sunday summary: UnPACKing and Kayla's 11th Birthday

We have a great backyard...the swing stands over ten feet high.  The kids love to play helicopter by winding their two, and even three, swings together. 

 Luckily the kids could play outside while I unpacked.  (Unfortunately they packed by the size of the book so we had to reorganize every book in Ben's study.)

 Ben and I couldn't stay away from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert (even though we had to pay to get in this time).  No matter where I go, the choir makes me feel like I'm home.

 This is my good Orem neighbor, Rob Rowberry, who sings in the choir with his wife, and through his generosity provided tickets for us to go to the concerts in Salt Lake.  I'll miss going so often.  Even more, I'll miss the opportunity to sing with them.

 Kayla turned 11!  She got the chance to eat our traditional birthday breakfast in her new bedroom.  Daddy made her favorite, German Pancakes! It's not often that they get their favorite when I'm awake (especially since I'm not a morning person).

I've been impressed how quickly the kids have been able to make friends. Here are the friends Kayla invited to her party. 

 Kayla has become our cookie baker. She is very thorough and likes to ensure that she doesn't miss any of the ingredients.  My favorite is getting to snack on the cookies as we bake together.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAYLA!!!

The End of one Chapter and The Beginning of a new Chapter

Before leaving Orem I finished performing in the Scera Shell play--Fiddler on the Roof. (Thanks to the support of my family and friends.) It was fun to be on the stage again (reminiscent of 22 years ago doing Oklahoma).  I performed with the same director, Jerry Elison, who has been with the Scera 27 years.  

It was a beautiful production.  I love it's message of courageous living even through the worst of times, knowing that God's in charge and will never forsake those that choose to follow him.  It really was a dream come true!

We said our goodbyes to our friends and family.  We will miss everyone!

 (Luckily Ally was able to cram in a birthday celebration.)

We took a slight detour to Southern Utah for some R&R and to spend time with Grandpa Moss and Grandma Judy.

On the way home we stopped in Brigham City to see the temple open house, a quaint but magnificent structure.

This is our new abode--home sweet home.  So far it's exceeded our expectations.  The kids spent the first week "card" boarding down our staircase.  The last week or so they have turned our swings into a carnival ride.

Hyrum hit a new milestone in all the chaos.  He's going to Kindergarten.  He even gets to ride the bus. (He turned 5 at the beginning of August.)

Thanks for visiting our blog!  We hope you visit often to keep in touch.