Where Did the Summer Go!!???!!???

August 7th I dragged Jeremy to Lake Norman Charter High School for the iPad deployment/assignment meeting.  LNCS is doing a pilot program using more technology in the classrooms.  They chose the 9th grade as their pilot grade for the high school.  We had to sit through an orientation about safety on the internet and the rules the students would need to follow with their iPads.  We were then assigned our iPad and shown how to set it up.  It was a great day and Jeremy ran into several friends he knew from way back when.  At one point, a really cute girl (whom I recognized as our friend from the Little Gym when she and Jeremy were three) screamed Jeremy's name, threw her arms around him and gave him a huge hug.  The look on his face was priceless.  It was somewhere between "WOW!" and WHAT?"  He didn't know who it was hugging him, but she was cute so he didn't mind.  I stepped in and said, "Tyler, it has been such a long time since we saw you last."  This gave Jeremy a minute to recover and handle the situation like a gentleman.  Needless to say, after this and several other meetings with old friends, Jeremy is really excited to start school at LNCS.  We also picked up the boys schedules and supplies.  They are both getting antsy for school to start.

August 8-9  we took a short trip to Myrtle Beach.  Between work and scouts Steve had been gone most of the summer so this was really the only trip we got to take all summer.  The kids and I had a great time hanging with friends and playing at the pool (when it was not raining), but it was fun to get away as a family.

Naomi was so excited to be on the road that she took several pictures of "being on our way, FINALLY!"  The kids really love to road trip, so this was the beginning of an adventure for them.  

We stopped at the temple in Columbia, South Carolina.  Nick and Naomi have never seen it "in person" and wanted to make the stop.  It made Nicholas even more excited to turn 12 this year and get to go do baptisms with the youth group.  While we were there taking pictures, we met a family from Richfield, Utah.  There were in South Carolina at the graduation of their 17-year-old son from Army training.  The kids thought it was funny to meet someone from Utah at the temple in South Carolina.  Being LDS is awesome.  We stopped at the bookstore across the street and got each the kids a "real" CTR ring (the kind that are made to fit, not adjustable).  It was fun to be in a place with so many LDS things.  The kids had a great time looking around.  

We arrived at Myrtle Beach State Park with plenty of time to set up camp and then head to the beach to play for a bit.  We had foil dinners and told silly stories during dinner, which was NOT around the campfire as it was still the 80s by 9:00 that night.  It didn't get much cooler but we managed to sleep a little bit.  Steve slept in his hammock and the kids and I were in the tent.  In the middle of the night we had a visitor in our camp.  A raccoon was very curious about what was hanging in the trees and decided to check it out.  It crept over to the fire ring and propped it's front paws on the side of Steve's hammock.  I don't know who was more surprised, Steve or the raccoon.  The kids loved this story as Steve told it over breakfast the next morning.  

Although we spent some time on the beach the night before, it was tough for the kids to have to wait until after breakfast to head to the beach in the morning.  Our campsite was great.  The trees were beautiful and provided a ton of shade, which was very welcome.  We thought that with that many trees would could certainly hang our hammocks and not even have to set up the tent, but the trees were being used by ... see below.

...Big spiders!  Good for keeping the bugs away.  Bad if you happen to wander through the trees without looking first.  This a picture of Cadence.  She was really fast when we threw a moth in her web.  WHOA!  We also had Bertha, Andromeda, Beth, and Sally.  We were told they were harmless, but they still looked kind of scary.  

We were on the beach by 8 a.m. and played straight through until 3:00 p.m.  We all took turns on the boogie boards and riding the waves.  I must have caught 30 waves.  It was a blast, but we were all exhausted by the end of the day.

Steve was exhausted in the middle of the day.  

Jeremy made a sand chair for relaxing.  

When we asked Nick what he was doing, he said it was cooler in the hole.  

Looking for shark teeth.  Naomi found one!

