It's way better than watching it at home!

Paul got three tickets to general conference and they invited Wyatt to come with him and Rockwell.

It was to the Saturday afternoon session.  

They had front row seats! Wyatt said it was so cool to be so close.  They got to meet and shake President Lund's hand.  

You can see them in the bottom left corner in this picture to see how close they were.  President Nelson is 1oo-years-old now so I knew he wouldn't be at every session, I was really hoping he would be at their session. Sure enough that was the only session he attended that day.  What a cool experience! I asked Wyatt if he liked it and he told me it was way better then watching it at home. 

Paul took them out for barbecue after the session.  It was a great day for Wyatt.  Thanks Paul!

18-Years-Old

Jonah turned 18-years-old today.  He has told me over and over that he doesn't like birthdays and he didn't want me to do anything and he didn't want presents. That feels so wrong to me, but I could tell he was serious.  I kept it very low key and didn't bother him with a bunch of pictures. The only thing I could think of to surprise him with was blueberry muffins, he loves those.  I just had the front room set up like this when he came up to watch conference. 

Jonah enjoyed the muffin and Jackson sat like this and begged for his muffin the whole time.

Kyle came over and watched the morning session with us, that was fun. 

Jonah went and watched football and the second session of conference with his friends and then he came home for his birthday dinner.

He chose French toast with whipped cream and strawberries.  I made some bacon and eggs too.  It was delicious. We just sent Jonah some money on Venmo for his gift.  He asked for a low key birthday and he got it.  I think it was a good day for him.

I have a ton of football pictures of Jonah so I'll post some here. 

Jonah has matured a lot this past year.  He has been more kind and helpful at home and spends more time at home.  It has been really nice.  It seems like he is figuring out what is important to him and adjusting his priorities. 

Jonah is committed and hard working.  When he commits to something, he gives it his all.  He has worked so hard at football.  He hates missing out on things because of football practice, but he goes anyway. 

Jonah is loyal.  He will do anything for his friends.  He is always buying food or treats to cheer people up. He is very social and is friends with everyone. 

Jonah is hilarious.  He shares my sarcastic sense of humor.  He is very good at not worrying and stressing about things. 

Jonah loves sports. He knows all of the stats and stays up on all the games.  Jonah loves movies.  Keith loves to watch movies with him. Jonah loves to hang out with his friends.  Jonah is just an all-around great guy.  We are so grateful he is in our family.  This is going to be an exciting year for Jonah.  We are excited to see what he does.  We are just trying to soak up this senior year and enjoy this time with him.

Homecoming for Jonah

Jonah kicked off homecoming weekend with a win at their football game.  He had a great game. 

They went on a picnic on Saturday morning for their day date.

They drove with Milo and Ellen.

Jonah wanted to wear suspenders.  He was on facetime with Sawyer to show her with the suspenders or without.  I don't think she was a fan, she kept saying, I think you should wear whatever you want to wear.

I told Jonah to just take them and do some pictures with and some without. 

Sawyer's mom got my phone number from Jonah and texted me pictures.  She also sent me a very nice message about how much they love Jonah and appreciate how well he treats Sawyer. 

They sure are a good looking couple.

It was so nice to get all these pictures!

Jonah had a great time going with his best friends.   I love that Lucas and Caleb were in their group.   Lucas has down syndrome and Caleb has autism.  I love that the boys invited them into their group.  Caleb has been calling Jonah every day telling him how excited he is for homecoming.  I didn't realize, but Jonah was Caleb's peer tutor in middle school and has stayed friends with him. Jonah will take him  to lunch often and involves him in the assemblies at school.  Jonah has always been a leader and so inclusive. I'm so proud of him that he is kind to everyone and looks beyond his circle of friends. 

For their dinner they went to a place where they made flower bouquets and then made their own pizza for dinner. Jonah said it was fun.

Noah came and took pictures with disposable cameras. They thought the blurry look was pretty cool.

After the dance they went to James' house.  They had a great time.

September Happenings

 

Hallee has been wanting a new bed for a while. She was tired of the bunk bed and it wasn't very comfortable.  I knew she was serious when she wanted to get rid of all of her stuffed animals that were under the bed. It makes me sad that she wants to get rid of her toys and stuffed animals.  I guess she has to grow up.  She is very happy with her new bed and more space in her room. 

My dad gave us a door dash gift card and Wyatt was dying to use it. Finally we let him and Hallee order some McDonalds with it. They thought that was fun.

I went to the temple with mom and dad.  I was a little nervous about how mom would do, but she did great.  We didn't go until 3 PM so she was anxious all day about getting there.  I helped her get dressed and we got in the chapel and then she seemed to relax.  She did great sitting through the session and even remembered a lot of it.  I was so grateful that it went so well and that mom enjoyed it. 

Jonah and his friends wanted to go to a Detroit Lions game. They saw that they were playing in Arizona in September so they decided that would be the best time to see them.  They drove to Arizona on Saturday.  

They stopped at the Grand Canyon to look around and take a few pictures.

Jonah asked Matt and Lori if they could stay at their house the first night. They were so nice and said yes and were excited about it.  Best aunt and uncle ever! They had pizza waiting for them when they got there. 

Lori sent me a video of the boys playing basketball in the pool that night.  They had a great time.  Jonah said Matt and Lori went all out for them.  I know he appreciated it so much.

On Sunday morning Lori had cinnamon rolls waiting for them.  They ate breakfast and the packed up and headed out for the game. 

Jonah said it was so cool to be at an NFL game and Detroit won, so that made it even better.  After the game they drove to Las Vegas and stayed with Colston’s dad that night.  They drove back home on Monday.  I'm so glad he had such a great experience and so grateful to Matt and Lori for being so willing to take them in and treat them so well!

They had a Veterans night at the football game in Salem.  It was so touching, it was a beautiful program. They had the players and the cheerleaders walk each veteran out.  The governor and both mayors were there.  It was really cool. 

I love watching the sunset at the football games. It's beautiful.

Jonah was player of the game on MaxPreps. They beat Juab 37-0, Jonah had 4 PAT's and one field goal.  It was a good game for him for sure!

There is a girl who takes pictures at the football games and she gets great ones of Jonah.

I used to take my camera to the games, but now I don't because I know she will get great ones and she texts them to Jonah.

I do love a good Friday night football game!

The calendar says it's Fall, but the weather is still summer weather. 

Keith and I drove up Hobble Fork Canyon to look at the Fall colors.

It was a very pretty drive.

On Thursday I rushed home from work so I could go up Provo Canyon before I had to dive kids around. 

I drove up to Squaw peak and enjoyed the beautiful views. 

I love the view of the valley and the lake from the top.

I don't think it's as vibrant as last year.  I think they are dying fast because it is so hot!

After that I walked the trail from Bridal Veil Falls to Vivian Park.  I love that walk. I have missed my walks since I started working.

It was a mental health boost that I really needed!

Being out in nature always helps my mood.

Hallee loved going to Tessa's on a Saturday.  They always love to paint their nails.

Caitlyn and Amarie are having fun together.  They had fun making blankets together.

Hallee with her mood lighting and face mask!