And so it begins...

As we were nearing the end of August, 2 things started that I was undeniably excited for.  1. FOOTBALL and 2. SCHOOL to start.  The morning after our ward camp-out, we rushed home and changed in blue so we could drive into Provo and watch BYU's scrimmage.  It was unbelievably warm that day, and the kids weren't as ecstatic about it as we were, but we went anyway.  It was sort of fun to take all of us, since we are limited to only 3 seats for the real games, but honestly I didn't see much since I was chasing Jack around.  Note to self: Next year, get a babysitter.

School started too, and I am LOVING the schedule and order that it gives my day.  This was the night before the first day of school, and before the Father's Blessings.  On a side note, I can't help but notice in this picture how small Chad is looking...no?  Doesn't he look great?  

First day of school! I ended up driving them that first day, and so I have no idea why Sam wanted his bike in the picture, but he was insistent on it.  Now, they both ride the bus to and from school everyday, which is a huge blessing.  I am glad they have each other.  Keaton is now in the third grade, and Sam is in first!

Emmi's first day of Pre-school was that next day, and she is in 3 days a week to get that extra boost before Kindergarten next year. 

Emmi and her friend Paris right outside Miss Amy's.

CaMp-OuT!

The last time I went camping and slept in a tent I was a newlywed and it wasn't a good experience.  As novice as I was about camping, I had vastly underrated how freezing it gets at night even in the summer, and had packed Chad and I with just a sheet and little blanket to share on top of the air mattress.  Needless to say, we did not sleep well that night, and he has teased me since.  (Hey...what do you think I am, a Boy Scout?) 

Fortunately, since that time I have either been pregnant or nursing a baby for the most part, and always had an excuse not to go.  That, and we only have had a little 2-man tent, and so there was simply not room enough for all of us.  Well, Chad wanted to go to the ward camp-out this year, and bought a new 8-man tent, sleeping bags, you name it, so I would have to go.  I did, and tried to be a good sport.  The kids were pumped that we were all going, and up until later that night when I barely slept a wink, I had a lot of fun.  In fact, I am thinking of going again next year, being that I go home after dinner and come back for breakfast.  I would not have been that bad if I was not such a light sleeper and without my fan to block out the noise.  Mama needs her sleep!:)

Sam was fascinated by the fire pit and loved roasting marshmallows.  He didn't like to eat them though.  I let him cook me some until I was stuffed.  Keaton and Emmi loved eating them too.

Jack was all about the dirt and sticks, which would of course, be put in his mouth.  He slept in my sleeping bag with me that night, but keep moving all night long... little bounder.

Sam and a new playmate Beckham, were having fun with sticks. 

Me and Carolyn were getting a kick out of Jack and his filthy little paws...ew! It seemed to do no good to wipe them off, he would just get them dirty again.

All the kids in the ward that were there for dinner that night.

And with our cute Bishop Batty.

Just Keep Swimming...

We just finished up another year of swimming lessons.  Just like the last couple of years, we were able to go at the same time as some of our friends, which made it so fun for both the moms and the kids. 

It was a good thing it ended when it did because Jack was getting more and more curious about the water.

One the last day, Keaton's class go to go off the diving board.  Here he is mid air.

Keaton's class.

Sam learning to dive.  He can now swim under water for a lot longer than he has been able to.

Emmi surprised me as well, and actually put her face under the water this year.  I was proud of her too.

The last day of lessons, Grandma Hunsaker surprised us and came to watch.  After, she treated us all to a "snowie."  The kids loved having her there.

Team Supreme!

In case you were wondering, our "Slimmer in 6" weight loss challenge is over, and what do you know, we WON!!  That's right, Team Supreme smoked everybody and we each got $25! Not only that, but I am so proud of Chad, he totally blew away all the competition and took 1st place with the most overall points.  I am sure he lost the most weight as well, at an amazing 22 pounds, so he also got another $25.  He lost about 5 inches off his body and gained an inch in his arms and legs.  He really does look great.  My mom was also good competition.  We were told that she came in 2nd place, but after all the final scores came in she ended up with 3rd, rats! Oh well, she is tinier than I have ever seen her, and still 2nd place in my eyes.  Ab, my sis, as beautiful as always, didn't lose this go around, but was able to maintain her buff bod.  I am telling you, this picture does not do us justice.  

