions.

Manti Pageant

Corey's been talking for a couple of weeks about going down to the Manti Pageant. He asked the kids who wanted to go. They were all kinda dragging their feet, so we almost cancelled the outing. We had a hard time figuring out how to do it with kids and their commitments over the next few days, but today could work... Mel has a flute lesson tomorrow at 5, which was a slight conflict for time. On Friday Corey wanted to go see Ethan's Summerfest Concert, so that wouldn't work. We decided to give it a go and Corey headed down at 5:00 with 4 kids. I was gone taking Wes to LBB (and running errands to the Missionary Mall and such for things for Joseph) and then when Wes was done we headed back home to pick up the rest of them. A little bit of running around for me, but better to make two trips to American Fork than to make one with everyone and try to find a way to kill two hours while we waited for Wes. I ran by Costco for some road trip snacks. When I got home and told Hyrum we were going, he didn't want to, he said Dad had already left. "No, you're going with me. This is a required family outing!" Corey didn't want to push it, but he'd mentioned it so many times to me, that I was pretty sure he wanted us all go to. So, yeah, it's required. Hyrum and Lily protested but obeyed. We were in the car and picked up Joseph at the church after his meeting and we were on our way a little later than planned at 7:15

We thought the pageant started at 9 and that we were cutting in close, but it started at 9:30, so we got there just in time. Time to park the car, Corey paid a kid to save us a good spot in their field, and we parked super close, so it was great! Joseph drove down, I was in the back with the kids. With Ethan gone at music camp we had room for one more, so Joseph invited a friend Spencer.

We haven't been to the pageant for a few years, or if we did I don't remember cause it wasn't blogged about here. I bet it's a fun thing for all the people who participate in it, but a lot of it seems silly to me. Sorry, is that rude? But when Mary dies or when Robert dies - like the only think I remember from when we last came 6 years ago was him saying "...Home.... just ....over.... that.... ridge... " and then he's dead. Maybe if it was a true story. Hmm, maybe it is a true story. I should do my research before I laugh at it. Anyway, I was sitting by Wesley and we were giggling though a lot of it. Also, no biggie, but the dialogue exchange between Captain Moroni and Zerahemnah was not entirely accurate (See Alma 44) they added a few things in there for effect, which is fine, just saying. 

We walked to the car when it was over, and drove North and didn't have to wait or get stuck in traffic or anything, we were home in a jiffy. At 1 a.m. Yay, and I'm sure we'll all be sleeping in in the morning. Our family morning routine hasn't been working out yet, doh.

Family Outing

Well, it's summer, and the lazy days are getting the better of us. Not entirely, but I'm having a hard time enforcing rules, like no TV until all chores are done. Wesley, have you practiced? 

He had. Well ok, but then the problem is that if he watches a movie, people that haven't finished their tasks start creeping in and soon everyone is sitting around watching movies they've already seen too many times. But I do admit, Wes, that it is cute to see Daniel having you sit on his lap.

I wasn't enforcing things much yesterday cause after I got off the computer I was busy figuring out outfits and doing hair. Everyone was ready just about on time, Mel was the slowpoke, she had a flute practice for a musical number on Sunday - she left for that at 4 and she still didn't know what she was going to wear. But she got home at 5, figured it out, and we were heading to the car at 5:30, on our way at 5:45. We got there a little late, like 7 minutes. But it was good and I hope it was a successful photo shoot. We took about half of the pics near the BYU Museum of Art, then headed across the parking lot to a fun little park where the kids got a little distracted by the ducks at he pond. Cute little baby ducks! They were super cute. After picture, the kids rolled down the hill and got their white tights dirty. Owen was chewing out Hyrum over something.

Well, what should we do now? They kids were troopers. We did the pictures at BYU so that we could wisk Ethan away from his Music camp and then let him return with as little time away as possible. 

So Eth missed out on the family dinner at Brick Oven, but he was able to make it back for the dance. Daniel's got his teddy bear. We waited for a table for 12.

We placed a big order. I can't remember the last time we all went out to eat at any restaurant besides the Chuck A Rama Buffet place. The kids struggled a little bit waiting to be served. We told them this is a step up from Chuck a Rama, this is more like a real restaurant. We just always go to Chuck a Rama cause it's easy. This was harder for us, this was the game "Dining out with kids -Level 2". I'm not sure we passed the level, but it was a good first go. When the lady delivered our 16 in pizza, it wasn't set right on the iron thing holding it up and the whole thing slid off of the pizza pan. We told them no worries, it was fine. Two pieces got the cheese messed up but it was still fine, but they said they'd go make us a new pizza. Corey again told them we're easy to please, don't worry about it, then instead they offered cookies for our table.

So that turned out to be a nice win cause those are some seriously good cookies (I make an exception from vegan morals now and then for chocolate or desserts, I'm a choco-vegan) Daniel enjoying pizza and garlic bread. Sophi ordered macaroni too

Hyrum got the pasta bar. Mel and I had soup and salad. The Tuscan Bean soup was very good! Everyone eating. Some of the kids were disappointed we weren't doing Chuck a Rama, but after eating they decided it was good, almost better. Sometimes it's better just to do something new or different for a change.

Some fun family conversation during the meal. Corey's comments always make me laugh.

We were there near the end of the work day, and one of the last groups to leave. Mel watched Natalie and Sophi walk on top of the parking curb stops. They're cute. When they were walking out I knew they wouldn't be able to resist.

Cute kids. That was a fun and memorable family outing, and just in time. We have a few days for a few more. Let's go have fun.

