Not a lot has happened in the Kmetzsch household this week but that doesn't mean things aren't happening in the world. It's actually been a devastating week for the world and this world is starting to feel a lot heavier and dark. I'm so grateful I have a faith and belief in Jesus Christ that can bring peace even in the darkest of days. As for the kids, they've been doing so well getting up and out on time for school and I'm really enjoying my 'free' time.

    Brock hung out with a few of his Deacon Quorum friends at their campout but opted out of sleeping over. Charlie still takes lots of silly photos of herself and we had a pretty crazy wind storm blow thru town and found a tree 'casualty' that was pretty huge. And we had a fun visit from the grand babies and Charlie loves any opportunity to take a photo.

Brock and a few of his deacon buddies. 

She's a goofball.

And I guess this is where Charlie gets her 'goofball-ness'.

Pretty big tree bit the dust.
(This is near our house but not in our immediate neighborhood.)

 

Cute girls.

    The world needs Jesus! Lets pray for peace and sensible government leadership. (That last one is a long shot but we can have peace even amongst turmoil.) 

Alpine parade and first day of school

    We had fun celebrating Alpine Days and the parade was super fun. The boys entered their small trucks, which was super hilarious and 'white-trashy' but the best part of the parade, if you ask me. "Small Truck Nation" is where it's at!

Charlie sporting Greg's sunglasses.

Here comes "Small Truck Nation" (And what about those mountains in the background!?)

Our Bishop's son-in-law, and one of the Priest Quorum advisors, hopped in the back of the first truck and waved their "Small Truck Nation" flag for the last part of the parade.

 People were confused, ha ha!

Kayli and Charlie greeting Mark in the Pearl.

Marcus in his Mazda.

Carter in his Mazda with his buddy Tyler.

And bringing up the rear is good ol' Cole Boy and his dad, Andy in Cole's Toyota.

Fun times!

Most of the boys from the parade.

    Then we had a little visit to Instacare with McClane the day before school started. He took a spill on his long-board and thankfully he didn't break anything but because it was swollen and he couldn't put his weight on it they sent him home with a brace and crutches to help him out until he could walk properly. It's definitely made the first few days of school a little tricky but he's been a good sport and managed to get around ok. He's almost back to normal so we've put the brace and crutches away for now.

 

    And then it was the first day of school! Why can't summer last a little longer!?

Carter/11th

Brock 8th

McClane 5th

Charlie 3rd

    What a crazy thing to be back on school schedule! So far it's gone smoothly and all the kids seem happy to be back at school. It's definitely been an adjustment having the two youngest going to school much later then the rest of the kids. The older boys are out the door well before 8 A.M. and the two youngest don't have school until 9:15 but we're figuring it out. 

    We got some great rainfall this week and Greg always loves that. We're definitely on the downward slope for water stress for him. But lets not get too excited for the change in weather/seasons!

Birthday parties galore!

    Photo bomb this week! First it was Beau's 2nd birthday party and Kayli went all out, once again! Lots of yummy treats and cute decorations. Beau's only a tiny bit spoiled.

 

 

 

    McClane got to go swimming with a buddy and did the flow-rider. 

 

    Pretty cool walking out to my car and this 'bad-girl' was parked behind me. This car is probably worth more then my house!

McLaren anyone!?

    And back to the birthday palooza. Charlie is officially 8 and she's feeling great! She was so excited for her unicorn party with a few of her closest friends.

She was beyond excited to open all the great gifts her friends brought.

Coloring their goody bags.

 Juju, JT, Charlie, Eden, Sarah and Kat

Piñata time!

Finally gift opening fun!

She made out like a bandit.

 Make a wish!

Practicing on her new rollerblades.

    Alpine Days have been going on this week and we made a quick stop at the car show today before heading to the rodeo. I love looking at old and new cars!

 

Kat, Charlie and me enjoying a snow cone and watching the rodeo. 

Charlie loves this clown and insisted on getting a photo with him like she did two years ago.

    Such a fun week! Tomorrow's the parade and a few other fun activities to enjoy and then we can turn our focus to school, LAME! 

Reunion & pets

    We had a great time at the Kmetzsch family reunion Saturday. My sister-in-law, Heidi, took a lot of great photos that I've 'borrowed' and sister-in-law Kristin was a rockstar host for the whole event.  

In-law cousins on the top and original cousins on the bottom. Sadly not all were in attendance.

These boys were a bit too cool to socialize much.

 

Cute Beau with cousin Luke

"Annoyed" McClane and "serious" Greg.

Uncle Dale and Greg, they kind of look alike.

A lot of the 'next generation' of cousins.

    We also had a little reunion with Georgia, who's looking a little 'naked' as of late. She was beyond happy to see us and we loved cuddling her cute puppies.

 Who is this creature!?

What adorable puppies!

    So that's the fun for this week. The kids have been made aware of their teachers for the coming school year. Brock and Carter have their school schedule printed and will most likely want to make changes to it and I'm still in denial that school starts in just 11 short days.