I did not have much to lose, but I lost 8 pounds, which is awesome. From start to finish, I ended up losing 5 and 1/2 inches off my body...sweet! When it was all over, my only pair of jean capris were literally falling off of me, and I had to get a new pair.  I ended up buying myself a size 4, which I haven't seen since high school, and incredibly they are loose too. 

I would say it was all well worth it, no?  It wasn't easy, that's for sure.  By week 5, I was so tired of eating healthy and was just itching to eat something bad for me.  I realized more than ever that variety in a diet is good.  Even as I write this, now almost 2 weeks since it has been over, I am still "Kashi'd out."  This weekend, Chad, Ab and my Mom are starting another challenge, this one for 8 weeks.  Since I hit my target weight and really cannot lose any more, I will not be joining them.  I will be cheering them on and helping Chad as much as I can, as well as trying to keep up these healthy habits.  I know they will do awesome.  Here's hoping that "Team Supreme Reloaded" will be victorious once more!

Just after the challenge started, we were able to get a new treadmill like I had hoped.  I don't think we would have been able to have done near as well without this awesome contraption.  My brother-in-law Rob works for Sole, and was able to get us a sweet deal.  But let me tell you, it is well worth the money.  (I even sacrificed my shoulder for it by helping Chad lift it off his truck and popping it out of socket...good times.)  Chad is down on the basement every night on this bad boy.

But the best part is the TV stand that is right in front of the treadmill, that we also got from Sole.  It has a DVD player, but we also were able to hook in our satellite, and watch our DVR.  I am feeling way more productive now that I am able to watch my show and get some exercise in at the same time...score! Thanks again Rob.

Boating, baby!

The 24th of July weekend, we went out boating the with Hunsaker's, which we haven't done for years.  We went nice and close which made it even better.  Not surprisingly, Sam was timid of the tube until I said he could go with me.  After that first run, he wasn't scared anymore.  It is crazy how much I see myself in him.  I have memories of being too terrified of the water to get near a tube. I remember one specific time when I was really young, that my mom offered to go with me, but I couldn't do it.  I remember thinking afterward that I let her down and even "repented" for it because I felt so bad.  Lucky for him, I don't think he is quite as bad as I was.

Emmi and Jack even went with me for a quick, but slow ride.

Chad went for a ride on the knee board, and even caught some air.

Chad and Keaton, no surprise there, were the first volunteers to go for a ride on the tube.

Thanks again for the invite! We had a great time.

Visits

Last month, I took a day off of work during the week and went up to meet with 2 of my favorite women.  The 3 of us brought all our children and some lunch and met at our childhood park, the great West Bountiful Park.  The few years that I was lucky enough to live in West Bountiful, these 2 were my best friends and playmates.  The three of us have not sat down and caught up since we were all married, and we thought it was time to do so.  Dawn and Becki are pregnant, and both looked so beautiful.  It was so fun to see their cute bellies.  The plan is that we will do this again next year, when Dawn comes up from Arizona, and I sure hope so.  It made me happy to see them, and was well worth the trip up. 

That same day, I got another fun visit.  My Dad's parents just recently moved up from St. George, and I had yet to see their new apartment.  On the way home that night, my Dad and J drove me and the kids over for a visit.  I have to say that a part of me was sad to see them in this apartment, knowing that truly I will never be able to visit them again down in St. George like I have since I was little.  But, time marches on, and it is a blessing to have them closer to us, and see them more often.  And yes, Emmi is pouting probably because she is not sitting on Grandpa's lap like the boys.

Grandma giving the kids a cookie for the ride home. 

I am so glad I got to take the kids to meet them.  I just hope we will be able to go often enough that they will get to know them better.