Bryce Canyon with the Parkers

We went to Bryce Canyon with our Parker family.  Cindy and Katherine (both pregnant) couldn't come and Cade sprained his ankle right before and almost didn't make it, but him and Ally (also pregnant) came.  We drove through Burrville, so we stopped at the nearby diner for shakes.  The scenery was fantastic and we went on a tough hike, but the kids did really well.  We all stayed in the same house, so it was fun to do meals together and play games with Kyle (of course). 

Band Life

We had a busy summer/fall with Carson being a quasi-member of the band.  I cannot even tell you the number of times one of us had to go outside and "play band" with this kid.  He also had a set of band flashcards to review all the instruments.  Whenever he was outside and heard them practicing, he asked if he could go watch practice.  He went to their shows and even a football game to see them.  The band came to do an assembly at Barratt Elementary, so we went to show our support.  He wore his full outfit and the kids loved posing for pictures with the future band member.  He even made the AF Band's facebook page.  :).   

Andrew turns 9

It was pajama day at school for Ribbon Week right on Andrew's birthday - holy dream come true for that little boy!!  He had me make him an ice cream cake (again - so easy!).  We took all his friends to Nickel City in Orem and let them play arcades and spend their tickets.  Pretty easy party, but it was busy - we didn't hardly take any pictures.  We have learned with Andrew that it is best to celebrate on his actual birthday!  (waiting is much too hard)

Andrew is a great kid!  He loves hanging out with his friends and he loves video games and movies.  He's pretty easy to please when it comes to food.  He is an early riser (like his daddy) and he does really well in school.  

Here are some cute stories of Andrew recently:

- This morning, Andrew said very sincerely, "I feel bad for babies because they cannot pick out what clothes they want to wear."  I told him that babies were not the only one's that don't pick out their clothes.  I let him know that Chase & Cole's mom lays out what clothes she wants them to wear everyday.  In utter shock and terror he said, "Everyday?!  Mom, please tell me that you will NEVER do that to me!"
- After hearing that Aunt Ally would likely be in labor for 8+ hours, he said, "I know what I should be grateful for.  I am grateful I am not a girl."
- Andrew wasn't able to go to sleep one night because he felt so happy.  He was happy about the fact that Kendall played the wii with him before bed and that they "got good with a new guy".

September

- I snuck away with my mom to St. George for a little less than 24 hours to shop and see "The Sound of Music" - we had a wonderful time and even ran into Aubrey Van Pelt.  We also hit more Ross' and TJ Maxx's than I even knew existed!  

- Carson has been a good buddy helping volunteer at the elementary.  He was really sad when school started and he realized that he didn't get to go.  Wearing a backpack helps make him feel a little better.

- Rachel played Recreation Volleyball with Brynn & Christy.  Aunt Rachel was one of her coaches and they had a great time.  It was hard to manage her AA soccer and volleyball schedules, but she did a good job being responsible and doing both at the same time.  

- Ribbon Week at Barratt - pajama day even miraculously fell right on Andrew's birthday - a complete dream come true for him! Andrew & Kendall also enjoyed crazy hair day that week.  

- Carson has really enjoyed dressing up this month - he especially loves the twirly skirts at Nana's house.  

- BYU football game turns with daddy!  Go Cougars!

- It is starting to get colder.  Brynn came to watch one of Rachel's soccer games and it got so cold all of a sudden.  All we had in the car was a yoga mat, so we turned it into a jacket for her - ha!  

- Brandon photoshopped a picture of Carson riding a lion (his favorite animal and his favorite movie is still Lion King) and Carson was absolutely tickled with the end product.