Maxine Starting University

Utah State University does a nice job. They've had photographers out taking pictures at beginning of the year events and Maxine has taken advantage of them. 

First day of school: August 28th, 2023.

Night adventures on the quad. There was an adventure that couples could kiss at a certain time at a certain spot. She didn't have anyone to kiss and the people lining up were already in couples. As she was hanging around waiting, the announcer said they needed someone for a lone boy to kiss. Maxine volunteered and kissed a total stranger that night. Crazy girl. I love her spirit though. Have fun!

Regular Life Again

With the kids back in school, I went to the temple. I made a really last minute appointment and there was only 1 seat. I took it, sorry Merril. He said he was busy anyway.

I took the kids to eat chicken at Ernie's, the gas station. They have surprisingly good chicken.

Mikayla is so excited to get her cello for orchestra. I actually ended up getting her two cellos so she doesn't have to drag it back and forth.

And Merril went on a dirt bike ride!

 

HOCO 2023

Jack went with Leighna and Juliet went with Anthony. I took pictures of Juliet's group and got so many cute ones. That's the bonus of taking pictures for the group. Pigeon toes! The group looked at me funny when I said do pigeon toes but I think it turned out so cute!

They looked at my funny when I said to take a selfie and I was going to take a picture of them. It's my favorite!

I didn't take Jack's pictures and somehow, this is the only one I got. Still beautiful! But it's in my basement. Fun times!

Goodbye Summer, Hello School

Oh summer, I will miss you. I'm looking forward to having my days back so I can get some stuff done. Mark and Mikayla posed in front of these cool signs at Coral Canyon on back to school night.

Jack is a freaking senior this year! I'm so glad that I didn't have to get Maxine home from a mission and Jack ready to leave on a mission. I'm glad we have this year. He and Mark are ready to go! Jack told me he didn't want a backpack because it just makes his back hurt. He said needs one binder. 

Mikayla started intermediate school this year. The busssssss. So early. They seem to be in good spirits though. I'll drive her on muffin Mondays so I don't have to make them so early.

I cannot seem to find a first day of school picture for Juliet on my phone. So I included this picture that was that same week. There was mountain bike practice in Cedar City and it was raining. As they finished this awesome rainbow appeared.

I don't feel like I was done with the start of school until I got Maxine off to college. We left the following week on Monday, August 21st. We drove two cars because she needed her car up there and I needed to get back home. Everything pretty much fit in her car.

We got gas and snacks and started our long day.

Logan! It's beautiful here!

We got everything up to her dorm room in San Juan Hall at USU. She's got her lovely bed made with her quilt! She has 5 room mates. Then we ran to Walmart to get her some food because that pantry was bare. I didn't feel good about leaving until she had food to eat. 🍎🍌🍚

 Proud of her!

Maxine said moving into the dorms felt like transfer day. Except now she can call home whenever she wants. 😘 

I turned around and drove home. Logan is far away but we were able to get it done. I'd thrown in a sleeping pad but didn't need it. I got home at 2 a.m. I maybe should've stayed overnight but I just wanted to get home. It made for a long day but I got my girl taken care of. That was important for me. 

Now that EVERYONE is in school. I need to declutter the house. It is a MeSs! 

Backpacking Around Bryce

Maxine can't get enough being outdoors. She wanted to do a backpacking hike and Merril took her. They went up by Bryce Canyon.

It got a little rainy but they had gear.

They hiked around 20 miles and Maxine was feeling it. Packs are heavy and that's a lot of miles! Wow! 

 

Jocelyn Hummel's Wedding

Jocelyn asked Maxine to play a song on her guitar as she walked down the aisle at her wedding. It was fun to go and watch Maxine play.

The reception was good times too!

Can't believe she's so grown up.

 

Bros Camping Adventure

Jack loaded up Mark and some buddies and they went camping. It's so nice of him to take Mark on these adventures. Mark is going to miss Jack so much when he moves away. But for now, it's good times.

 

Jack's Wisdom Teeth and Narrows Adventure

Poor Jack had to get his wisdom teeth out. That has to happen before his mission. We decided to wait until the end of the summer. It would give him enough time to heal up before he has to go back to school. Today was the day! Mark came with us and giggled at Jack.

Mikayla has been growing like a weed. The girls are all about the same height. Maxine is barely the tallest. Maxine and Merril have been trying to sneak in a trip to the Narrows but haven't been able to get it together. Today was the day! All the girls went.

Later that day was Primary Activities and Mark caught a fish!