Halloween

Halloween arrived very quickly this year. I think it's because I lost a week of October when Ainsley and I were on our cruise (totally not complaining). We were pretty much scrambling for costumes a few days before Halloween, but everything turned out just fine. Landon made his costume (a computer error proclaiming his costume had a virus), Kaylee thrift shopped for a witch's outfit, and Ainsley's friend's mom found her a Mad Hatter costume. On Halloween Landon and Kaylee invited friends to our house, and Ainsley went to a friend's house. Even with all the rush and a dose of bad weather, it was a good Halloween.

Cruisin'

At the beginning of 2018, Chris and I decided we were going to give the kids a budget their senior year in high school and let them take a trip with one of us. 

Ainsley decided she wanted to go on a cruise for her trip, so we did our research, found the best bang for our buck, and chose a 7 day cruise in October (which happened to fall on a four day weekend). Our itinerary was Honduras, Belize, and Cozumel. On October 6th, with passports in hand, we boarded the Carnival Freedom. At first, Ainsley was pretty overwhelmed by the size of the ship, but once we got situated the good times began.

There were a few hiccups along the way, like the giant hurricane (Michael) that parked itself right in our path and kept us sailing in circles in the Yucatan Peninsula long enough that we didn't have time to go to Honduras. And the stand up paddle board excursion that was cancelled in Cozumel due to high winds. But, the saved cash from our cancelled excursions (Cozumel and Honduras) gave us some money to spend on board the ship, and we made the best of a situation that was pretty much a bummer. 

Even though our plans didn't turn out quite as expected we still enjoyed a week of fun and zero responsibility. We swam in the Caribbean Sea, made some awesome new friends who are from Arizona, played a lot of shuffle board, attended a variety of shows, danced a lot, laughed a lot, soaked up the sun, ate good food, and enjoyed a fantastic mom/daughter trip before Ainsley heads off to college next year.

Cross Country

When Landon found out his dance teacher had left his school, he decided to give up the world of dance and try out cross country. It was a good decision.

His first cross country meet was rainy and muddy and hot and humid all at the same time, and he was running the last race of the day. Needless to say, when his race began, the course was already a disaster. He lost a shoe in a mud puddle towards the beginning of the race and continued his run with one shoe on and one shoe off. He came through the finish line with an exhausted smile on his face and when asked if he was ready to run again the following Saturday, he gave a resounding "yes."

His race times improved at every meet (except for his last race but we think he may have been a little dehydrated) even the meet he ran in after being sick for a week.

The girls came to cheer him (and some of their high school friends) on when they could and Kaylee reconnected with a friend she hadn't seen in years. She and Jacob were great friends in elementary school.

About half way through the season, one of Landon's coaches unexpectedly passed away. It was a sad situation and we were a bit worried he might not want to run anymore. He worked through his emotions and the team was a great support. He chose to run in honor of his coach rather than quit.

I think Landon has finally found his sport.

Firsts and Lasts and Lasts and Firsts

I got a little teary eyed as we drove to school this morning. It suddenly struck me that this time next year Ainsley won't be making the drive with us anymore. It's going to be an emotional year. I'm so proud of the beautiful young lady this girl has become and am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for her. 

At least I have a few more years with these two. First day of high school and first day of 7th grade.

When Landon Turned 12

At the end of July, Landon turned 12. This was one of the first years in quite some time that we were in Texas on his birthday. It was an eventful birthday week. He had a small get together with a couple of friends, Kaylee baked and decorated a cake that he loved (it's a Temmie), and he found out he was headed to see Imagine Dragons two days after his birthday. He was thrilled.

Imagine Dragons did not disappoint. According to Landon, it was the "best birthday present ever."

The day after the concert, my parents flew to Texas so they could be here when Landon received the Aaronic Priesthood. Since his ordination, he's been passing the Sacrament, we took our first temple trip as a family, and Landon gave his first talk in church. Also, his hair has become legendary at church. Our bishop mentioned his awesome hair the Sunday after he turned 12, and it has been talked about from the pulpit by various ward members almost every Sunday since. So funny.

Happy 12th birthday Landon! You light up our world with your wit, spunk, and charm. We love you and will be forever grateful that you are the caboose of our family.