Pep Band Performance

Mr. M got to have his first experience last month playing with the high school pep band at the football game.  It was so much fun to go and watch them play.  The energy at the game was so much fun and we loved hearing the familiar football game music.

Bundled up and ready for some fun.

The middle school trumpet section.

In the stands, ready to play.

Conference Weekend

This is the first time we have had conference in our new house in Denver.  We ended up having a yummy breakfast and then everyone grabbed pillows and blankets and stretched out to hear the prophets speak.  I love how Rachel found a great table in her dad.  It was a great, relaxing weekend full of inspiring messages.

Pregnancy Update

Since I had a number of requests for information about the pregnancy, here it is.  I am getting larger every day.  The baby is super active.  I feel like a beached whale on a daily basis.  My children make sure to let me know just how huge I am on a daily basis.  The doctors, as far as they can tell, have determined the baby to be growing well and as healthy as can be.

I am super excited to get this little guy here.  I went yesterday to have a tour of the hospital and I just about cried (hormones) four times thinking about holding my own little baby.  I also felt a little scared about the labor.  Yes, I have done this five times, but that just helps me remember how awful giving birth is.

No name yet for baby boy.
I am due November 12th.
Wish me luck.

One of the only rides I could go on at the amusement park.

I month ago after church.  Getting big!!

With some friends at a meeting.  I win the wide award.

Modeling the dress I will wear six weeks after I give birth at my sister's wedding.  I was so glad to see that it was stretchy material.

I am pretty dramatic at this point, letting everyone in my immediate family know how they can serve me.  Don't I look pitiful.

Field Day

We had a fun field day this month.  The kids got to play all kinds of fun water games and enjoy a day with no school work.  I had a blast watching them.

Lady K spent the day painting faces.

Baby R and J man.

Little L with two of her friends.

The face painting team.

Baby R with two of her buddies.

Project Linus

In our city there is a great service opportunity two times a year called Project Linus.  We got together with some other families and made quilts for families in need.  It was a great family day because everyone could get involved.  It felt good to know we were serving others in need.

Awards and Fun

Mr. M has had a great time with scouting this summer.  He went to a great scout camp and earned quite a few merit badges.  He also went on a backpacking trip and earned the golden brick award for having the heaviest pack.  I think that was because his mom helped him pack.  They said he had everything he needed to survive on his own.  Yep, that how I pack.

He also had a fun time studying Africa the first few weeks of school.  He had to creatively make an Africa map and label it, so of course, being Vances, we made a pizza!!  It was so much fun to help him with it.  As a side note, he aced his test, identifying all the countries in Africa.  Way to go bud!!

First Day of School

School came way too fast this year.  The kids headed off for their first day in the middle of August.  They were so excited to get back and see their friends.  Here's to another great year.