September in a Nutshell...

It would need to be a very large nutshell to contain everything that has been happening around here!  But here goes.
Ben: Started another year of Seattle Children's Chorus: Brio choir.  Started another round of Level 5 swimming lessons.  Breaststroke is his nemesis.  But he's vowing to get it this time so he can be done with Level 5.  Went to Stake Primary Family Dance with mom.  Watched her dance with that "you look ridiculous" face.  Ran around with friends and ate cookies.  Loved having dad come as Officer Norton to Cub Scouts, but said, "I don't need to write a thank you note--I'll just tell him thanks!"

Ben at Stake Primary Family Dance with mom.

Ben in handcuffs in the back of the patrol car.  

Sarah:  Started another year with Seattle Children's Chorus: Intermezzo.  Started Ballet 1/2 and Jazz 1/2.  Started her patrol job at school--starts daily at 8:40 am.  Applying for Executive Committee.  Fingers crossed that she'll get in.  Auditioned for the Nutcracker at ADS.  Got 2 parts.  Jester and one of the two maids.  Super excited!  Loving spending time with friends at school and outside of school (TWEEN NIGHT!)

Shoreline Rec Tween Night was hopping! 

Sarah rocked the Move-A-Thon dance floor! 

Libby: Started the next level of Seattle Children's Chorus:  Arioso.  Started dance:  Ballet 1/2 and Acro.  Enjoying Cross Country--most days.  Enjoying Middle School.  Most days.  She did quite well in her first two races.  She placed 16th with a 16:27 time in her first race.  In her second race she placed 28th with a 16:24 time.  She was disappointed that she didn't shave 2 minutes off her time.  She has a little to learn about running.  She got new glasses that she picked, and then decided she hates.  Learned that she wouldn't be getting smart phone.  Refused the flip phone.  Would rather keep her Gizmo Gadget. 

Our little runner!  

Trish:  Feels like she is running but should be sprinting.  With a cold.  And now a headache (again).  But actually proud that she has been able to up her running to 3 and 4 miles.  But now that the headache is back, might need to dial back.  With the help of an awesome committee, put on a successful Sip-and-Paint activity at church.  Student Council elections season has started.  Got our school Move-A-Thon ready to happen on Friday--(sadly we had to move indoors after the hail and pouring rain that we started out in did not let up)--and now the fun of doling out prizes, etc. 5th grade camp coming in 2 weeks.  Last week we did 4 hours of counselor interviews.  Did I mention there is also teaching going on here?  Don't worry though, negotiating for times with our Christmas picture photographer and purchasing Halloween costumes while sitting in a staff meeting where people are debating about whether or not we should celebrate Halloween at school.  Working on Sarah's photobook, so reading the blog more than posting on it.  Gave 2 curriculum night presentations.  Attended 2 live podcast events, "Happier Hour," and CRIMINAL.   Went out to dinner with a bunch of Derek's cop friends.  And it seemed like a good idea to head to UT for a weekend for a Husky Home game?  Ridiculous. I don't have time to socialize. (But actually it was all really fun!)  Yesterday helped put on a baby shower and attended a funeral.  Recognizing the full circle of life. And thankfully my cold is abating.

 Derek: Worked many Mariner's games, attended many Husky games (home and away), and picked up some of the slack at home.  (Made many dinners, even folded some laundry, drove kids around, etc.)  Starting to think about the upcoming wrestling season (did he ever stop thinking about it?)

Huge thanks to Maren and Clark and Grammy and Grandpa, without whom our kids would never have gotten everywhere they needed to go this month! 

So yeah, it was a bit of a blur.  So much to be thankful for...maybe a little too much 😉