September

In September, we went swimming at the Lehi outdoor pool with the elementary school, the kids rode their bikes to school, we had a pool party at Luann's pool with the Winzelers, Megan did everything with her new build a bear, the kids discovered (and borrowed) the neighbor's kittens, Josh and Nate shared a moment (I wish I could remember what it was), Megan played soccer, and Josh had the rain gutter regalia for scouts. 

Barson Family Retreat Continued

Barson Family Retreat

As siblings we decided we needed to do a "reunion" again, but without either of our parents (since we didn't know how to do that with their new circumstances). And we decided not to call it a reunion. For now we'll call it a retreat. We rented a house in Heber and stayed for a couple nights. We went to Deer Creek Reservoir and floated down the Provo River (except Megan--she was a little nervous so we sent her back with Korinne and her kids), played games, watched movies, and stayed up most of the night. We had a great time! Playing in the water and floating down the river were awesome. But, the best part was watching our kids have fun together. We missed Ryan and Heather and Kathie and Mike and their families, but we were so glad we did it and can't wait to do it again next year!

End of August

Nate helped Lia start an instagram account strictly for faith promoting posts and she used this picture of Megan for it. The next picture is Megan at the dentist. After our last horrific experience at the dentist with her, I decided to have her put to sleep at the beginning of the visit. It was awesome!! And it was so funny to watch her literally giggling with the laughing gas before they put the IV in. Next are pictures from a young women's activity the Mia Maids were in charge of (I have a new calling as an advisor with the Mia Maids). We played water kick ball and then had a whipped cream and jello fight after. It was a lot of fun and it was fun to be with Lia. Lastly, I checked Lia out early from school and took her to get a drink. I can't remember now what prompted it, but I think it had something to do with me feeling bad about how we started the day. Regardless, it was fun and reminded me once again that I need to do more of those kinds of things.

Josh's First Pack Meeting

Josh was so excited about his first pack meeting. He earned his bobcat and some belt loops. He is loving scouts! I love watching him get ready for it: putting his shirt and neckerchief on as fast as he can since we're usually running a little bit late, putting his belt on, and making sure his shirt is tucked in so he can get the full uniform prize. I am so glad he loves it and I'm so thankful for good scout leaders!

Camping Trip up American Fork Canyon

We told the kids we'd go camping all summer and we finally made it the weekend after school started. We of course didn't get up there to find a spot until about dinner time so there wasn't much left. But, we did find a little place that amazingly enough fit our massive tent, right in between two scout troops. The scouts were great, I just thought it was amusing to listen to them and their leaders all night. We had a good time roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and reading stories around the campfire. The next day we walked around Cascade Springs before heading home.