Weekly Update...getting behind already!

Wasn't General Conference fantastic?  I always look forward to conference weekend.  This year was a little bit crazy, and I didn't get the conference "experience" with my family that I wanted.  But we did the best we could.  Our Saturday morning started off a very early run for me...my alarm went off at 4:30...but I was glad to get a run in before Regan's Cross Country meet.  She had to be there at 7, she ran at 7:30, we were driving away from the meet at 8.  Love those meets where the 7/8 grade girls go first!  We drove straight from the meet to orchestra daycamp.  That started at 9, so we got there a bit early and just sat in the car and read and listened to music while we were waiting.  She went in and changed from cross country clothes to orchestra clothes, and got started on her six hour day there!

Meanwhile, I didn't want to wake Turner up early because he had been overly tired that week (including a day when he actually slept all through his math class).  So Dixon got him up at 8 and took him in to work with him.  After I dropped Regan off at orchestra camp, I drove up to Dixon's work and picked Turner up and then took him back down to orchestra (he didn't have to be there until 10:30).  We tried streaming conference on my phone in the car but it didn't work out, which was a real bummer!  Turner only stayed at orchestra for an hour before I picked him back up and took him to his first football game.  It was an agonizing decision for him, trying to decide whether to go to the game or camp, but we compromised with him missing just a bit of camp and making the whole game.  He loved his game, even though his team got whooped.  Another trip back down to camp, while he ate lunch in the car, and we were almost done with the driving for the day.  I just hung around at camp for awhile, then we had a parent's meeting, and then it was time to go!  When we arrived home, we found Porter, Landon and Cooper, playing with Legos and watching conference.  Good boys.  I was one tired momma!  I actually laid on the couch and slept for about an hour before I could even function.  Regan and I watched the Saturday afternoon session of conference that evening while the big boys went to the priesthood session.

Sunday we all were home and watched/slept through conference together.  I really enjoyed all of the talks this time, even more than usual.  I am excited that they are already available on Gospel Library and can listen to them every day now!

This week was a little bit strange.  Turner had his fall break, so he was home all week, and the rest of the kids were at school.  He was a lot of fun to have around and he really helped a lot with the babies.  We didn't really get to do much together since I was watching kids all week.  But on Monday Dixon and I took him to Federicos for tacos, and on Friday afternoon we went for a little bike ride.  He spent a lot of time reading this week too.  He's a great kid.  Especially when he's an only child.

The youngest three kids had dentist appointments on Tuesday and no cavities!  Wahoo!  That never happens--usually at least one of them has a cavity.  So that was a relief.  Tuesday night we went and said goodbye to Brodie.  He entered the MTC on Wednesday.  Life is a lot quieter and a lot more lonely around here.  He is such a great kid and has been such a perfect friend for Porter the past few years.  He will be a great missionary.  Dix has stepped up his game and now binge watches Netflix with Porter in the evenings since Brodie is gone.  So giving of him.

Turner had a fantastic cello lesson this week.  He is finally letting go of some really bad habits that he formed his first two years of lessons.  His new teacher has been working him really hard and it's been extremely frustrating for Turner.  But something just finally clicked and Turner and his teacher are both thrilled with the changes he's made.  Go Turner!

Regan has been busy babysitting just about every weekend.  She is not only busy earning money, but she is a saver, so her bank account is growing!  She is already saving towards her mission.  

Landon is working hard at swim, and working even harder at his social life.  He is constantly surrounded by his friends.  He is such a great kid.  Even if his halloween costumes are really lame.  (More info/pictures on that next time)

Cooper is growing up so fast.  Today in Sacrament meeting he was singing his little heart out to all of the songs.  I noticed several people turning to see who the spirited, yet out of tune singer was.  He is such a sweetie.  

Porter is still just working away.  He is only going to be able to keep his job for a couple more weeks (it was just supposed to be a summer job), so hopefully he will get the clearance to head out on his mission.  If not...well, I guess he'll be looking for a new job.

And that is our week!  (Sorry, my phone isn't cooperating and I can't upload pictures right now.  I'll update later in the week with pictures.)