finishing august

Michael was called to be the cubmaster, and Kristen got to hang her scout hat on the shelf (hallelujah).

Alyssa was a Texas Star all summer....she really got into the singing and hand movements, and her new friend Savannah joined her each week.  She had 2 performances at the end.  The first, she invited her friends Avery and Riley to come (sisters).  Dad and brothers also braved the long show.  We then went out to eat to celebrate.

The fam stayed home for Alyssa's second performance, and Savannah's mom Caroline and I took the girls out for a McDonald's ice cream cone to celebrate.  The girls were a little hyper...first day of kindergarten was the next day.

This same friend, Caroline, had a birthday and we went out with other friends. I didn't know her before we moved, but I heard about her from our commen friend, Emily.  Emily is next to Caroline below.  Emily was in my ward at church, but was college roommates with Caroline and she knew I was moving into her ward boundaries.  Our kids match up perfectly (she has boy,boy, girl, girl, girl) just one extra girl more than me in there:)  She is a crafter like me, and we try to go jogging a few mornings a week.  She is a great friend. 

My friend Jenny invited us out to her parents lakehouse.  Jenny has twin boys Cali's age, and is a budding photographer, and I've had the chance to mentor her a bit. I had actually been to their lakehouse before 6 years ago for a YW sleepover, but didn't know Jenny at the time.  Kinda strange to go again.  Her mom informed my children upon arrival that she trumps parents with her one rule: You can have as many ice cream treats as you want out of the freezer.  Um....I'm ok with that.  I helped myself to a few, too!

Michael went out to wakeboard with Jenny's parents and we came to relax.  He was very excited to get up for the first time, but on the first go up, he broke his finger.  Not realizing it, he kept going.  It would be in a finger cast for at least 2 months after.  Totally worth it, he said.

Then Cali was just getting into stuff at home...

Then, to completely sum up the month of August, we have Michael sub coaching the boys basketball game:

 should I say that the below facial expression is exactly what I would have done?

 THE END of August!