Mormon Helping Hands for Hurricane Harvey

We had the opportunity to go down to the Houston area to help the many people there whose homes were nearly destroyed by the recent catastrophic flooding.  Brayden and Kevin went one weekend and then the next weekend they went again and took Makenna along with them.  They worked hard in tough conditions but had a memorable and rewarding experience.  They slept in a stadium on the floor and showered at a gas station.  They never complained either.  They were happy to go and so many people told me about how hard they worked.  Makenna was excited to tell me that shes quite good with a crowbar- a hidden talent we never knew.  What great kids they are!

   

Meanwhile, the younger kids and I tried to keep busy.  We made homemade bread.  That was fun!  We also did some fairly unsuccessful geocaching and otherwise just laid low.

Happy Birthday Makenna!

This year for Makenna's birthday she chose to go horseback riding.  We took Brielle along and went on a trail ride at a place called Storybook ranch.  Then we had a lovely birthday dinner at The Olive Garden, where they completed the birthday experience with a song and a free dessert.  Sunday was her actual birthday which she enjoyed opening her presents (mostly gift cards for her online shopping hobby), and eating her traditional birthday cake.  She is officially a teenager now! 

A Trip to the Circus

The younger kids got tickets to the circus and school and they were absolutely convinced that they just HAD to go.  So off we went.  It was a fun experience.  Certainly not a top notch circus but for free tickets, we couldn't complain.  They had Chinese acrobats, camels and elephants and motorcycles in a cage.  There was even a bearded lady working the concession (we arent sure if she was part of the show or not).