I had the awesome opportunity to be the captain of the Mile High Runners relay team. Due to some last min drop outs, Rusty was able to come run with us, and we had such a great time. We were a fast team, so we had the very last start time of the day. It made for a lonely first stretch of the race, but we caught up in the end. The weather was crazy, (POURING rain) the scenery was beautiful, and the friends were the best. We took 9th place overall! Not too shabby!
We have been talking about camping together as a family for years. And it’s never happened. Until now. Due to the general business of life, the kids were unable to go to Daddy/Daughter or Father/Son this year so we decided to take a little trip down south to Royal Gorge. We all had a great time, minus the sleeping in a tent part :) The kids loved roasting hot dogs for dinner, and making apple turnovers.
We took a little Family Float trip on the Arkansas river. Halle and Blake loved every min of it. I don’t think Blake stopped paddling the whole time. Halle wished there were bigger rapids. Josh’s favorite part was when we stopped for a little swim. There was a giant rock that some other kids were jumping off. The water was freezing, but he climbed up, and jumped right off that rock. I think the shock of the water was 10 times as bad as the jump. 
We ended the weekend in CO Springs driving up our 2nd 14er of the summer, Pikes Peak. It was absolutely breathtaking. The drive was gorgeous, and the view from the top was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It was a summery 77 degrees at the bottom when we started, and about 40 degrees at the top. It even snowed a little bit!
Booo. It had to happen. It always does. Summer has come to an end and school is back in session. I sure miss my little buddy Josh as he is in all day school this year. The transition has been hard on both of us. It’s a long day for him, and I feel so sad sending his tiny self into the sea of children every day. He’s so anxious about breaking a rule, or doing something wrong that he’s in tears daily. I know he’ll get the hang of it, but it’s breaking my heart. Luckily, I know he has protection and strength given to him from his Heavenly Father. Every year before school we do Father’s blessings for the kids. It gives me such comfort knowing they have that added layer of protection from the power of the Priesthood. 
This year we created a family motto—one we want to be at the heart of everything we do. We took it from the YW values. Our motto is "INTEGRITY. I will have the moral courage to make my actions consistent with my knowledge of right and wrong.” I made the kids little key chains to hang on their backpacks to remind them of who they are and what they stand for. A crown to remember they are Children of a King. A lighthouse to remind them to let their lights shine. A tie to remember to be a missionary no matter your age. And then a few charms that are unique and describe each child and their talent. 
Love these kids and hope they have a year full of growth, learning, and fun!
Mr. Blake started Begindergarten a few days later. He has been so excited to have a school of his own, and eagerly looked forward to the first day. His only disappointment was that he doesn’t get to take a lunch to school. We arrived at his classroom, he gave me a quick kiss and said, “I’ll be brave, Mom. BYE!” And that was that! Love that spunky boy.
At Preschool orientation the week before, they all read the story “The Kissing Hand” The kids each got a sticker for themselves and their mom. I have to admit to feeling a bit weepy when he put that sticker on my hand. My baby is growing up! 
We created a new tradition this year. One that I hope will endure through the ages. The first annual Back to School Bash. Ice blocking and LaMar’s donuts. Can’t imagine a better way to end the summer. Or a more awesome group of friends to be with. So blessed.
Moms’ turn!
Rusty’s Uncle, Lewis Bankhead, unexpectedly passed away at the end of July. It was such a shock, and so so sad. We jumped in our car and headed to Utah for the funeral. It was such a beautiful service and I came away wanting to be a better parent and friend. Each of his wonderful children spoke at the funeral, and it was absolutely beautiful. Here are some of my favorite quotes and ideas from Lew’s life.
“Discipline is the soul of an Army”
“In order to be happy, you have to have accomplishments”
“We are in control of our own happiness”
“Be a contributor. Be positive. Be happy. Motion creates emotion. Act it out and it will be so.”
And my favorite, “If we don’t help (insert name here), who are we going to help?
Lew, you will be sorely missed!
Big Rusty and Little Rusty :)
Carlie and Gwen bear drove home from Utah with us and got to spend the 4th of July Colorado style. First up, fireworks in Vista Ridge on July 3rd. LOVE this pic of the kids and their animals. 
Next up, the Ward pancake breakfast and bike parade.
We celebrated our beautiful country by driving up the highest road in North America. It was pretty amazing. Pouring rain at the top clouded our views a bit, but everyone was still in awe of being so high up.
Finished up the day with pizza at Beau Jo’s. Happy Birthday America! We love you!
Every summer we make a list of all the fun things we want to do. Then we get busy! Here are some highlights":
Building little lawnmower pencil holders at Home Depot.
Having a birthday party for Peanut. With Peanut Butter brownies, naturally.
Touching sheep lungs, rocketing to the moon, and growing old at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Lots and lots of time at the pool
Free Slurpies on 7/11
Playing School with our many, many stuffies
Crafting with our buddies
Sewing some pj’s for Lilly
Tennis Lessons
FINALLY getting to enjoy a shaved ice on a hot summer day. We had to drive to Utah to get one
We played a lot of Bearville this summer. It was definitely the hottest game in my house. Josh would be on the upstairs computer, and Halle on the downstairs computer and they’d chat back and forth about what they were going to do, where they would meet, and what they were going to buy with their Bear Bills.
I have to say, this has been one of the most fun summers on record. As the kids get a little older, it’s easier to go have fun adventures. We also had lots of structure to our home days. Monday Math day, Tuesday Typing, Wednesday Writing, Thursday Run Club (ran out of alliteration) and Friday Fun day. Not too happy to see this summer end. I miss my Tiny Ones when they are away from me!
