August--One more leaves the nest!

This month we had a solar eclipse in the US and here in AZ it was a partial eclipse, but still exciting and interesting.  I am in awe of our universe and how scientists have figured out how to predict when things like this will occur down to the minute.  

Our little Sydney got her braces off!  She is not so little anymore.  It's a great feeling to have all of the kids out of braces.  I thought she looked so cute and mature when we walked out.  Almost a true teenager!!

And then the crazy story with my parents happened. . . .  I'm talking to mom on the phone and she starts saying there is blood everywhere and isn't sure what's happened to Dad.  She quickly hangs up and I don't hear from them for a couple hours.  Dad finally calls and said he rolled out of bed and hit his head and was bleeding all over the carpet.  But he said "something's not right with mom, she is really sick."  Luckily Licia called and asked what Mom's pain level was.  When she said a 10 Licia told Dad to drive mom to the ER.  So Dad flew into action, helping Mom dress and drove with his brand new licence to the front of the ER where both of them got out and went inside. (Leaving the keys in the car in case they needed to move it. :)  While they stapled his head Mom had a lot of tests done and they figured out she had diverticulitis.  She spent 5 days in the hospital and Dad had to fend for himself.  I think she started to realize he can do a lot more than he lets on!!  Glad they're both ok.

We spent time at Top Golf with the three girls before we took off for Utah.  Mike enjoyed impressing us all with his shots!

We took a quick weekend trip to Lake Powell on our way moving McKell and Paige up to Provo.  The kids had never been before and they loved it.  McKell brought Kate and Kelsey for one last hurrah.  We stayed on my aunt Linda's houseboat and then rented a speed boat for the day.  I love the warm water and scenery of Lake Powell, it reminded me of being a kid.  But I did realize that being the adult in charge on Lake Powell is very different than the carefree kid on the Lake.  

 McKell finally packed up her room (very reluctantly) and we moved her into her dorm at BYU. Her summer of late nights, friends, her own bedroom, and being care free all came to an end.  Leaving childhood behind is not easy for some people. I've come to realize that each child is unique and deals with new situations differently.  I think McKell is excited for college life, but also a little bit hesitant and overwhelmed.  Her new roommate Sarah Hickman is very sweet and kind.  I know that it will take some getting used to, but I know she will love it once she feels settled. 

 

 And we can't get enough Beckham in our lives!! 

Mike and I spent our 24th Anniversary at the Grand America Hotel!  It was a really nice hotel, probably one of the nicest we've stayed in.  The Sunday brunch was out of this world.  Although for 50.00 a plate I guess that's what you expect.  ha ha  We both talked about how our marriage has gotten better with time.  I'm so glad we both value investing in time with each other.  I really think it has been the secret sauce to our happiness and helps keep us connected despite the challenges and trials (as well as the monotony) of daily life.

McKell left herself logged in on the home computer and I found a few pics of her and Paige.  Finding these treasures was fun now they're away.  Kind of missing them today, but glad they're exactly where they should be!