General Conference

Sometimes the girls fight over this scooter they both love and sometimes they take turns. This particular day, I walked outside to see them both on the scooter. So cute! I love this sister duo. 

I tried out a fishtail braid on Eleanor's hair and it turned out so cute. 

I'm reading a book about finding JOY and the author talks about making time each day for things that really bring us joy. I love having this acai bowl for breakfast. I finally picked up the necessary ingredients and smiled as I sat down and enjoyed it for breakfast. Adelaide painted beside me as I had my breakfast. 

The boys and their friends asked if they could have a fire in the backyard. I watched as they worked together to get the fire going. They roasted marshmallows. They asked if we could have hot dogs for dinner. It wasn't on the menu, but since Aaron was traveling this week and I happened to have hot dogs a bun that a neighbor brought over to share, it worked out perfectly. The evening was beautiful so I sat outside and watched the children enjoying the outdoors. 

Adelaide got these stickers from the kid zone at the gym. During the drive home, she put the stickers on her fingernails. So pretty!

The girls were invited to a birthday party. The weather was still hot so it was a water party in Sept. Adelaide enjoyed the cake!

Eleanor is always creating. Her teacher even sent me a message and said Eleanor is a talented illustrator. I agree! She's always drawing or creating something, like these sandals she made out of paper. 

We had Blue at our house for the past 10 days. The kids love him, especially Adelaide. She enjoyed having a buddy around all day while the kids were at school. 

More of Eleanor's creations - she made me this necklace! I snapped a picture as I prepared for bed. I forgot it was around my neck and smiled in the mirror as I brushed my teeth. I love her thoughtfulness! 

My friend's little boy spent the afternoon with us. When my friend dropped off her son, she delivered Sonic drinks, including one for Adelaide! She was happy. 

This same friend then called me in labor at the hospital and asked if her son could stay the night with us! Yay for new babies! Our friends don't have family around and I reminded my friend that this is what we do as a ward - we take care of each other! Adelaide shared animal crackers with Maverick for this little sleepover. 

Austin was invited to Grayson's birthday party which was held at his grandparents house. Aaron went along and I think had the most fun he's ever had at a birthday party. They fished and rode horses! 

On Saturday morning, Eli had two flag football games and Austin had a soccer game. After the games we rushed home and watched the final hour of the Saturday morning session of General Conference. Once the session was over, we packed up our van, grabbed burgers and drove up to Duane and LeeAnn's house for the weekend. We love being out in the country and relaxing as a family together. We did make a family pact that next conference, we're going to block off the whole weekend to be together, regardless of the birthday parties we're invited to or the sporting events we have going on. We did catch up on the session of conference that we missed, but we want to do better about making every session a priority.

Austin's primary teachers challenged his class to take notes during conference. During the sessions, we enjoyed all that the property has to offer. 

Duane and LeeAnn were in Utah at Conference so we sent them this picture to let them know we were thinking of them!

There were 20 new temples announced - 20!! I can't believe it! Aaron and I have told our kids multiple times that we didn't grow up hearing temples being announced at every session of conference. This truly is a miracle! A temple was announced Colorado Springs!! We're already planning to attend the open house, whenever it ends up being!

The weeks leading up to General Conference seem heavy for me with the weight of the world on my shoulders and then conference comes and I'm lifted up and encouraged to press forward and believe and smile and teach and testify and repent and attend the temple and serve and look for the good and be an example of the believers.