Happy Birthday Brantley!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Hooray! Brantley was baptized!
Thanks to all who came and ate our food and slept in our beds!
We are excited for the upcoming wedding so we can eat your food and sleep in your beds!
Merry Christmas Everyone!

Now you are all caught up!

Time flies...
Kids enjoyed Halloween and all of the Fall activities we
could squeeze into an already busy schedule.
Soccer season ended and both Brantley and Scott played well, had a lot of fun
and although we had to miss the "ultimate match-up" we enjoyed the season.

We visited Clear Spring Farm where we were able to go through
a corn maze at night. Very cool and a little scary.
After Halloween festivities we ended up with way too much candy.

We are looking forward to the rest of November and again...a very busy schedule.

Goodbye Summer, Hello School Days

Summer vacation ended with a trip to the local zoo and a neighborhood pizza party. Brantley convinced her friend Sara that someday they would be zookeepers together. Scott was content on watching the animals from the safety of the other side of the fences.

The first day of school was upon us and I found myself anxious and unprepared. The kids however remained unphased. As Tim and I drove the kids to school, I pictured the perfect Hallmark moment. Long embraces, heartfelt goodbyes, tears welling up...after all it was Scott's first day of his school career. He said earlier that he felt nervous so I thought of the words of encouragement I would offer, my smile and the excitement it would make them feel about a new school year. But... it was not to be.
Brantley took off with a friend without saying much at all. Then Scott ran into the building like a trooper. The nerve! I stood there wondering why neither of them told me how much they would miss me or why they didn't stay to hold my hand and wait for my hugs and kisses. The moment came so quickly and now it was over. But wasn't this a big deal? And then I realized...school is way more fun than hangin' out with Mom!

The first few days have been great for them and don't worry about me, I'm staying strong.

My poor sunglasses

We just spent a lovely day at the Jersey Shore where the kids body surfed, jumped in the waves and collected seashells. Scott had the best comment ever..."Ah this is all I need Mom. My lunch, the sand, some waves, and fresh air."
Tim had a great time playing in the waves with the kids and trying a little boarding himself.
I had a marvelous time with a surprise tsunami that sucked me up and spit me out on the rocky shore, but not before ripping my new sunglasses off of my face and taking them out to sea. Some might ask why I was in the ocean wearing sunglasses and my reply would be that I didn't think wading out to mid-thigh height was considered "in the ocean" but apparently I was wrong. The sad part is that it was the first time I bit the bullet and spent a little dough on some nice shades.
Figures!
Although our tans never really stuck this summer, we are on our last week of summer vacation and that really stinks. The kids, however, are looking forward to school and I just hope I can survive without them.

JOBROS

For those of you wondering how it went?
The Jonas Brothers concert was soooo fun!
I ask, who doesn't appreciate Disney Channel rockstars?!
Everyone does I tell you! Everyone!
The evening started with a surprise guest...Demi Lovato.
Then Avril Lavigne came out and did a great set. Brantley was very excited about her pink hair streaks, pink diamond microphone and pink drum set. Tim had discovered he liked a lot of her songs. Me...I know way to many songs that thirtysomethings probably shouldn't.

Then...the best of the best came out. Yes, Nick, Joe, and Kevin delighted us as only teen hearthrobs can. They played some old favs and introduced some new tunes. It was awesome when they sang Burning Up...Scott sang right along and was the cutest ever!
The kids, although extremely tired and coming off of their sugar high of cotton candy and kettle corn, made it through the 4 hour musical feast. And I have to say that we made it through because we love our children dearly.
We spent the following day back at Hershey Park. Besides waiting way too long for rides and getting SOAKING WET...(we all had to buy dry clothes for the ride home)...we had a blast.

And for those of you still debating whether you should spend a ridiculous amount of money on Jonas tickets this summer for your kids love and adoration?...Heck yes!

Summer Tradition

We have just returned from Hill Cumorah Pageant.
We had a wonderful time. I think out of all four years this was our favorite.
Maybe the torrential downpour during our walk through the Sacred Grove made it a little more exciting?!
The kids had a blast and made great strides in the hotel pool.
We regret our children inherited our ability to completely panic in water.

We return home with a renewed appreciation for the restoration of the Gospel.
Hopefully this feeling will help Tim endure Trek.

Summertime Critters

Brantley never passes up a chance to meet new summertime friends.
The amazing thing is that they love her as much as she loves them!

Soccer boy

Scott has finished up his spring soccer season.
He got to play defense and offense this year.
He made friends with a lot of his teammates and had a really great time.
We are very proud of him!