The Last few months

For those who don't talk to me on a daily basis...our lives have changes a lot recently, and we aren't done yet!  But here are the latest updates.

CHARLES joined the Air Force Reserves.   He started this year going to Highway Patrol Academy and after that didn't work out he decided he really liked working out and running and wanted to get yelled at some more so off to boot camp he went.  He was the oldest in his flight, but one of the fastest and most respected.  He has a few years life experience on some of these kids.  He has graduated and is finishing his third week of classes in tech school in Virginia.  He should be home in November.  After that, there isn't really too solid of a plan, but I have confidence he will work it out.  I am thankful every day that the Lord is taking care of us and knows what is best for our lives, cuz I am not sure I really get the point right now!

He was a drummer in the band (HA!) back row 3 from the left

 I told him I expect him to keep up his end of the bed making and clothes folding from now on!  

 I was super glad I got to go down to Texas to see him graduate.  It was almost like a second honeymoon...Except that while in public we were not actually allowed to touch!

The kids are super happy that now we actually get to TALK and skype with Daddy.

 

I have been a single mom for 7 of the 10 months so far this year and I have been grateful that Heavenly Father has kept me patient and sane.  We still try to get out and do fun stuff, although Aria who still "talks" to me like this pretty much at all times certainly wears on my abilities to be amazing!

  We went on a hike at Red Rock.  Still a little warm to do this in October, but still fun

At one of my YW volleyball games.  I did get released a few weeks ago so things have been a little calmer!

I took Ethan on a date to the Renaissance Fair in town for a little us time. 

 I am not sure what I was thinking, but Audrey saved her own money for a dog.  So I let her get one!

 Mom turned 70 and rocked it with style!  We were lucky to have everyone together for 2 days.

 We tried to do it up in style.  We made 7 desserts.  One for each decade and got to hear her memories as we tried each new one.

 Dad turned 66 and wanted to eat at Mon Ami Gabbi at the Paris.  

 We are not sure what the future brings for us all, but we are looking forward to it and living in the moment till then!  We are happy!

Whew!

 There was massive amounts of crying today from one of these angels after I told them no more Lego Batman today, but thankfully this is how we ended the day!  WHEW!

 

Charles Big Moment

So you know there are several types of World Wonders.  Man made, natural, modern, ancient.  And looking at these lists really makes me want to travel the world.  Well Hoover Dam is on one of those lists.  Most of us have been to Hoover Dam that live close to Las Vegas.  But only some have ever been as deep as Charles has been able to go these last years working there.  And only a handful EVER have gotten to do what they let him do during his last week of work!  Check it out.  I think they will miss him there.

It's 650 FEET!!  to the bottom.  See those two little dots on the left of the white half circle?  That is what people look like from the top of the dam!

The few people who get to do this are able to leave their mark!

Under the bridge from the bottom!

Our elf

We started elf on the shelf last year and it was a HIT!  The kids talked about it all year long and they are more excited about him then about Santa I swear.  I created a calendar for December and listed what he does every day.  I also put on there what we will be doing every day for our 24 days of Christmas. 

Here are just a few of the things Morian has been up to at our house!  My kids don't even come get me in the morning anymore..  They are so excited to find what mischief he has gotten into that I have been forgotten!  So sad. 
Sack races

 Fishing

And the all time favorite today he made the kids breakfast

 Complete with hot cocoa, orange juice, a min orange, mini slices of bacon, mini waffles, and a little peppermint heart

News

So I have some news.  Charles got the job.  LAST YEAR he applied for Highway Patrol and with everything in our awesomely efficient government going on we JUST found out that he got the job.  He leaves to start the academy Dec 30th in Carson City.  I start the 6 month long haul of single parenthood.  I hope I survive. 

The best part though is that we are finally finally finally getting out of Vegas!  We are officially being located in Elko, NV.  6 months ago I would not exactly have shouted for joy at this prospect, but I am actually pretty excited about it.  There is a little town just South called Spring Creek and it is pretty new, and even though it is still Nevada it is higher NV and at the base of the Ruby mountains which rival the majesty of Utah mountains.  All the homes are on 1-2 acres and there are 2 church buildings just out there in the town of 12,000.  Elko has a pop of about 20,000.  There are grocery stores and plenty to help me feel like I will still have a real city to live in. 

I am super excited to get to spend next summer in the snow, and get chickens, plant a real garden, and maybe one day (SH don't tell Charles) maybe get a horse!  We will also be pretty central to LOTS of family and places to visit.  Hopefully we can figure out how to afford a home there!  But we are very excited for this next journey in life. 

I suppose that means I need to re-tackle the blog.  So here is to updating!

We drove by this house with 10 dear in the front yard!

Something to smile about

 Spring is in the air, my seeds are in the ground, my baby is almost crawling, my big kids play super awesome and learn so much so fast, and my husband is weeks away from finishing a masters degree!  What else could be better than that?

Elf on the Shelf

I am introducing Elf on the shelf this year to our house.  I decided he needed an entrance, so I built him a sleigh.  My mom had a sleigh when I was growing up and I always thought it was so cool.  I do think I  might like mine better!

And look how stinking cute Aria is in it!!

Lately

 HALLOWEEN

 Smile Ethan

 No, smile Ethan

 Ethan!!

Growing our own green beans.  So fun, we are so green and earth friendly!

The kids love to come cuddle with Aria in the morning

Finally cool enough to camp outside.  I am not brave enough to actually leave the house with a baby yet! So we practice in the backyard, which the kids love.

This just makes it all ok.

Charles told the kids he would take them to Disneyland if they did their fitness.  Pushups and situps every day.

Super fun and super fast.  My kids love their Captain America and Mighty Knights shield (Backyardigans)

Audrey always begs to feed Aria.  She loves being such a little mommy

 This is her holding Aria like shes gonna give her a burp.

We got to spend labor day with our good friends in Logan UT.  They have a backyard without a fence and real food growing in their garden.  So weird and country like!

 We got to go out on the boat and my kids were in Heaven.  It was so fun.  Even Ethan got on the tube which I was so impressed with because he HATES cold water.