Noah's Birthday

Our cute Noah turned 10!  He actually had kind of a lame actually birthday (but it was ok - we asked his permission).  His birthday was ON Labor Day and the day we had to drive home from Utah.  So we woke up at grandma's - packed up - opened  his present from Grandma (a headset/microphone for the x-box) - and then left.  He didn't even get a special breakfast becasue she didn't have a kitchen.  He handled it like a champ and never cared.

That weekend we pretended like it was his birthday.  On Saturday he had panikakers for breakfast and mac and cheese for dinner.  He opened his presents (a trick scooter) and then for his party he just wanted his 2 best friends, Mark and Finn, over for a sleep over. (his friends slept over Friday night)

First I took them to the movie "Teen Titans Go the Movie".  Then we came home and had "cake" and then had a sleep over. 

For his cake he wanted chocolate trifle.

Breakfast panikakers in the morning.

Noah is a great 10 year old.  His favorite thing might be talking.  He is full of questions and ideas and will talk to anyone for hours.  He loves xbox and if he has a willing audience will talk about his games for hours and hours.  He also loves to read and is often asking em to take him to the library.  He has taken a real interest in science lately and calls himself a "science nerd".  He is very excited for  the new baby.  Noah loves babies and small children and I know will be a great big brother and a great help.  Each year gets a little more challenging for him as more stressers and expectations are pilled on him - and as the gap between his peers and him grow wider.  We talk openly about his challenges and strengths and he is learning new coping methods.  I am proud of him for how hard he tries.

Outdoor ed

We had to drive home from Utah on Monday (Labor Day AND Noah's birthday) because Brock had Outdoor Ed Tuesday morning.  In the 6th grade all the students go to a camp for a week.  He had so much fun and I think grew up a lot.  They had great activities and they learned a lot of independence.  When I went to pick him up he dropped his bags and ran to me and gave me a hug.  It literally melted my heart.  He said, "I almost got homesick".  When I asked him what made him homesick he said he "missed yelling at Noah".   Upon more inquiry he meant (I think) being responsible for and playing with Noah.

I sent him with my old digital camera so he could take pictures.  These were the best ones.

Him and his good friend Cameron.

Lincoln

Andrew

Utah: Baptisms and blessings

One of the wonderful reasons to go to Utah was for the baptism of Sam and the blessing of Alex.

Cute Foster Family

All the grandkids

Back: Eddie, Sam, Maya, Audrey, Addie, Maddie, Caroline, BRock

Front: Mikey, Brad, Alex, Megan, Noah

Sam's baptism was on Saturday and we had a party at their house afterwards.  It was a lot of fun.  Alex's blessing was on Sunday and we had a family dinner afterwards.  My sister is wonder woman putting on two events 2 days in a row!

Utah: Travis and Jeanne

Since this was one of our shortest trips to Utah we didn't have a lot of time to see people.  Jason made special effort to spend time with his best friend, Rob Tobler almost every night when the the kids went to bed.  One evening I went with him and saw their new baby Joan.  Rob's wife and I, Jill, have become good friends in our own right and we really love them.   Sadly we didn't take any pictures.

We also made time to go see Jason's brother Travis and his family.  We usually spend more time with them on our Utah trips - but with my mom's house being under construction we couldn't have them over for dinner or dessert like we usually do.  Our kids are quite a bit older than their kids - but they all had a fun time at their house.  They were wonderful hosts and it was great catching up.

Cute Marcus and Gwen

Utah: Brighton Game

My neice, Caroline, had been taking a cheer class and they were performing during half time of the Brighton football game.  So we all went to watch.  

Utah: Boating

The next morning after the sleepover at the Fosters we went boating.  It ended up being  the perfect day.  The weather was nice and we practically had the lake to ourselves.  The kids just tubed the whole time - for about 4 hours!  I was so sad not to be able to tube or ski - but hey - babies are worth it!

So glad I got this hunk to come with us.  Boating is my happy place.  It is sort of his sad place.  So I am glad when he comes with us.  Lucky for him it is only once a year or less.  But before we got married he promised one day we would buy me a boat :)

Brock isn't that into water.  He tubed once or twice.  But he does seem to enjoy the boat and does say he wants to go boating.  Anyway - grandpa let him drive a boat a few times to try to engage him.