After six hours at the beach the kids surprised us with "Can we go home now?"  The night before had been rough with the humidity and the visitor and our rowdy neighbors (who didn't quiet down until 1 am which is when the humidity really returned).  They wanted to be in their own beds that night.  We told them if they would help break down camp we could head home.  They had everything packed up in record time and we were on our way home.  We now know that camping at the beach is definitely tough to do during the humid summer months.  We tried it 10 years ago and decided to give it a second chance.  Won't do that one again.  We learned our lesson.  

The kids didn't want our vacation to end so we took them to Reed's Gold Mine on Saturday and got to explore the mine.  The kids were fascinated by the fact that the mines went so deep.  They also didn't realize how much work it was to get the gold out of the rock.   We met a nice family at the mine (who happened to be LDS as well - small world) and they took this picture for us.  I am standing on the same level as Jeremy.  He is officially taller than me now.   

After visiting the mine, the kids wanted to try their luck and pan for gold.  It was tough work, but we all enjoyed it.   

Nick "struck it rich."  He found enough gold to buy a hot dog and a drink, but who cares...he found gold!

The weekend also involved shopping for school clothes.  This is the first year that the boys actually got into it and enjoyed themselves.  Steve and I let the kids try on whatever they wanted.  We then helped them select the clothes we were going to buy.  It was interesting to watch them.  They would find things they liked and then they would look through the clearance racks and see if they liked anything there.  It must be genetic, because they found very similar items in the clearance section that they actually liked better than the full-price look alikes.  When we got to the check out they were amazed that we saved over $500.00 while spending just over $200 just by looking at the clearance racks.  The kids look sharp and are ready for the school year to start.  There is something about new clothes that makes school that much more fun and exciting.

August 13th we all piled into the truck and headed to our friends, The Pattersons.   They were kind enough to sponsor Jeremy in their neighborhood and we had about 20 garbage cans to wash.  After a fun couple of hours cleaning cans we brought Matthew and Andrew back to our place to play for a bit.  We had a massive game of hide and seek that had us laughing so hard our sides were hurting.  Nicholas hid in my bed, which still looked like it was made, and nearly scared Matthew to death.  Naomi hid in my closet and no one could find her because my clothes muffled her voice from inside the closet but made her voice louder through the wall into the hallway.  The boys were running up and down the hall trying to find where her voice was coming from.  Matthew was such a good hider that at one point he came out of his hiding place, went to the bathroom and then went back to his hiding place without being seen.  It was hilarious.  Definitely a great day.

August 14th was the big Court of Honor where all the awards from scout camp were given out.  Jeremy earned five merit badges.  Nick was advanced to Second Class and Steve got his On My Honor Award.  It was a big night for everyone.

Nick is doing a fist pump because he is so excited.  

It was great for the boys to see that the leaders can earn awards as well.  Shane, Steve and Justin all got their On My Honor Awards that night.  

August 15th - First day of school for Nick and Jeremy.  They were so excited they wouldn't pose for the traditional first day of school photo.  I had to catch them on the run.

They came home with big smiles and tons of stories to tell.  Nicholas was mostly excited to see all his friends from last year.  They picked up right where they left off.  Jeremy was pleasantly surprised with the freedom he has at LNCS.  He can use the restroom during class without a police escort.  He can decide where he wants to sit for lunch (including outside) and with whom he sits.  He can go to his locker between each class if he chooses to do so.  And the list goes on.  Because the teachers trust him so much he is even more determined to do really well.  This is going to be a great year!

August 16th - When I opened our water bill I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was much lower than it typically is for July.  It was then that I realized that I hadn't watered the lawn all summer.  There was no need.  We had gotten 16 inches of rain since June.  Not a bad deal.  Naomi and I spent the day double couponing (she loves to hunt for good deals) and was pleased as punch when the receipt said, "Spent $60. Saved $140."  I think she is hooked.

 This is what they mean when they say "Carolina Blue".  Isn't it gorgeous!?!  From the beginning of June until the middle of August we got 16 inches of rain and rarely saw the beautiful blue.  I had to take a picture of it while on my daily walk.  It was just too much to pass up.  

