Aleeya and Iris

THIS little lady......my oldest girl turned 10 in October and wanted an Emoji party.

For some reason (I think out of mercy) she always seems to pick the easiest piñatas for me to make.

(sitting on one of the new reclining chairs Brooks and I bought and picked the fabric out for. My first new chairs. WHAAAAAT?!)

If Aleeya wants an Emoji party, well by golly I was gonna dig deep into my professional art skills and draw some emojis on some balloons. (One looks like it has a bloody mouth and the zipper mouth guy looks like he's smoking. But regardless, she liked them)

Her party ended up being on Brooks' birthday......his big 40th by-the-way. But since he doesn't like being celebrated this worked out. I wasn't about to have him stay in a house with THIS much estrogen on his birthday night

(and yes, I drew emoji faces on yellow $-store plates. #imsofancy)

so I shoo-ed him and the boys out the door to go to a football game.

By "boys" I mean the older two. Emerson went to a friend's house and Royce.....well, he's usually clumped with the girls anyway. 

The two girls (twins) on the left are our neighbors and spend every day here usually. They were so helpful cleaning up everything and playing with the younger girls. We love them.

On Aleeya's actual birthday she got her junkbox from us (she's so easy to excite)

She also wanted a messenger-bag/purse, a soccer necklace and a Sonic giftcard.... her favorite.

She also likes Shopkins.....think she got enough?

(I had to test how the cookie cake came out, right? Pretty sure she won't notice it)

Aleeya also has been on a travel soccer team this fall. She tried out for the A team and got on. They don't have a NON-traveling soccer team in town. Weird. 

But ol' "Wheels" made us proud.

Aleeya ALSO now shares a bed with Iris.....every morning when I go to wake them up I find them spooning or turned into one lump under the blankets. I took THIS picture because it was unusual to find them somewhat separated. haha

Iris makes friends super easy and lucky her, there's quite a few girls her age in our church!

BIG DEAL ALERT!!!!

Iris was old enough (8) to go with Aleeya and me to the General Women's Conference Broadcast in October. Here we are at Ruby Tuesday's (their pick) before.

Sure that above smile is quite awkward and makes you think she's super excited......she's actually just super uncomfortable. She was SO embarrassed to go into a public restaurant all dressed up because "people will look".

And at the table, still quite fidgety and uncomfortable. 

Iris LOVES corndogs (#facepalm) and so THAT'S what she ordered there. I'm about to offer some experienced advice....do NOT order Ruby Tuesday's corndogs (as IF you were tempted....), Iris said they awful.

Iris also played soccer this fall. She only played goalie once so I snapped a picture.

Soccer kept Aleeya and Iris busy.

The other times they were home they opted to play 4-Square and Jump-over-the-Toilet-Snake

#redneckstatus #DEFINITELYwouldntwantittotouchyou

Emerson and Royce

Emerson Emerson Emerson...... like all my kids, he's an original. 

But really HE IS!!!!!

He's got so much...... moxy...... the first two weeks of his new school riding his sister's pink/white bike to school everyday, for example. "I'm confident in my manhood". Emerson ALSO has his own likes.

While a few of my other kids were playing different sports this fall, Emerson found something he was EXTREMELY passionate about...... Cooking Classes.

The thing is, they were quite a bit more expensive than most extracurricular activities. So we showed him the budget and he had to analyze it and present his ideas as to how where the money could come from and the reasons/benefits why we should sign him up. I will say, he was most convincing.... and enthusiastic. 

He rides his bike to the classes once a week. 

Did I mention he loves it? 

(pics from his teacher)

You can just tell how much he loves it!

At the end of each 4-week session they have a Kids Iron Chef competition. Emerson's team came in 2nd. Next time he's going for 1st he says. 

(the kids love Food Network shows as much as I do)

One night we let him cook a few of the recipes for the family. It was delicious.

Twice he has gathered sticks and asked our neighbor for all of his and built his own bonfire. He's one of those kids that has an idea and is going to do it.

Emerson is EXTREMELY passionate too. Which is what makes taking him to games to entertaining.

Not the actual game, watching HIM watch the game is my favorite part. We went to a high school football game and Emerson got as into it as the 40-year long-time fans here.

Even when most people sat down, Emerson was still up cheering on the Cyclones.

He's also the kid that runs down right in front of the cheerleaders to catch all the goodies they throw out. This super-fan got a shirt and a few footballs. He's hilarious.

Emerson also tried out for the 6th grade Quiz Bowl team. They were only going to accept 10 kids out of the 25 who tried out. I logically pointed out to Emerson the odds weren't in his favor. #bubblepoppingMom.  The day they announced the kids who made the team they did it in alphabetical order. His name was the LAST name called and he audibly let out a cheer in his class. :)

He retains information quite easily. As smart as this kid is, he readily admits that the reason he wants to be on Quiz Bowl Team is because of the snacks. :)

Him admitting that reminds me of something he did at the first of the year. Emerson had to pick some extra class (either art, band, choir, etc) for his school schedule. It was a no-brainer for him, he picked choir. His brothers giggled and asked him why he picked choir and he said, "because that's the class where all the girls are."

