---->>>>> football

It sure does not feel like fall is on its way...but we know it is because the footballs

are out & BYU won their first game of the season last night. & with a house full of boys...

this time of year is a big deal. You can often hear he kids singing the fight song 

& cheering goooo cougars! 

(Fall sports start next week for the big boys. Flag football for T & soccer for Britt.) 

----------

The boys have a 3 day weekend (Rod a 4 day. happy us.) 

That meant playing outside past bedtime. 

five more minuets mom! 

---->>>>> rewind

I need to rewind a bit....

A few weeks back Rod & T flew north to Michigan for a guys weekend with Grandpa (Rod's father.)

Rod's dad is a blast to be with. He is one of those people that is always smiling (I guess the apple does not fall far from the tree...Rod is the same way.)  I knew between Rod sr. & my Rod that T would have a memorable week of late nights, boating, baseball & takeout food! & He did.  This makes year 3 that the three Rods (sr. jr. III) have had a guys trip.  Its fantastic fun for the youngest of the Rods. 

---->>>>> 1st day eve & morning

In keeping with our tradition we had our annual 1st day eve dinner last night. & as always we had spaghetti, meat balls, & even that messy red sauce. The children were given their challenges for the year. Each year they are given a challenge. Something to strive for in the academic year. 

After dinner & lots of napkins we had a treat & talked about school to prepare the big boys.  the 4 took extra long & bubbly baths & showers to scrub off every last bit of summer. For one reason or another family song, scripture & prayer was a monumental FLOP last night. 2 crying, 1 doing somersaults, the other covering his ears from all the noise & Rod & I turning red in the face. Not sure what was going on for the 4...but we did a fast forward version of our usual nighttime routine & put Presley to bed. Finally the home seamed calm enough for Rod to steal away the boys one at a time for a father's blessing. (a fathers blessing is THIS. )   Tre beamed.  The boys were put to bed with strict instruction that Britton needed to go to sleep quickly because of school the following morning. But, after 2 hours of silliness they were still being goobers. I packed lunches, filled out a gazillion forms, stuffed teacher's 1st day gifts, made 1st day of school cards, & crashed. 

& the big day.

T woke up at 5:30. By 6: his bed was made his big bowl of oatmeal gone & his new school clothes/shoes on. He was ready to go. 

Britt required a back rub, some tickles & the reminder that we were having homemade oatmeal for breakfast to get him out of his comfy spot in bed. One he had eaten he was quick to dress. He & Tre discussed all the big things that were about to happen! 

 

 although still pitch black outside it was time to strap on backpacks & fill up the car. We succeeded in finding a parking spot..which may not seem like a big deal, but believe me, it was!  Tre gave me a kiss (after I told him he could not go to his classroom alone if he didn't.) & hurried off like a big boy.  The 

little ones & I waited with Britt. He went from excited to nervous. When parents were asked to give kisses and say goodbye, I watched as Britt's little friend & neighbor E. made sure Britton was okay.  She made sure he got in line & off they all marched to their first day of school. 

& now there are 2.

7 hours seems like a mighty long time for the big boys to be gone. 

---->>>>>water balloons

Our little part of the neighborhood threw an end of summer/start of a new school year party.

Everyone brought water balloons ready for a water balloon fight!  

 (the dads on the block took it to a new extreme. woah!)

& when the kids were good & wet we ate.

on the menu: Hot dogs, spreads, sweets 

& kool aid for red stained lips. 

perfect end to a fantastic summer. 

Monday--school starts. 

----->>>>start your engines

This is it. 

The last week before the kids start school.

Our list is getting completed 

and I am trying to work in some fun days this week.

Sadly some of those days will involve shoe shopping 

& other less kid friendly tasks.

But for the most part I am wanting those kids to have some last minute happy summer memories. 

getting things done before school feels like a major race for me. 
lucky for me, Rod is quick to help out! 

------>>>>I like to dance

When Presley is in the depths of a grade 10, divalicious melt down there is one cure. 

Her brothers know it, her daddy knows it.

Its Yo Gabba Gabba. (thank all that is holy that it is on netflix!) 

Instantly she raises her arms high into the sky & spins circles while squealing.

She has done this high pitch squeal & arms up for this show since she was itty bitty.

maybe she remembers this when she was just a few months old.

Whatever it is... it works like magic.

Tamsyn, please warn your brother that Rod is dead set on getting Presley on his show someday. If Rod camps outside the studio with her when she turns 4...do not be surprised.  I think he is already gearing her up for "My name is Presley & I like to dance!" & silly faces.