Lots of Updates

Wow! Who knew life with five kids would be so hard! I am amazed at how much things changed by adding #5. I have been busier and more tired than I ever thought possible. Tons has happened since my last post, but I will only touch on the highlights:

At the beginning of August Mark was gone for the good part of a week to scout camp and for the first time I was left on my own, days and nights, with five kids and an incredibly fussy newborn. The morning he left I was in tears. A few hours later these arrived. Need I say more?

Ella's first day of Kindergarten...she was so proud!
Walking to school with her new friend:

Showing off her "all about me" poster:

Bryce's blessing day: September 5. It was a beautiful blessing and focused a lot on what a great missionary he'll be. Grandpa Horton gave him his outfit. It was a nice day with good support from family & a nice dinner at our house after. Love his pouty face:

With Mom and Dad:

Can't get enough of these thumb-sucking pictures!

Mark used the bobcat to get all the [millions] of rocks out of our backyard. We are trying to get sod in [finally!] before the cold weather hits. The kids loved riding in it with Daddy:

Ammon is part tractor I think. He spent hours out there with Mark.

We had a fun trip to the cabin last weekend with our friends the Abeggs. The weather was so beautiful and a bonus of no bugs! I LOVE this picture of Mark and Bryce!

Three cute girls

Ella was so happy to have some time with her good friend Grace

I spent a good part of the time up there with Bryce like this. He slept great in the carrier:

Learning how to blow grass whistles:

Target practice with all the kids:

Cracking nuts for the "chippies"

Mark grew giant sunflowers this year - this shot is in August before the heads filled out. These were about 12 feet tall I think:

He entered his biggest head in the Utah State Fair and it took second place for size! Way to go Mark! We went up to the fair Monday, a fun family tradition, and were happy to see Daddy's ribbon! Too bad we didn't take a camera.

Today (Sept 17) - some more cute smiles:

Other than that I have been busy keeping up with three kids' homework, Holly's jazz class, Ella's "Broadway Bound" music dance theater class (with required at-home practice), canning peaches (although I swore I wouldn't can anything this year I couldn't turn down 2 bushels of free, beautiful peaches from my Dad!), potty training Ammon (incidentally he's doing quite well, but still - ugh!) and all the other general mommy/wife duties that run me ragged! I have been able to get "out" and play volleyball with the ward a few times & although it's not at the level I would prefer, it is fun and a much needed break. Now I'm just really glad it's fall - my favorite time of year!