Preston places 6th

Preston decided this year to try tennis instead of football. He began playing tennis mid summer. He, Spencer and Ethan enjoyed playing and even got me out there a few times to hit some balls with them. He and his partner placed 6th in doubles at the 8th grade City Tournament. He had a great time playing. Way to go Preston.

Here little Piggy, Piggy

Spencer got the flu, the doctor was pretty sure it was the swine flu, but they were getting so many positives for the swine flu that they stopped testing for it. He was quarantined in the guest bedroom for a week. Christopher wore a mask to drop off his food and Spencer wore a mask most of the time too. He literally didn't come out of the bedroom for a week. He did have a TV, a laptop and some pretty good books. He still got bored and was very glad when he felt better. As far as symptoms, it was no worse for him than the flu he got in February. No one else in the family caught it from him. We were all glad when he rejoined the family.

Public Enemy #1: The GOATHEAD

If you have never encountered a goathead consider yourself lucky. Earlier this summer while vacationing, poor Adam stepped on a goathead and the thorn came off in his little foot. For days he would only walk around on his tiptoe screaming everytime we threatened to get close to the thorn.  A couple weeks later we were finally able to pull the nasty thing out. 
In the last week the goathead has taken a toll on our bikes. Casualties are as follows:
Spencer- Front tire and back tire (at different times)
Preston- Back tire
Ethan- Front tire
Mindy- Front tire
Bicycle Trailer- left tire
Spencer has had more expensive non flat tubes in his tires which seemed to protect him against the first 11 goatheads we pulled out, but it is always that 12th that puts ya over the edge. We have tried different tubes and of course slime. We are currently trying a tire liner in Spencer's front tire.   In the meantime I have put the bike rack on the back of the Suburban so that Adam and I can "come to the rescue" a little easier and much quicker.  I had been putting it on and off for each trip, but decided until we can get our goathead problem under control. I will just leave the bike rack on.

First Day of School

Spencer's First Day of 10th Grade and High School

Preston's First Day of 8th Grade

Ethan's (5th) and Jordan's(3rd) First Day

Adam's First Day alone with Sydney and Me.

Mini Vacation- Lagoon

We had a great trip to Lagoon.  We camped at the Lagoon campground so we were able to be there as soon as it opened until the very end of the day.

Sydney was a good sport the whole time

We no longer fit in 1 car on the Ferris Wheel

Spencer, Preston and Ethan rode this ride many many times. Christopher rode it this time with them.

  We rode the gondoloa across the Park while Sydney and Christopher ran ahead taking pictures of Jordan, Adam and me.

All the kids decided to come and hang out with Adam for a while.  They were all able to go on the Dragon Roller Coaster Ride.

Jordan was finally tall enough to ride the "upside" down ride.  She went on it several times with both Mom and Dad.  At first she didn't think she really liked it, but kept going on it anyway.

At Lagoon they have plenty of rides for all ages.  Adam had a fun time riding whatever he could.

Ethan was big enough to go on all the "big" rides and small enough to go on all the "little" rides.

This is the lady bug drop, it was pretty fun.  I went on it with Jordan and then Preston went on it with her too.

The Rocket is one of the CRAZY rides at Lagoon.  It shoots you high very fast.  All the boys loved it.

Mini Vacation- Cherry Hill

We had a great afternoon at Cherry Hill.  The Lazy River was very popular as well as a few waterslides.

Christopher, Adam and Jordan

Spencer

Preston and Ethan

Christopher and Adam

Mini Vacation- Box Elder Fair

The Box Elder County Fair is one of the few free admission fairs left.  We took advantage of the price and went to look at all the animals. There were some really smelly pigs, some really big cows, cool looking poultry, and fluffy bunnies. The kids had a lot of fun.