bAck 2 ScHoOL

Back to school 2019- Mckinley is going into 5th grade with Mrs Morrill. Kingston, 3rd grade with Mrs Childs and Enzo a big kindergartener with Mrs Vadebancoeuer (Mrs "V" is just fine). We had our back to school dinner with our theme:

BE THE GOOD

SEE THE GOOD

Mckinley came into 5th grade scared to death of the math that awaited her. It has been such a blessing that her teacher stays after every day until 4:05 to help with unfinished math and answer questions. After one week, I got an email from her teacher saying that she had improved! Mc has also said, "I love adding and subtracting fractions!" (who is this kid?). I have told her how much I loved 5th grade. I had Ms Tierney. I was also in the portables. I also got the privilege of staying with her at her apt. when mom and dad went on a cruise. It was a great year and I KNOW it will be the same for Mc. She has her best friends in her class (Emma, Azia) and is now super aware of her clothes, her hair and what's cool. 

Kingston lucked out and ended up in a class full of his friends and also CASH- how lucky to have your cousin in your class. He has already had to have an email home about talking too much during class. He said, "mom, it's hard not to talk when everyone is my friend". Kingston makes friends easily, is a good example and includes everyone. He thrives in science and math and let's hope this is the year he manages to have more legible handwriting. 

Mc and Azia. 

Porter Moeller and Kingston

On the last day of summer before Enzo started (he started a week after the other kids), he chose to "chillax" in Mimi's pool. We had lunch, sat in the pool and just hung out.  He was SO ready to start Kindergarten. He chose a shark eating a watermelon shirt and waved good bye like he was made for school. 

Afternoon kindergarten is a lot like preschool- except every day. It is nice having a few hours every day to work and sending the kids off early on Wednesday for choir. The kids have excellent teachers and it will be awesome to see how this year goes.

Party Presidency

We had always planned to go to Park City to celebrate our one year as a Primary Presidency. Sadly, right before we had solidified a date, Candace (our faithful secretary) was snatched to head the YW. It seemed like perfect timing to go with our new Secretary, Allie and to have one weekend before school started. We found an adorable Air BnB, had Shabu Shabu, Rocky Mt Chocolate Factory apples, stayed up passed midnight, Eating Establishment for breakfast and outlet shopping. It was a perfect weekend.

I sure love these ladies. It almost seems like I can make it one more day with them in my corner. There have been many times I could just throw in the towel but these ladies kept me going. I once again remember praying for "lasting relationships" with women in my new ward- and then these ladies came along. They all bring something I can't live without and I am truly blessed to call them sisters and friends.

Allie McFarland, Kristie Lucking, Lisa Michaelis, me, Candace Belcher, Kathie Gwilliam

S U M M E R 2019

Summer 2019 came and went just as it always does- June: the month where we are excited for no schedule, lazy days, late nights and friends. July: swimming lessons, more late nights, fireworks and friends. August: laziness sets in, panic about back to school schedules, attempting earlier bedtimes, annoyance at 100%, kid crazy full speed ahead.

Getting sick set it back a bit but I was thankful I had scheduled a few things in advance for the kids. Kingston had a basketball camp that a boy in our ward put on for 8-9 year olds, swimming lessons with Mrs Kim, an art class for Mc, lots of swimming at Mom's and Thanksgiving Point. We ate lots of ice cream, watched lots of movies, did the slip and slide, rode bikes, went to Maverick, slept in, bought a new car, made Perler beads and BBQ'ed.

Due to the plague, I had to push Kingston's friend party into July. I begged and pleaded for him to just take the money but he wanted a party. He picked Classic Fun Center- let me remind everyone that this place STILL looks and smells just like it did when I went there in 1992. We invited 9 friends and scooter, laser tagged and bounced to their hearts content. He really does have a good group of little friends. He got lots of presents, they downed loads of pizza and Root beer and reminded me yet again, how much I "love" birthday parties (not).

Left to right: Cash, Mason Richman, Hudson Alexander, Greyson Burnett, Emmitt Mero, King Man, Trevin. Not pictured- Porter Moeller (who was looking for his scooter) and Cole Blackhurst.  