When I went the first week to finish getting him signed up for things the counselor told me it was an all-boys choir. 😂😂😂I couldn't help but think what a shock THAT would be to him.

Needless to say, he chose to transfer into art. (Bummer, because he can actually sing)

And he's still a big ol' Mamma's-boy. I love that.

SPEAKING of snuggle buddies...... (and probably my biggest one)........Royce. 

This fall he played on an 8 year old baseball team (he's 6 and was the youngest kid on the team). He batted 5th in the batting order and played third base. Baseball is his passion......unless he has money. Then the concession stand is where his heart is.

On "Crazy Hair Day" at school he was also voted the "Terrific Kid" Award in his Class. There's only one per class for the 1st quarter. 

His speech still isn't as understandable as other kids his age but that doesn't seem to slow him down in school at all. His teacher says he participates, is respectful, always does his work and stays on task. I love these pictures from his teacher. 

Who COULDN'T love that face?!?!?

I went to a parent's day thing and his teacher was reading a book at the front of the classroom. Royce is on the back row concentrating and listening so hard. 💓

The oooooooooooooonly thing about the whole school mornings with Royce is he's SO picky about his socks or shirt or backpack or anything that touches his skin. If his socks are lumpy, or shoes don't "bend right" it's kind of an ordeal. Which is why, I also choose to STILL not bother with the whole underwear battle. He's such a rebel. Maybe one day he'll get on board with the whole undies-wearing trend. I'm figuring it'll be about the time there's locker room PE classes.

Once every tactile item is in place though he's the most pleasant kid. He also loves to ride his bike to school with Brooks on his way to work. Camden and Emerson usually ride with Brooks but now Royce has been doing it a lot and there's just something heart melting about a little kid speeding down the road on his bike.

Please enjoy the picture of the ONE time he wore a helmet because it was required at his school bike day. Again, it doesn't quite "feel" right to have a buckle strapped to your chin. 😂😒 I took the helmet back to the store and got a refund :)

Bronson and Camden

Okay, so since I'm about 3 months behind I thought I would do a quick catch-up on some of the crazy things my kids have been up to.......plus, different kid= different adventures.

First off...... Bronson.

The boy who in his first week of school finds out that golf season already started in the summer and contacts the coach to see if he could join the team. #nofear

Coach told him to go shoot around with the team and it turns out anyone who can hit a ball will make the team. But when it comes to an actual tournament or match the coach will only take the top six from that last week of practice. Bronson made it every time. He's the only 9th grader on the high school team as well. It was so fun dropping him off at the course every day.

And even MORE "fun" trying to get a picture of him.

"Mom, stop taking pictures."

He also tried out for the 9th grade basketball team and made that. They had THE BEST fundraiser. Ford had us go and test drive a vehicle. For every car that was test driven, the team got $25 or something. Ummmmmm, how easy and fun was THAT!?

Bronson came with me and he chose the Mustang....... but he didn't think he would be crammed in the back seat for the test drive. haha

He got student of the month for the whole school (8th and 9th grade) in October. He didn't even TELL me. We found out from a teacher! Anyway, I wanted to get a picture of him in front of the sign.

BIG SURPRISE......he said no. 

I told him I would even give him a treat if he stood there. 

Nope.

Then he suggested I buy him a large shake from Steak N Shake and then he would.

Um, MY turn to say NOPE.

#idontnegociatewithterrorists

Soooooooooooo, I had Kellyn and Everly stand in front of the sign..... and the "B" apparently.

Bronson is a super responsible kid when it comes to his grades (4.0).....when it comes to his belongings and especially clothing, not so much.

One morning, 15 minutes before the bus was going to come he said, "Mom! I forgot, I needed my practice gear washed for basketball today."

"Huh, well, too late to do that now!"

"But Mom, if we don't wash it, we have to run extra."

"Welp, it looks like you'll be running."

He didn't take me seriously and threw it in the washer. Then he looked at Brooks and said, 

"Dad, when the clothes are done being washed can you just bring it by the school?" (it's right by Brooks' work)

I saw a mischevious look come over Brooks..... "Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure I'll bring you your clothes."

When the clothes were done Brooks puts the practice clothes in THIS bag.....and it's HUGE. Then he sticks the baby doll in it hanging out.

And as ONLY Brooks can do, he sweet talks the front office lady to CONVINCE her to let Brooks actually walk the bag to Bronson's class.

When Brooks gets there he announces loudly in front of the class that he brought Bronson's bag for him and held it up. Brooks said our son's expression was PRICELESS and it was everything he hoped it would be.

We were hoping that would help CURE him of his forgetful nature.....guess we were wrong.

The next week he left his lunch. Brooks came to the rescue again and removed Bronson's lunch from the brown bag and delivered it to him in this.

