September came and went so quickly. Sometimes it’s amazing how that happens. Here’s our rundown of September happenings:
• Tayah had her first day of preschool, attending twice a week with “Miss Mary.” She loves it and is enjoying all the things they do and learn there. It’s a fairly small class and they are focusing on the children learning how to learn and associate with other children. So far, so good!
• Kadence continues to adore kindergarten. She is learning so many things—many Spanish words, phrases, and songs; new skills, while enhancing things she knows. We have loved our daily reading. We’re asked to do 15 minutes with her, but have so much fun, it’s often 45-60. She is making good friends. Elizabeth helps out in each of the girls’ classes once per month.

• The girls had their school portraits taken. Adorable!
• We also went to the school carnival. Lots of fun and a good turnout.
• We put our autumn decorations up and bought a lot more. Our family loves fall…in fact, it’s one of our four favorite seasons.
• Stockton really is picking up words left and right. Our favorites are, “sure” (when we ask him to do something), “sorry,” “yes” (never “yeah”), “Nanence” (Kadence), “Taytay” (Tayah), and “BOOM BABY!” (from Emperor’s New Groove.
• Elizabeth and I had some wonderful date nights, including sealings, the Jon Schmidt concert at Thanksgiving Point, and going out for dinner and shopping.
• Stake Conference was wonderful, as was our annual Stake High Priests social. Our new building in our stake was also dedicated that weekend.
• Labor Day was a little different for us, as it was Kadence’s first holiday from school!
• The Utah State Fair was wonderful, as usual. I think we’ve now gone every year of our marriage. The kids loved it, especially petting some baby piglets.
• Thanks to Grandpa for having us over for pear-picking.
• Work events: WAGON meetings at UVU (all the annual giving colleagues from schools in Utah and Idaho), LDS Business College’s 125th Anniversary kickoff (where I was on KSL TV in the background), alumni chapter chair training, and our yearly Signature Scholarship and Mentorship luncheon.
• We had flu shots (the two youngest did great, the oldest? Not so much…) and dental check-ups.
• With Dad, Carissa, and Darrell and Tanya’s family, I went to Jimmer Fredette’s All-Star game where drafted and undrafted rookies played a “real” NBA game. It was just nice to see some actual basketball in the midst of this horrendous lockout. I don’t know what I’m going to do if things continue; I also don’t know what Elizabeth will do with me!
• We’ve watched the ups and downs of the BYU football team and hope they can find some semblance of consistency. I enjoyed hearing Bronco speak at Cougar Club with Dad
• The girls attended some birthday parties for friends.
• Church-related: kept very busy with my new high council calling—lots to do and lots to learn and we’re loving it. As I’m over physical facilities, we’ve only had a few minor emergencies thus far. Such a blessing to serve. Elizabeth is playing volleyball weekly with our ward and is entering tournament play. I continue to play basketball with our ward weekly. Elizabeth greatly enjoyed the General Relief Society meeting.
Life continues to treat us marvelously. We feel so very blessed to have choice experiences. We are always grateful for our sweet children who are our everything.