It's October - my birthday month and the month when I can finally go a day without sweating through my shirt multiple times. It's been lovely. Last weekend we went on a campout with Peter's cub scout pack. It was so fun. I love camping. I was the only mom with 13 dads and their boys. Had the women's bathroom all to myself! Had to talk about cars and listen to talk about horror movies (couldn't join in on that one). But no one tried to mansplain anything and everyone was super friendly. Peter got to shoot BB guns, do archery, fish, play with sticks and rocks, sleep in a tent, eat a ton of sugary crap that the dad in charge of food brought, and have a wonderful time.
This is as close as he was willing to get to the fire starter. The boys were practicing starting it with a ferro rod and striker. Peter watched how hard it was for the boys and decided between the rogue sparks and the challenge of striking it, it wasn't worth it. We'll have to try it at home where no one is watching.
Peter's buddy this year is Colin. He and Colin have been having a wonderful time together at school and at our house. He comes over nearly every week and they are just so cute together. No issues ever, just happy playing. Peter usually gets completely worn out when people come over and wishes them gone long before it's time for them to leave. Colin is the one exception. It's been so nice for him to have a friend.
Spending time with Peter has been different now that school is going. We don't have too much time in the afternoons, however, we love our fall bike rides to the river to look for crayfish and our trips to the library.
Poor Christian is never busier than in fall. School, marching band, cross country, lawn mowing, saxophone lesson, piano lessons, drum lessons, church responsibilities, and early morning seminary. The poor kid is on the move all day, every day. Thank goodness he drives himself now. Here are some pics from the city's marching band showcase when the bands from all the city's high schools play together. They had one number where just the drumlines performed. Christian is on snare drum in red. Doesn't help a lot when 3 of the 4 schools have red uniforms, but hopefully he's visible in the pics.
Bella and Benjamin are doing great in their new homes. Benjamin calls most Mondays - a habit he formed on the mission and has continued. I love my Pday calls. He's working hard and doing great. Bella texts regularly and has been home two weekends to visit. She's loving Western's marching band and has been doing great in the dorms. So proud of these kids!