 I love the green against the blue. 

The magnolias are in full bloom.  It is a stunning sight.  

 August 17th was the first day of soccer.  Naomi was so excited for soccer to actually be starting she could hardly contain herself.  We were at the soccer fields a half an hour early because she wanted to leave NOW.  Just being able to play soccer would have been exciting enough, but then we found out that our BFFs, the Tufts, were on our team.  They surprised us!  We practiced in the rain but it definitely did not dampen any spirits.  

Jeremy went to a youth dance that night and had a great time.  He gave out his phone number and actually had a girl he met call him the next day.  I don't know if I am ready for this.  

August 20th we played at the pool with our friends.  It was a great day and everyone enjoyed themselves. 

 

Naomi "Rubber Legs" Cannon

Naomi's BFF, Julia. 

August 21st we found out who Naomi would have for second grade.  Her name is Mrs. Rosales and Naomi could hardly wait to meet her at the Back to School day.  A couple of days is a long time for a little kid.

August 22nd was Back to School night for Nick.  I liked his teachers.  His history teacher, Mr. Graham, is a real character.  I can see why Nicholas likes him.  Mr. G. showed us is kindergarten diploma and told random jokes while telling us what to expect from his class for our students.  His math teacher, Mrs. Sheck, is very strict but is a great teacher with a passion for teaching math.  That will be good for Nick.  For Language Arts he has Mrs. Bogarad.  She and I are kindred spirits.  He is really going to enjoy the enthusiasm she puts into her teaching.  His science teacher, Mrs. Padgett, is easily going to be his favorite teacher though.  She is fun, energetic, loves teaching and does not believe in homework.

August 23rd was very busy.  Naomi had her Back to School day and got to meet Mrs. Rosales.  It was love at first sight.  They are going to get along well this year.  Nicholas went to the 6th grade dance after school.  He was super excited to go and had a great time.  Jeremy went to his first high school football game.   This is shaping up to be a great year.

August 26th was the first day of school for Naomi.  She LOVED IT!  She was all smiles and ready for the day WAAAAAY before the bus came. In fact, her first words upon waking in the morning were "I thought this day would NEVER come!"

Posing with Mr. Mo, the bus stop monitor.

Getting on the bus.  "Don't worry about me, Mommy!  I will be okay.  I am a pro!"  Love that little girl. 

August 27th was mine and Steve's 20th wedding anniversary.  WOW!  That went by fast.

I spent the day washing the truck which desperately needed it and then I power washed the patio which apparently really needed it as well.  We finished off the day with me taking Naomi to soccer practice while Steve was in a late meeting for work.  Not very romantic, but we have plans to go to the county fair in early September. We can't wait.

August 29th was Back to School Night for Jeremy.  It was interesting to meet all his teachers and get to talk to them about the coming year.  They were all excited and ready to take on the challenge of 9th graders.  We didn't get to meet all his teachers because several of them were off coaching the various teams from the school.  I really liked his Theater teacher (Mr. Seneca), his Current Affairs teacher (Mr. Pecorella), his math teacher (Mr. Schroth), his English teacher (Mrs. Hoffman) and his science teacher (Ms. Elenbaum).  He has several Honors classes and will be doing some fun and challenging work.    A refreshing change from last year.  In fact, in science they are taking a field trip to the beach in the spring to participate in a three-day program called Sound to Sea.  Jeremy is really excited about that.

August 30th was a half day for LNCS.  Nicholas needed some new shoes (the kids won't stop growing) and so we headed off to the mall just the two of us.  He had a great time looking around and deciding on what kind of shoes he wanted.  After several stores and a phone call to another store to put some shoes on hold we found the perfect pair.  He is one happy camper.

To make things even better, he got to see a Canam Spider up close.  He really wants to be a mechanic and have a motorcycle when he grows up.  Isn't he handsome!!?!

Nick thinks it is cool that we wear the same size shoes right now.  He says I can borrow them anytime I need to play some basketball.  

