We went to the cabin over Labor Day weekend. Luckily, the weather was warm enough to enjoy the lake and beach one last time. We were less active than I had anticipated because Gemma and Todd were both sick, but Hazel's friend Max, who coincidentally owns a cabin a few doors down from us, was also up there and kept her entertained when she got restless.
Noah invited Hazel to Homecoming with a Twilight-themed poster. She read all the books this summer, and then watched all the movies.
Gemma rocked her final cross country season. She had four meets this month and consistently ran about a six-and-a-half-minute mile. Her running opp, Maggie, was much faster than last year, and they were never neck and neck at the finish line, but it was still a fun season.
Erika invited Gemma, Hazel, and I to sign up for a Mudgirl Run in Elk Grove with her. It was a 5K run with 17 obstacles, many of which were in mud. None of it was overwhelmingly challenging; it was meant to be a fun girls' weekend event, and it hit the mark. We drove up Friday night and slept at a hotel, had a great time pretending we were a tribe in a Survivor challenge as we experienced the run, and then went and got manicures and pedicures afterward. I'd do it again.
Hazel and Jack both enjoyed their Homecoming dates. Hazel's group made dinner together, and after the dance, they went bowling and played drinking games with chocolate milk.
Jack's group ordered Panda Express at the park, went to the dance, and for their after-party, went to the Becerra's backyard for wood-fired pizza and an outdoor movie.
I started my birthday celebrations a day early, on Sunday, so I could spend more time being spoiled by Todd and the kids. They made my lasagna and cake, played loads of games with me, and even went for a Sunday stroll after dinner all together. The highlight of my Monday birthday was getting a massage.
The high school spirit week included a "Bring anything but a backpack" day and my kids got creative! Jack brought a cart from Todd's shop, and Hazel borrowed a preschool toy shopping cart from a family in our ward.
Gemma and her young women's group had an activity at the skate park. I enjoyed watching them and talking with the other leaders.
Every Tuesday and Thursday night of the month we've been at a volleyball game, cheering Hazel on. They are obviously the most fun when she gets a lot of play time and does well.
The girl Hazel is facing in the below picture is her Granada opp, Abby. She is a member of our church, so she sometimes smack-talks Hazel at seminary during volleyball season. We must have a picture so we can always remember this special rivalry.
Joleen, Katie, Karrie, and Elaine went out to lunch at The Press with me to celebrate my birthday later in the week. I felt especially loved because we had to figure out a time that worked around Katie and Karrie's work schedules, and everyone made it work and was happy to gather.
I'm starting to panic, thinking of all the life skills I've got to make sure Hazel has before she moves away from home. We definitely need to work on her hair braiding abilities!
Todd and the kids all went to a stake youth campout at Mt Madonna and really loved it. There were so many positive reports, about the simple to plan and fun to participate in activities and meals. I binge-watched The Other Bennet Sister while I was home alone and volunteered at the Frosbman volleyball tournament.
