Jackson's Baptism

I hate when I have blogging issues! However I seem to have found a way around them (although by a convoluted method!) so I can commence.

 

The week before school started we vacationed in Utah. Our first event while we were there was Jackson's baptism! Since my family lives in Utah, and Eric's entire family (except one brother and one niece) were visiting, Jackson was able to have his entire extended family there to celebrate with him. He is one lucky boy!

 

 

Some of the kids waiting for the main event:

 

 

The baptism was held at Eric's 96 year-old Grandpa's chapel. Eric did the baptism and confirmation. Todd and Mallory gave the talks (thanks guys!) and Megan and I gave the opening and closing prayers.  Nephi's Courage and I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus were his song choices.

 

Freshly baptized:

 

 

Receiving his congratulations from Aunt Autumn:

 

 

Great Grandpa and Grandpa:

 

 

Sade and Uncle Derek:

 

 

My Dad, Aunt Leila and Uncle John:

 

 

Our fam:

 

 

After the baptism we went over to Great-Grandpa's for dessert. He bought Jackson this awesome cake:

 

 

Jackson and Grandma:  

 

 

My mom, Sade and Ken:

 

 

Eric's parents and Jackson:

 

 

Hangin' with the ladies:

 

 

Me and my favorite boys:

 

 

The kids (and uncles) spent hours and hours playing.

 

 

It was a great day. We felt so happy and blessed that so many were able to spend it with Jackson.

First Day Of School - 2012

Well it happened. Megan and Jackson once again started school. I always have mixed feelings. Especially this year because we had a really great summer full of freedom and fun.

 We didn't get home from vacation until Sunday night, so it was a bit of a rush getting ready. Although we had all of our school supplies, I discovered that the uniform company had only sent me one of Jacksons uniform shirts. Oy vey! Did I mention that I purchased them at the beginning of August, and people who purchased them after me had received theirs?! Did I also mention that they guaranteed me I would have them? And did I mention that they now tell me they are back ordered and have no idea when they will be getting them in? It is frustrating to me, but at least Jackson has one shirt, and luckily I held off giving away his shirts from last year so he won't be clothesless.

I'm kind of in love with the new logo shirts. All of the kids look so good in them.

 

 

Heading out:

 

 

Meeting up with friends:

 

 

I had heard that they were encouraging parents to just drop off their kids and not walk them in, but I didn't like that so I walked them in anyway. Well at least I walked Jackson in. Megan was long gone.

 

 

 

They both had really awesome days! When I asked Jackson how his day was, he responded in dare I say and enthusiastic and excited voice, "It was great!". This is from the boy who is usually pretty closed mouthed about school and generally says everything is fine. He really liked his teacher and said she was nice. He was also pretty happy that she appears to be a big Harry Potter fan.

 

 

Unlike Jackson, Megan likes to give a full report. Which I think is fabulous!

 

Some highlights:

 

She has lunch with most of her friends.

She has all new teachers and thought they were all good.

She especially liked her guitar teacher.

Her guitar class only has 10 kids in it.

She is the only 7th grader in her pre-algebra class. The rest are 8th graders. And there are only 3 boys in it.

 

 

Woo-Hoo for School!

Bobcat

OH MY HECK! Pack meeting is awesome. I had no idea. There are all sorts of cheers, we get treats, and play we games. Did I mention that there are CHEERS?

Anyway, it was Jackson's first Pack Meeting on Wednesday, and he received his Bobcat rank. Already! He has worked hard doing all sorts of things, like memorizing the Cub Scout Promise, The Law Of The Pack, The Cub Scout Sign, Handshake, etc. AND....I received a pin! Again, I had no idea! It was a thrill.



Good job Jackson!

Swimming Kind Of Week

It's been a swimming kind of week around these parts. On Monday we once again visited the Hollywood Pool. This time with a few more friends:

And then on Wednesday we hit up the YMCA Heinrich Pool by Meadows Mall, which we had never been to before. In fact, we had never been to any YMCA pool since we are not members.

It was enjoyable. They have a really large kiddie pool area, and one big slide. At the YMCA you have to pass a swimming test in order to go down the slides. Even the adults! I will have you know, that the entire time we were there (3 hours) I was the only adult to take the test. And thereby, the only adult to go down the slide. That's right. I'm totally fun like that.

Getting Our Money's Worth

I only paid $30 for my family Springs Preserve pass this year (thank you Travelzoo!), and I have to say that we have definitely gotten our money's worth.

Before school starts I wanted to make sure we caught the bug show:



This is how Sade watched the majority of it:



And then while going to bed last night she had a mental breakdown convinced a scorpion was going to bite her! Curse you Springs Preserve!

Last time we were there the flash flood exhibit was closed. So this time we made sure to catch it. Have I mentioned that I have seen it approximately 10 times? Luckily it is still cool!



Again, not Sade's favorite:



Other thrilling pics:



And to think I still have 7 months left on my year pass!