My Attempt at Mission Pictures

I attempted to take a few mission photos of Joseph last night. We probably waited too long and they were a bit dark, but this one was pretty good -

He went in and got Corey's old name badge from Chile, so we've got Elder Wride II reppin' La Iglesia De Jesus Cristo De Los Santos De Los Ultimos Dias. The field is white!

Although I'm pretty sure the field next to us is tares, not wheat. You're looking like a legit missionary Joseph! Good thing, cause you just got 8 days and then it will be really real! But it's not real yet, so take off that badge -

We might try for a few more photos later today or this week. We're also getting family pictures taken today. Ethan is gone at BYU Summerfest, so we're going down there for the photos so he won't miss too much of his lessons and activities or whatever they got goin' on. Which means I should stop procrastinating here and get everyone's clothes ready and hair done. I still have 5 hours, I got time, right? It's been a lazy morning. We stayed up until 1:30 last night talking with Joseph.

One by one all the kids crashed around us. Except for Owen, who fell asleep at 9 and then woke up at 10:30 cause we were all still awake, that was when I knew our night was going to be messed up.

But we only have a few more chances for our late night deep talk sessions, so it might be worth it, even though we all somewhat regreted it this morning (ugh, my morning routine is so off... I feel like I owe Holly an apology!) A few more pictures, I stayed after church for an hour for a meeting, when I got home, I saw this little character zonked out on the couch -

His face was not relaxed, those little eyebrows concentrating hard... it was like he was really trying to focus to stay asleep. Our little Daniel Tiger!

We had a nice family talk after church, talking about how life is about to change, and it will keep changing. Joseph wanted to share this song with us that he likes. He shared it with me on our car ride back from the Las Vegas Temple. Very pretty song. Corey and I were weepy, which made some of the other kids tear up too. We're going to miss Joseph. We want you to go on a mission, we don't want you to stay home, but we will really miss you. 

Corey has been saying for a while that we've taught him everything we know to teach him, now it's time to go get lessons from the wrold. There's not much for you here, and you're not missing anything. We'll just be loading the dishwasher and all the usual stuff, and life will be a lot the same when you come back home, but you will have had so much growth and experience that YOU will definitely not be the same. We're excited for him, cause we know what it's like on the other end.

Another picture - a lovely father's day rainbow outside while I was talking on the phone with my dad. It was at his house first and I went out to see, but we didn't have out, but I went in and got my camera so I'd be ready if it did show up, and soon it did, a big 180 rainbow, so pretty.

Birthday Fun with Dad

Yesterday was Corey's happy birthday. The kids are out of school, but it was a typical day of work for him, so we kinda celebrated today instead. I went out early and bought him a big cinnamon roll from Great Harvest, and two small trays of cinnamon rolls for the kids to share.

Cinnamon rolls are always a hit, especially the big deal ones like these with lost of frosting. 

Everyone always is excited when we get to sing the Happy Birthday song and light candles. It's like a game. We did it several times so all the kids who wanted to had a chance to blow out the candles.

After breakfast, the kids were motivated to do their chores quickly cause Corey wanted to take us all out to see Incredibles 2 at the theater, which just came out today! This is a real treat!

I was able to enjoy a little less than half of it when Daniel got bored and started to fuss and I had to leave with him.

I was pretty bummed cause I wanted to see the movie! It was at an intense part where they were trying to figure out who the bad guy "Screensaver" was or how they could find him and stop him. But no, Daniel didn't care. So I went out. Darn it. Lucky for me, as I waited in the hall, I checked in occasionally on anther showing of the movie. When our movie ended, the other show was about in the place where I had to walk out with Daniel. The kids were ready for food, but I asked Corey if I could stay and they could go out and then come back and get me after they were done eating. It worked out perfectly and Corey didn't seem to be upset or frazzled that I'd abandoned him to take a van full of kids out on his own while I stayed an watched the show. So they went to Chic-Fil-A while I got to see how it ended. It is a good movie, really fun!

They were on their way right as I was done, I walked outside to meet them and we were on our way home. That was a fun birthday activity with dad. I ran one errand later today to Kid to Kid. If I run errands during the week, when Corey is at work, I can usually escape and leave little kids home with the older kids to babysit. But if I do it on a weekend I usually have to take the toddlers with me. Owen had a great time though.

Cars cars cars...

This little guy loves cars. Maybe we'll get him some cars for his birthday. Cute boy.

The older boys have been gone at High Adventure this week, we'll see if they share any pictures of their trip with me so I can post them here. They left on around 3:00 on Tuesday June 12. I don't even know where they went, I think to southern Utah. I'm sure it was a great time though, will try to post about it later.

Typical Summer Day

The days of summer are here. The fort is still up in the front room, though it's not being used now, since it's fallen apart....

...but the kids haven't cleaned it up yet, cause they are off on some creative adventure making a new mess in another area of the house. Wesley has been busy downstairs making a lego game: I don't know what it is or how it works, but I did play it with him for a little bit.

It seemed a bit complicated to me, but I just rolled the dice and then moved my player, and he'd tell me what I was supposed to do or what tragedy had just befallen me, and then I'd do it or I'd accept the tragedy. It was a long game too, I didn't stay to finish it all, but he was excited and he'd worked hard on it. Abi seemed to get it, she took my spot. I probably could have understood the game, by my brain is a bit full and too distracted to try to concentrate on learning the rules. But good job Wes, I'm proud of you.

What else... here's a picture of little Daniel. He likes his bear and his bottle. 

That is a good photo representation of his life as a one year old - running free in his diaper with his bottle and bear close by. There area few snapshots of what is probably a typical summer day around here this year.