A lemonade stand always starts with Noah Bigler. On this day the Riverton Police Dept stopped by for a drink too (they happened to be in the area) and had newly started patrolling as Riverton PD. 

Mc attended her last year of Jeremiah Johnson activity day camp. I can't believe that next year she goes to Girls' Camp. She says she "hates camping" but I can almost guarantee that camp will be right up her alley.

Mc back row center in the hat. 

Speaking of camping, Mc got the pleasure of going to Flaming Gorge with the Lawrences and Thomases this year! Mimi had asked her if she wanted to and it was a good thing too or Brynlee would have had no one to play with. She camped, pooped in the trailer (not her favorite thing), fished AND ate the fish she caught, and had a blast. She was gone Wednesday-Saturday and we sure missed her. 

 We went to the Chalk Art Festival downtown- we went a little earlier this year and a lot of the pieces weren't finish and there was also a Beer Festival which had the fountains closed off. We did get free Hostess Cupcakes for Hostess's birthday.

Cowabunga Bay was the hit this year. Alex had taken the kids YEARS ago (when they were both still little) and I am pretty sure Kingston cried the whole time. This was the year we ventured back. I had bought passes in May when they couldn't open over Memorial Day and I got 40% off. Jessica Mero had passes so we waited for a day they were going and joined them. We were there for FIVE hours- the kids were fried and tired but loved it. Jessica asked a few weeks later if K could go again so I sent him. They didn't scan his ticket so, he got to go one more time with them. He braved all the slides and really enjoyed himself. 

Enzo and Carter

Mc and Lolo (Thank heaven she had a pass and could go with us)

K and Emmitt

 We always love Lego day at the Library. They got to build cars and race them. The Mero's just happened to be there the day we went too.

We spend LOADS of time at Mimi and Papa's swimming. I am extra grateful that they put up a pool every year so that we have a free, secluded, air conditioned place to swim and play. The kids love it. I also appreciate that we can go in the evening and swim until it's dark.

"Look Mom! I am a demogorgon!"

 The Days of 47 float preview is always a fun summer venture. Dad didn't get to come with us this year because he was working on the flip house. It was a little more crowded than I had anticipated but the air conditioning and "free" face painting is always worth it. We ran into the Maples- friends from our old ward and Chrissy Ursenbach- my childhood friend. It was fun to introduce Mc to someone I played with when I was her age. Her mom & dad were there too and are exactly like I remember.

The boys had their birthday check ups and surprisingly, Kingston is growing! The gap between their weight is widening but Kingston is still barely on the charts for height. They both were scared  (like always) that they would be getting shots.

More summer concerts with Lindsy- while I wished it was Erasure like last year, Mumford and Sons put on a good show. Usana has allowed low height lawn chairs so we had seats and that was awesome. Also, the people right in front of us left in a hurry and never came back so we didn't have anyone sitting directly in front of us. Win. It's always great spending time with Linds.

And our last day of summer was spent at the pool with the Meros. I am sure glad the boys have such good friends that live so close.

This year summer didn't seem to drag on like all the other summers up to this point.  The kids are a little more independent and after two years I feel like they have lots of friends to choose from and things to do. Mc has started to sleep in (YES!) and the boys are content being outside. Mark sold another flip house this summer, the basement is back on track and we have Mc's 10 year old trip to look forward to. I still struggle at the very end, right when the kids have about had all they can take of each other- but then the first day of school comes. I do find myself missing the pool and missing the later nights where the kids can play until it's dark but I also always look forward to fall. So long summer, it's been real.

'Merica

Cousins

 We started the 4th of July at Lagoon for Kid's day! G & Chris have kept the Kid's Day tradition alive and this is the second year in a row. It was yet again another glorious day at the park. The weather was great- outside the random thunder/rain storm in the middle of the afternoon but that calmed the clouds and the sunshine and made it great. Mc yet again roamed around with her cousins while the boys, Mark and I hit the smaller rides. This was the year Mc finally conquered Colossus and she LOVED it. Still working on Kingston to go on some real roller coasters. Maybe next year.

We left Lagoon to head to Ty and Jade's new house that is right around the corner and participated in the Stadium of Tyler. We are ever so grateful every year that Tyler spends $$$$ on loads of fireworks and offers to put on a show. This year was epic. The kids had a blast and I was in charge of the tunes again. A summer night on the fourth of July cannot be beat.