For some reason it's EXTRA satisfying when we prank the family prankster. 

Even if he's a prankster (and a good sport) his younger siblings still love him. Here he is with Miss Iley May. #hergiggleiscontagious

#torturingbrother

There was a 3-way tie for who the 5th man was going to be to go to the State Golf tournament. They battled out and Bronson got picked to go to State.

Brooks drove forever far away (with Camden) to watch.

Aaaaaaaaand it was probably Papi's worse golf-playing ever. Thankfully this kid has a great temperment for golf.....or at least that's what Brooks says.

This picture was taken AFTER the scores were posted too. 😂

The men-folk decided to find another manly restaurant to eat at before Priesthood session....why not try out a Hibachi Grill. Camden doesn't even LIKE rice and he said it was good.

And speaking of Camden......that 7th grader walked up to the basketball coach (try-outs were last year) and asked if he could be on the team. Camden had to go to a solo-tryout and made the team. Thanks to a lot of checking back with the coach........afterall, the "squeaky wheel gets the oil" right?

Besides golfing a ton Camden has been spending quite a bit of time fishing. 

What's funny to me is they rarely CATCH fish.......but it doesn't deter them from thinking they are going to come back with a full cooler.

Look how hopeful they look (bless their hearts) with the bait-shrimp and WD-40 they made me buy.

#familyofwannabefishermen #sorryfishermen

And they came back with an empty cooler of melted ice.

I kept feeling like my freezer was unnessarily being robbed of its ice. I mean if they CAME back with fish that would be one thing, but they usually didn't. 

Finally they made friends with Cody in our church here who actually CATCHES fish. He led them to one of his favorite spots.

They were clearly so proud of themselves.

And instead of catching and releasing them they brought the smelly things home.

Because who doesn't want a free petting-aquarium for your baby?!?! (Wynn)

A KISSING aquarium too. Nast-Y!!!! #bothusingthetongue

Camden measured the fish......you know, to see who "won"......

And then Brooks' anatomy lesson started during the gutting session.......on my back porch.

They aren't allowed to cook (or eat) the fish in the house (I can't STAND the smell) so they tried cooking (they called it "smoking") them on the charcoal grill thing that's in our garage.

Apparently they didn't turn out so good since they forgot to skin the fish. 

But hey, memories and good-family-smelly-togetherness, right?

First Day of School

Another new school year.....another new school for these rascals. They are such good sports.

Aleeya is the oldest at her K-4grade school this year being a big ol' 4th grader.

Iris- 3rd grade

And good ol' Roycey is starting 1st

All in the same school still. yay

Even BETTER, they are all in the same BUS with the older kids too!!!!!

Bronson is SUPER excited about THAT!

This Freshman (at the Junior High)

gets up every morning and goes to Seminary at 6a.m. (Scripture/Gospel Study classes). Then he comes home, eats, showers and heads on the same bus as his 6 year old brother. 

He's LIVING the dream!

9th grade

Bronson wouldn't let me walk them ALL the way to the bus stop (which has since been moved to the front of our house!....you know, numbers move bus stops)

But I DID make sure I stayed in sight-range for him. Hopefully he was looking out the window watching his mother dance as the bus pulled away.

Because something IN me just lets LOOSE after a long summer of crazy noise, messes, a move, boxes, teasing and irregular schedules.

I danced.....

and danced......

and jumped!

Camden and Emerson ARE assigned to take the bus as well, but decided this year to ride their bikes every day to school (all schools are close to a mile away).

These two get to stay home another half hour and get home a half hour earlier because of riding their bikes.

7th grader-too-cool-to-smile

6-grader-beaming-smile-man

All six of the kids got home from school and had a great first day, liked their teachers and found friends. Phew. I like what I'm seeing!

And I GET to stay home with these four precious girls.

I think most of the reason I love when school starts is that I get back the simple time with young kids. You know, the magical time of the day when you tell them grapes and cheese are for lunch and they all cheer (or run to their high chairs). If I did that to the older kids......well, let's just say it would be LESS "magical". 😏
I raaaaaaaarely leave the house during the day. Something important would definitely have to come up for me to go out. I prefer the hermit-state during the day to sit back and enjoy the show in my own home. There's enough running places once everyone gets home as it is.
The babies thankfully still take morning and afternoon naps. Kellyn and Everly both take an afternoon nap. And the rest of the day we fill it with book/snuggle time, learning letters and making disastrous messes. It's the stage where the backyard and garage are enchanting lands every day! The girls are really good at disappearing, yet they reappear for "feeding time" (yes, I worded it like that because sometimes I feel like a seal trainer throwing out fish) They usually are off busy playing house, Barbies, church, store, TEACHER (OH YES! SOOO much teacher), grocery store and dress-up.
I think that's why I've never sent any of my kids to a preschool....
THIS little stage is too magical and precious (and messy, I know)

So yes, BRING ON THE SCHOOL YEAR and don't judge a dancing Mom.