2024 :: week 33

August 11

Sunday we celebrated Elliott's birthday. Sunday birthdays have never been my favorite, but he took it in stride. We had Stake Conference and the primary sang "I Will Walk with Jesus," which is increasingly becoming one of my favorites. That evening we had delicious rib dinner with the Crane family (including the visiting Staritas). Elliott's main birthday presents were a big box of baseball cards, a Bobby Witt Jr. shirt and a ticket to a future Royals game from Will. On instagram I wrote: Happy 9th birthday to Elliott! Elliott is sunshine personified. Not only does he wake up with the sun every morning, he also has boundless amounts of energy and brightens every room he’s in. He is the ultimate hype-man, competitor, snuggler and friend. We are so glad he’s belongs to our family. 

August 12

Monday we found out which teachers the boys we will have for the upcoming school year, and that night we got to drop off school supplies and meet the teachers in person. I was pleasantly surprised that both boys were placed with teachers already familiar with our family--Miles will be in Mrs. Phipps' kindergarten class (she also taught Elliott), and Elliott will be in Mrs. Dearing's 3rd grade class (she also taught Lauren). During the day we spent time with the Staritas, went to Matt Ross with the Hagmans and Will hung out with the Bensons.

August 13

Tuesday was the first day of school for the three oldest kids. Elliott had a half day, but Lauren (7th) and Will (9th) had full days. The 7th and 9th graders were the only kids in their respective schools for a day to help them get familiar with the school before the older students return and potentially overwhelm them. We jumped right back into our regular activities with both baseball (E) and soccer (L) practice in the evening. 

August 14

My parents and the Startias came to Elliott's baseball game Wednesday evening. It was so hot, so we especially appreciated them making the effort to come. 

August 15

Thursday was Miles' first day of kindergarten. His tablemates are Miles G, Mateo and Frankie. I had mixed feelings. Mostly excited and happy for him, but a little sad for me that era of fifteen years as a full-time stay-at-home-mom has come to an end. Don't get me wrong, I am also excited for this next chapter of our lives. I met up with friends for yummy brunch at Urban Egg, then met Stephanie to train for the part-time job I am starting this month. I will be doing invoicing with her for the fracking company where her brother is the CEO. Meanwhile, Miles had a fun first day and looked so grown up as he walked down the hill with Elliott wearing a "first day of kindergarten" crown. That night Tony made smashburgers at my parents on the Startias last night in town.

August 16

Friday was Will's first day of seminary. TJ and I have bemoaned that it is the first day of the next 13 years of our lives. If my math is correct, Miles graduates in 2037. Friday night Lauren and I went shopping to look for something she could wear for school pictures Monday. I thought the sky looked like the cover the Taylor Swift's Lover album, and tried to take a pictures, but she wasn't in the mood.

August 17

Saturday I took Will to get measured for his marching band uniform. I hope he has a fun year!