I love dressing my family all patriotic like. I love BBQ'ing, fireworks, some Neil Diamond on a bluetooth speaker and watching my kids take it all in. I fondly remember my fourth of July's and love sharing that with my kiddos. 

Free Willies

Me, Bree and Toby (who was petrified)

The Hulk turns 5.

F I V E

A whole hand! Five years old. Going to Kindergarten. Obsessed with Transformers. Favorite present: BotBots. Chose Olive Garden for your birthday dinner- ate pizza and fries. Content playing solo or running around with the neighborhood boys. You have mastered swimming lessons (roll, chicken/airplane/soldier). I love that you still come in and snuggle in the mornings. You love baths, getting dirty and candy. 

You are the best listener and most days have the cleanest room out of any of the kids. I also love that you still call Kingston and Mckinley collectively, "the kids". You are kind and tender and sometimes still let me snuggle and smooch you during the day. You go to bed and instantly fall asleep with all your stuffed animal friends and toys crammed in tight next to you. 

It's going to be a little hard sending you off to school every day. Just glad that we still get to spend our mornings together and have our lunches at Firehouse Subs.

We love you huge, Lorenzo Niels.  

I want to be the BEST I can

Kingston Grant Williamson made the decision to be baptized to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was a beautiful day! You were such a lucky boy and got to have your OWN baptism day (which was unheard of in our ward with so many kids!). I was lucky to be the Primary President and get to speak at your baptism and be the first to welcome you to the ward (I also got to give you a smooch which I don't get to do with any of the other kids). You picked Mimi to give the talk on Baptism, Grandma Mary Ann to give the talk on the Holy Ghost and Uncle Dave and Ty Thomas to give the prayers. Dad gave you a beautiful confirmation blessing. I had a front row seat and my heart almost burst when I saw you sitting there in your suit surrounded by all the men we love holding the priesthood and exercising the power of God.

We also opted to do donuts and chocolate milk in the parking lot after and that was the best decision of my life- no need to clean my house, people didn't have to bring anything, no mess. It was perfect. We will be doing the same thing for Enzo's.

All in all, a perfect day. A day where you can't help but feel how much our Heavenly Father loves us and is proud of our decisions.

Williamson Men

Your own table! You made a lego temple and a lego 8. 

F O R E V E R Williamsons 

All the boys- Cole Blackhurst, Noah Bigler, the Mero boys (Carter and Emmitt), Mason Richman and Cash. 

Gr8 to be 8.

Kington Grant. You're 8. I can't believe it. You put on your suit to go and get your baptism pictures and I was for sure not ready to see my tiny boy looking so much like a grown up missionary (that day will be here before I know it). You are kind. You are easily swayed by gifts or a dollar. You have a lady fan club (mostly Rebecca Bennion) and everyone knows you by your birthmark. You are a cool kid that makes everyone feel included and always chooses the right. 

giving Rebecca a ride home on your pegs

That smile. 

 All you wanted for your birthday was a penny board (a small skate board) and Legos. You are ALL boy. You love being outside, eating candy and gum for a meal, being dirty, playing with your best friends Emmitt, Noah, Porter, Mason and Cash and staying up late. You like to think you are "not scared" of Stranger Things or El Chupicabra but deep down, you still are- usually we find you at the foot of our bed every night.

eight. 

Tradition says you get to pick where me and dad take you for dinner- this year, Benihana. You LOVED it! The flying shrimp, the rice and the ice cream at the end. It was so fun seeing your face! We had two other couples celebrating birthdays at our table and they all sang to you and wished you a Happy Birthday.

Benihana Boy

Primary birthday sign, penny board and your rocket

 At Boondocks, if you go ON your birthday you get to do everything for free. You and dad raced go carts, played laser tag and arcade games and spent the afternoon together. Dad said you were quite the race car driver.

Kingston, we love you. You are the perfect middle child- the catalyst to all the good and crazy in our lives. We love you more than legos, more than gum, more than Godzilla, Pacific Rim and El Chupicabra. We love you more than egg rolls, more than a million dollars, more than robots. WE LOVE YOU.