First Day of School

The first day of school was a little nerve racking for these kids since it was their first time going to school in Mapleton

Here is Ty at Hobble Creek Elementary School

Austin going to 7th at Maple Grove Middle School

Scott also going to 7th at Maple Grove

It was pouring rain the first morning. It would be Austin's and Scott's first time riding a bus to school and the bus was supposed to come at 7:47 am. After waiting for 15 minutes, the bus still hadn't come. We ended up finding it (the driver was new to the route) and we got them on the bus. (Scott left, Austin right)

Kate going to 9th at Mapleton Jr. High

Logan's first day was a week later (maybe the longest week of his life), so he was SO excited for his first day.

The kids all had a decent day (although the older 3 boys felt like school was SOOOOO long)

High Adventure

Austin and Scott went on their first high adventure camp this summer. They got to go on a backpacking trip in the Uintah's and were gone for a few days.

Scott, Austin

 We missed them so much while they were gone, but they had a great time. They had great attitudes (according to multiple reports from leaders) and had a really good experience!

Summer Fun

We have had a fun summer. It has been busy and a lot of working, but fun getting to know our new area.

Scott

Logan and Truman are best buddies. They both put on their Superman clothes so they could match.

Kate went to girls' camp and was not excited. We had just moved in about a week and a half before, but Mom made her go. The ropes course was definitely a highlight that she really enjoyed. She survived, but was very happy to come home.

While Kate was gone, Mom, Austin and Scott worked to set up the pool. First, we flattened the ground perfectly. The ground is very rocky, so this was a lot of work. Then we laid out the foam mats. Finally, we could set the pool up on top of the foam mats.

Here is Scott in the pool, trying to smooth out wrinkles as it fills up.

We got it filled up and it was so cold, but the kids wanted to swim anyway.

The Nelsons also got a pool and the kids loved all swimming together.

Another major project over the summer involved animals. The kids really wanted to get rabbits, so they built rabbit cages with the scrap wood. Scott, Kate, Pearl, Austin

Here, Austin and Scott are working to build another cage

The kids also wanted chicks. We bought a chicken coop and assembled it, then the kids put up fencing around the coop for a chicken run.

The kids quickly realized that we needed an easier access point between our two houses, so the Nelsons cut out some fence and put a gate in.

The kids really wanted baby bunnies, but before that would be proper, the bunnies had to be married. So, the kids planned a big bunny wedding with the Nelsons and the McCausland kids. The McCauslands even brought their bunny to be a guest at the wedding.

For activity days, Ty got to have a fun day at the Southams. They rode on the zip line, they got to do bow and arrow, shoot guns and shoot rockets. Ty loved it and it was fun to meet some new people.

We had a big Lewis party at Dad's cousin's house that lives in Mapleton. One of the highlights is when Great Uncle Gordon poured ~$200 worth of change and let the kids dive for it. Each of the kids came home with about $20 and were thrilled. It was such a fun activity!

These girls LOVED doing braids this summer. There were many times everyone was over, braiding each others' hair

Scott and Kate

Melissa came while Teagan was at soccer camp and hung out for the week. We had SO much fun together!

Melissa led the kids on a soccer practice drill

We did a barbecue for Grandma's birthday and met at a park in Murray. So fun to see family!