As for me, I’ve been busy with kids and Primary now that the swim team season is over. We’ve made some big changes in Primary lately and had some massive staffing needs, but I think we’re on top of all that now. I also got a new 1st counselor recently and it’s nice to have a fully functioning Presidency again! We’re now gearing up for our annual Primary Sacrament Meeting Program. Our ward is pushing this as the biggest event of the year in helping with Missionary Work. We’re all going to be inviting our friends, neighbors, teachers, etc. to come listen to us sing about Jesus Christ. So, you’re all invited on Sunday, September 26th @ 11:00am.
I’ve recently started getting into some home projects that have been neglected. Every 6 months we have a bulky/brush pickup that the city does. They come around with a big claw and trucks and pick up all the tree limbs, fence boards, etc. that people are getting rid of. Well, that begins this week, so over the weekend we did a lot of needed yard work. We now have a decent sized pile of brush in our front yard waiting for the trucks. I painted the kitchen almost a year ago, but never finished the baseboards, windowsill and door/door frame. So, that was another project that got finished over the weekend. Now I have the windowsills in the office and living room to do, and the trim on the stairway and upstairs bathroom to finish. I have probably only 1/3 of our house painted so far…..so many more rooms to go!!!
A friend in our ward asked me if I would make paracord survival bracelets for him to sell. So, that’s something that I’ve been doing in my spare time (while watching TV in the evenings mostly). They are woven bracelets that are made from parachute cord that can be unwoven and used for many outdoor survival needs. There is about 16+ feet of nylon cord in each, along with 7 strands of thin cord inside that can be used to make fishing line, traps, etc. I think they are pretty cool! It’s something easy to do that can help me earn some extra cash.
On July 9th Austin participated in his Second Swim Team Championships Swim Meet. We’re very proud of the accomplishments he’s made in swimming this year.
His first event was Butterfly, coming in 5th of 18 swimmers with a time of 20.99 seconds.
Second event was Freestyle, coming in 14th of 37 swimmers with a time of 19.03 seconds.
His third event was Individual Medley (his first year doing this). He came in 10th of 10 swimmers with a time of 1 minute 52 seconds. Earlier in the season his times on IM were 2.19 and 2.12, so he REALLY made some major improvement there!
Fourth event was a Freestyle Relay, coming in 10th of 13 teams with a time of 1.16.91.
On July 21st we celebrated Austin’s 10th birthday. We tried to make it the best day ever!!!….since he hasn’t had a real birthday party since he was 3. He had his favorite breakfast - French toast, opened presents, went shopping to spend his birthday money, we went swimming as a family, then he had 5 friends come over in the evening for pizza, cake, fun & games, and to watch his favorite movie – “Percy Jackson & the Olympians : The Lightning Thief”. All in all, he had a great day!
On July 12th we celebrated Logan’s 6th birthday with a HUGE party! It happened to be the end-of-year swim party for swim team that day, so we had a potluck dinner and swimming…and Logan came home with 2 trophies. One for participating on the team, and another for being the Boys age 6 & under “most improved swimmer”. Way to go Logan!
When we got home we had birthday cake with some friends, the Clayton family. Logan also got to go shopping to spend his birthday money. He chose a “Thomas & Friends” building to add to his ever-expanding train collection, and a gumball machine.
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Carson has had a lot of opportunities to “swim” this year, and we are excited to get him on the swim team next year. He is not afraid of the water by any means and with his floaties on he is very good at both freestyle and backstroke already. I’m sure he’ll be a great addition to the team next year! Carson is having a fun time with his brothers home this summer. I’m sure he’ll be sad to see them off to school again in a few weeks...although I know I’ll be totally fine with that!!!
Jackson is now 19 months and just too cute for words! I can’t get enough of that little guy. His personality is blossoming and it’s so fun to watch him learn. He talks quite a bit when he’s home, mimicking things people say or do, but when he’s out of his “element” he clams up. Several people have asked me if he ever says anything. He sure does! Jackson has also become quite the climber, which we have to keep an eye on. We’ve also recently had some close calls with him on the stairs, wanting to come down without turning around. He is just testing his limits I guess…he definitely keeps me on my toes! Jackson recently had his very first haircut at 18 ½ months. Our kids have all been born with very little hair, but Jackson wins the prize for going the longest before his first haircut.
Well, I guess that’s another month summed up for us. We look forward to school starting, cooler weather and hopefully visits from some of you!
Love – Rhett, Maren, Austin, Logan, Carson & Jackson