August 31st we rearranged the living room.  That doesn't sound like much but it had been at least since Naomi was born that we changed things up. The kids thought it was the coolest project and really got into it with suggestions and muscle power.  The floor is very open now and Naomi is thrilled that she can do cartwheels and front walkovers without running into furniture.  We took a break from lifting and moving to go and get Naomi some new shoes as well.  After all the shopping and moving stuff we were very hungry and went to get a Papa Murphys pizza. Until now the only time we have gotten to have Papa Murphys is during our trips to Utah.  We have been waiting 12 years for one to come to Charlotte.  Nicholas said it was the best weekend he has ever had because he only had to go to school for a half day on Friday, he got awesome shoes, the living room looked cool AND he got to have some Papa Murphys pizza.  It doesn't take much to keep the kids happy.

It may not seem like a momentous occasion to you, but it is definitely worth a spot on the blog to me.  On September 2, after waiting patiently for FIVE YEARS, I finally convinced Steve to put thresholds to cover the transition from our tile to our carpet.  No more carpet that is pulling away from the tile.  No more holes in our socks or feet!  It was a great day!!

September 4th my cute nephew, David,  and his beautiful Jalisa got married.

Gorgeous family!!

My stunning niece, Rachel, and sexy dad!

September 7th we finally finished washing enough garbage cans to earn the money needed for Jeremy's Eagle Project!!!!  Naomi had her first soccer game.  It was a tie.  That night Steve and I attended the reception for one of his co-workers and had a blast goofing off.  They had a photo booth and fun accessories to help commemorate the event.  It was great fun.











September 10th I got to go with the 6th grade to the Cabarrus County Fair agriculture and business day.  We learned about pigs and goats and compost and growing and preserving food and food research and science.  It was a great day.

This is one good group of kids.  

This was the favorite station.  After listening to the presentation they got to taste the pumpkin bread.  

Friday the 13th was a great day.  No bad luck here.  I started off the day finding some denim bermuda shorts for Naomi for only $8.99 and then finding out at the register that they were half off that price.  I paid $4.00 per pair.  Que Ganga!!  I also found some bermuda shorts for myself.  On top of that, a nice lady gave me her 15% off coupon since she wasn't going to use it.

That night we took the kids to the Cabarrus County Fair and had a blast.  We spent most of our time in the area with the bunnies and chickens and roosters, Oh My!

This guy won Best of Show.  We agreed!

This guy we named Animal, after the character from the Muppets.

If Don King were a bird, this is what he would look like.  

This little guy we named "Grumpy Bunny" because he reminded us of Grumpy Cat (from the internet.  Google him.  He is hilarious!)  He wouldn't come out from behind his food container for a good picture because he was being grumpy.  You can't see the frown, but  it is there.  

Heading to the rides - the other favorite part of the night.

All the kids loved their fair experience.  The boys were really young the last time we came and Naomi had never been to the fair before tonight.  We will have to make this a tradition from now on.

Saturday, September 14th was a very fun-filled day as well.  As a reward to all the youth who finished the Book of Mormon challenge over the summer, they were treated to a morning of paintball.  Nothing brings youth together like shooting at each other with paint ball guns.  Jeremy came home with a huge smile on his face and even bigger bruises on various parts of his body. 

Jeremy in stealth mode.  He got game!

Nick ran errands with Steve in the morning and they stopped at the Harley Davidson store so Nicholas could look at the motorcycles.  He is definitely a motor head.  In fact, he was so excited to be in the store that one of the workers took him back into the shop and showed him some of the bikes they were working on at the moment.  One was a sweet racing motorcycle.  He is hooked!  These were two of his favorites.  

Naomi had a soccer game as well.  She and her friends, Haylie and Paige Tufts, scored 7 of the 8 goals in the game.  Don't mess with them.

As you can see, we have been keeping busy and having a ton of fun along the way.  The fun never stops around here.  Stay tuned to find out how school is going and to see pictures of Nicholas playing his first round of league basketball.  I will also keep you updated on Jeremy's Eagle project.  Exciting stuff.