Life lately

Well- Life is so full lately.  Life feels like it is flying by.  We are so busy but I'm trying to cherish the moments because I know they aren't going to last forever.  It's hard to believe that most likely Emily will be off on her own it less than a year.  I'm really excited for her to start her next adventure but my heart hurts a little knowing I won't see her everyday.  We don't always getting along the best but I love her so much.  In October, I took her out to Utah to visit Southern Utah University and to stay with cousins in Provo.  She had a blast and I think she can envision herself living out there now.

The biggest reason we went out to Utah was to give Austin a tour of some schools.  We visited SUU, SVU, Utah State, BYU-I and BYU.  He thinks it's a little early to start looking at schools but I just want him to know what's out there.  Plus, I our fall break lined up with BYU's homecoming weekend so it was the perfect time for him to experience the marching band.

Here he is eating Aggie Ice Cream compliments of Utah State.

Austin also just finished up his high school marching band competition season.  He got the opportunity to go to Grand Nationals for band in Indianapolis.  They got to play their show on the Colts field.  He said it was an awesome experience.  Hopefully, he can get a scholarship and play the tuba in college.

While we were gone in Utah, Casey took Owen and Aaron to Dollywood.  Seriously, it is one of the best family friendly theme parks ever!  They had a good time seeing all the fall decorations and all the pumpkins lit up at night.

The tradition continues... We finally got our pumpkins carved the night before Halloween.  Aaron picked the biggest pumpkin out of everyone!  This year he even cleaned it out and carved it all by himself.  I was really proud of him.  He is growing up way to fast.

Owen opted for a green pumpkin this year.  He was super excited about his selection.  He also wanted to carve a small pumpkin because we had an extra.  This year he dressed up as Indiana Jones for Halloween.  He went off with his friend Z and I didn't even get a picture of him.

  

Hello Friends!  It's been so long!  Life has been full of good and bad and I'm thankful for it.  Here's a snap shot it to our life right now!

Emily started her senior year at Hardin Valley Academy!  She is loving it.  She also got a job at Wendy's.  I'm proud of her for going out and interviewing.  She was really nervous but she did it!

This is the only picture I could be of her in her uniform.  She looks really cute but she didn't want me to take a picture.

Here she is all ready for a football game.  

Austin is really busy- as always!  He is enjoying marching band and there are in full competition season.  Last week I think he spent an additional 20+ hours at school outside of classes.  It's crazy.  I just feel fortunate that he has a good group of friends and something constructive to do.  He really is a great kid.

He also did his eagle project this fall.  We had to squeeze it in very quickly.  From the time the project idea was presented to the time to he gave the tables to the museum was about 10 days.  It was a quick whirlwind.  In this picture he is with the Mayor at the open house for the new exhibits. 

Here he is lined up for band.  He's the first person behind the drum major.  He is also the section leader this year.  We are proud of him for his hard work and dedication!

Owen is next!  This year he got to start school at a brand new middle school.  He was somewhat excited about that.  I love it because it is next door to the high school and elementary school.  He is working hard a school and getting good grades.  He is always working hard to finish boy scouts before the end of next year.

Here he is when visited the middle school for the first time.  He loves being there and he lots of friends.

Over the summer we had 7 puppies to care for.  Owen was always the one I could count on.  He did such a good job.  This one is the "brute" aka Titan.  Owen loved to take the dogs outside and play with them.  He would run with them and play tricks with them.  He loved the puppies so much.  It was a little hard for him to say goodbye to them

Aaron a busy guy.  He is always talking to someone and making up games.  He started 4th grade this fall.  He has a fantastic teacher that challenges him.  He is doing cubscouts and won the good sportsman award for the rainboat regatta this year!  Last week I got to go on a field trip with him.  It was really fun to see him interact with his friends.

Here's Aaron and I at his field trip

Here's  award from the Rain Boat Regatta.  He was cheering everyone on and congratulating everyone.  It was really cute and endearing to watch.  Love this kid!