August 2009

August was a crazy month as summer break ended and school began. Maren and Brynne finished up their soccer season. Maren improved greatly, going from sitting down in the middle of games to running the whole time, and even kicking the ball! Brynne is a natural and scored several times-she is naturally competitive, quick, and a go-getter. Duncan started Football-it is very time intensive but he gets compliments from the asst. coach often who is his best friend's dad. He was lucky enough to get on the same team-the Steelers-as his best friend, Cameron.

Royce went on a canoe trip with the Scouts for a weekend and to a Cult concert w/Vaughn. Jen went to her b-day dinner with the RS, out to a movie with friends on her b-day, and to a friend party for August b-days. R&J had their 12th Anniversary-we'll be going to a U2 concert in October to celebrate. We met my dad and Catherine in Sedona on a Saturday and enjoyed the company and scenery, going out to eat at the UFO Diner. Dad also stopped over and spent the night one weekend, taking the kids out for breakfast and going on a bike ride.
Before school started, Royce gave the kids blessings and we had a big swim party at Bear Paw w/friends. Maren started a Pre-School with friends and the moms switch off teaching; she is also in a music class called "Let's Play Music." It is a piano-prep class and she kept asking Royce to give her piano lessons, so she's enjoying this until she's old enough for R to teach her.
Brynne is in 2nd grade and has Mrs. Susan Davidson, the same teacher Duncan had. Mrs. D loves Brynne and has already showered her with compliments. She is also taking a music class like Maren's and enjoying it with her friends.
Duncan got a new teacher for 4th, Ms. Brown whom he enjoys. He injured his knee in f-ball and sat out for a week. Both he and Brynne are still taking piano lessons from Royce.
Royce has been practicing for another performance in the band "Bucket" this weekend. They are good and fun to watch and dance to. Jen is trying to get back into writing and scrapbooking.
On the weekends, we've been improving our backyard, adding grass and preparing to add new woodchips. And lastly, Royce and I started a Wellness Challenge that lasts through September. Already, we are seeing the positive results!