This-n-That August-Early September

 Well, these pictures are out of order, but we're just going to go with it.  At the beginning of September, Nathan and I had the privilege of running with Libbie during her first half-marathon.  She trained all summer and really didn't like any of it.  However, on race day she was a real trooper, and I think she even had fun.  When we asked if she'd ever do one again, she wouldn't say "no".  Sounds like a "yes" to me.  Ha ha.  Here's Nathan and I at the finish line - smiling.

 Bunny ears for my running buddy.  Nathan's slightly behind us.  He rolled his ankle at mile three during a potty stop and had to hobble the remaining 10 miles! Yikes.  It was so swollen and black and blue so we were amazed he actually finished the race.

 Libbie couldn't let this day pass without celebrating her beloved Harry Potter's birthday.  These types of silly things keep things fun and fresh.

 Jaren snuggling with Penni.  Since we got a dog, she's been a little scarce.

 I've never had such a successful pepper plant.  Look at this doozy.

 Tyce played his first soccer season.  He LOVED every minute and scored more goals than we could try to count.  It was so fun to watch him play.

 One day before school started back up, we hit up the soap factory one more time since the older girls were at girls camp the first time we went.

 Jaren with his little octopi.

 Claire also chose some sea life molds.

 Then we enjoyed some ice cream at Rockwell.  Tyce's face says it all.  Delish!

 One Saturday we took a little day trip to Logan with the kids.  We met my grandma at the Cache Valley Fair, then had lunch at Firehouse, stopped at a couple parks, the temple, and did a little shopping. It was a fun day together.

 Seems so recent that we stood on this exact spot as newlyweds.

 Oh! And let's not forget our stop for some Aggie ICe Cream.

 Mia's and Mallory's school started a week before the other kids' so they chose to go bowling as their last summer sh'bang.

 Love how Tyce watches his ball go down the lane.  Always jumping.

 Mia reluctantly started 8th grade at Lakeview Academy.  She was very brave to leave her friends behind at her old school to try out something new.  Her future there remains to be determined.

 Mallory started 7th grade at Lakeview as well.  She's loving it so far.

 Jaren and I went on a date to the aquarium.  He loves, loves, loves marine life.  Kinda funny they had a leopard of sorts at the aquarium.  Fun surprise.

 Smiling frog.

 Touching the sting rays.

 Curiosity museum. 

 These four and I went to the MTC open house one day while the girls were at school.  So fun to see all the young elders and sisters committing their lives and time to the service of the Lord and their fellowmen.

 Enjoying a summer night at an Orem Owlz game.

 Tyce trying to catch a fly ball in his hat...while also keeping a close eye on the Owlz mascot who was visiting the crowd.  He's not a fan of dressed up people these days.

 Mia's creation from her churro tin foil.

 Ready for the eclipse.

 My lame attempt at catching it.

 Mini-golf before school got underway.

 Libbie is a Junior! Crazy business!

 Jaren - 2nd Grade Miss Eliason

 Claire - 4th Grade Miss Stevens

 Tyce - Preschool Miss Santizo

 Tyce having a grand old time while I wash the car in the driveway.

 Mia and her one true love.

Jaren looking dashing in his new glasses.  We've already moved on to a second pair since these were broken after he carried them in his pants pocket at school :).