8-26-08: Later that day

We had quite the fun filled day on Tuesday. After all the kids came home from school, we headed to Outback for Mitchell and Rachel's birthday dinner. Mitchell picked Outback, and it's a good thing Rachel agreed with him. Then after dinner, we headed off to pack meeting, where Mitchell received a bunch of activity pins (to bring his total to 14 out of 20), and his Arrow of Light.



We then headed home for Zucchini Bread Muffins (in leiu of cake). Mitchell got probably what will be classified as one of the greatest present of all time; 3 lbs of pepperoni..just for him.

Also, Rachel got some 3-D Chalk from Kyra and Brad, so Kyra helped Rachel decorate out driveway. This is only a portion of the artistic abilities of my offspring... but mainly Kyra.

And the obligatory picture of Austin and Jenny. For those of you who don't know, when Danny dies, he's going to marry Jenny.

8-26-08: Austin's first day of 1st grade

We are so excited that Austin is in school all day long. He so needs the structure; I think he thrives on it. His first day of first grade was actually a day later than Mitchell's because they had all the first graders meet their teachers, and not have everyone going crazy on the first day. Austin's teacher is Mrs. Francom, and I think they will be a good match. He sits in the front of the class, and I think that will be a good match as well.



I love this picture of the first graders at our bus stop: Elizabeth, Austin, Halle, and Wynnie. So cute.

8-25-08: Rachel out like a light

I just had to post this picture of Rachel. It was about 9 pm, and she was bushed after a long, hard 4th birthday. I love how her mouth is open, and her little foot is hanging off the bed. There have been times when I've gone in to check on her, and she's got her head in the wall, and the rest of her body hanging off the bed because she's horizontal. Silly, Rachel.

8-25-08: Mitchell's first day of school

Mitchell's first day of 6th grade was on Monday. Can you believe how grown up he looks? We left to the bus stop at 7:50am just to make sure we were the first ones there. Sure enough..we were by about a half hour. It was great to have some time to just chat. I counted the number of kids at the bus stop, and we are up to 18. That's crazy!

8-22-08: Sari's Wedding

Last Friday I "surprised" the kids by visiting Kyra and Brad in Provo, and then going to Cousin Sari's wedding. Austin said it was the best surprise EVER (although his whining ALL THE WAY THERE indicates he does not like surprises), but Mitchell said it was a lame surprise. That's ok because it was mainly for Austin anyway...and Rachel liked it because of the princess wedding dress.
A little history: back in June, we had the Black family reunion. Austin discovered Sari there. He wrote her a sweet note that said I love you, and made her a bracelet. He's quite the ladies man. I'm sure at one point he may have told her that he would marry her if McKell died. He just does that. Hence the trip down to Springville.
One thing I really loved about the reception is that they had cotton candy and home made ice cream, which they made there in small batches with liquid nitrogen. So cool.


This is right after Austin discovered where we were. He carefully arranged himself to be blocking Mckell out of the picture, and he's in McKell's place.

Look how gorgeous Sari is! Austin was thrilled to have his picture with her

This is Austin in line for the second time. He wanted to see Sari again.

And he loved the wedding video. He even surmised that they got married at the Salt Lake Temple. I love that he recognized it from our little trip there earlier in the year.

This is his devious look. He thought he was so tricky going through again.

Sari graciously invited Austin to stand in line with her for a little while. I though t that was such a sweet thing to do. I don't want to imply that I advocate his marrying a girl 20 years older, but I love that his little sweet side comes out when he tries to think of things to do that they would like. His future wife is going to love how loving he is.

I love Austin and McKell are holding hands in this picture.

I also love that Austin was trying to be helpful, and is holding Sari's bouquet in this picture.

He was also trying to be helpful by filling water glasses.
Thanks, Sari and McKell for being such great examples for Austin to follow!

Happy 4th Birthday, Rachel

The little princess turned 4 today. She is such a little sweetheart. She has the cutest expressions, and gives good loves. She likes to give a running narrative of her day, so we always know where she is...unless it's 6 in the morning and she's at a neighbor's house.

Jack Rocks!!!

Mandi and I went to the Jack Johnson concert at the USANA Amphitheater and it was absolutely fantastic. I have always been a fan of his, but I think lately I have started to like his music even more. We had great seats (not that we got to use them much as almost everyone stood for most of it). He played about three different guitars and then strummed some lovely melodies on his ukulele as well. His right-hand man that played the piano, accordion, flute and some weird harmonica-type thing. It was great and I am planning on going back to see him anytime he comes to town.

Day at the Zoo and a new Austin story

I am not sure why, but I can't post under myself (Michael). But anyway, we went to the zoo and are trying to get as many things done this week before the kids go back to school next week (Yeah!!!!!). Here are a couple of photos. Also, I wanted to add an Austinism that cracked me up. In the van the other day he slipped and here is what I heard. "Didn't hurt...pause, pause. Well, maybe hurt a little bit...pause, pause. Yep, knee is starting to cramp. The kid is just a constant amusement in our lives.

fathers and sons

Austin, Mitchell and I just got back from the fathers and sons held at Jordanelle this year. It was a grand time by all except for the one mile hike in with a little handcart. Yes, with all our gear which we had packed for car camping. Luckily, to go out we had the rangers open a gate for all of us to drive to within about 50 yards. We then went boating on our bishop's boat and had a lot of fun. Mitchell was especially good on the tube and even survived some attempts at a "death biscuit" when he went with me.

Latest boo-boo

Austin came home from our neighbors after a little scuffle with his brother resulted in a battle of ear versus table. The table won. Here is the result of eight stitches.

Family "Camping" Trip

The annual Black family camping trip turned into a day in the canyon this year. Due to: choose one or many— rain/weather/sickness/lack of desire to be dirty, wet and uncomfortable for two days, it resulted in nobody taking advantage of the campsite overnight, and only an eight hour excursion to the site for games and activities. Even the normal walk around Silver Lake at Brighton was canceled thanks to Mother Nature's fury. The lunch at the cafe was fun, and obviously Grandpa enjoyed the time with the grandkids. The kids passed the time trying to catch squirrels or in the case of Mitchell, trying to start a fire by either hitting two rocks together, rubbing two sticks, or later placing a stick in the charcoal for dinner. It was a fun time, and maybe next year we will actually stay over a night— maybe.

Swimming lessons

Austin and Rachel just finished a session of swimming lessons with mixed reviews. Rachel's teacher Dixie said that she has no fear of the water and is ready to move to level two. Austin's teacher Spencer said it would probably be best if he stayed in level two. They both had fun, however, and it was a good experience overall.