August-Where did it go?

Ok, seriously, August! I swear it came and went so fast! We got home the first couple of days of August and did some fun things--and then school started! Then things got really CRAZY! The first day of school also happened to be Sam's birthday. He was super excited. Before school, we had a little treasure hunt set up for him. He did Ok,with help from Shelby, at the clues and finding the hints to what his birthday present was. The things he found were sea shells, legos, airplane, picture of him on the beach in CA. He couldn't figure out what the actual present was because he had in his mind that he was getting Smash Brawl Wii game and the things he found had nothing to do with the game. We were cracking up because he kept trying to guess Smash Brawl. About that time Shelby asked if we were going some place and then I finally explained that we were going to CA with Dad on his business trip in September. It still took a while to sink in and then he was happy to know we were going to the beach and Legoland! Then he did ask, kind of sad, what about Smash Brawl? So Tom told him to go look on the kitchen counter and there was his game! He was really happy then! It worked out that Tom had found out a couple days before that he was going to San Diego for work. So, since we had enough frequent flyers and the hotel and car were paid for, we decided to make a family trip out of it. We decided that going to CA and Legoland would be a great trade instead of having a birthday party! (Good thing Sam thought so too!)
Sam had a great day and got to play his game before and after school. He picked Pei Wei for his birthday dinner. YUM!
Two days later---on the same day we got Sam, eight years ago, he was baptized. Pretty neat that it worked out that way! What a special day it was this year and eight years ago. The service was really special. The grandmas spoke and then the primary kids sang, "If the Savior Stood Beside Me". It was so nice to have Tom be able to baptize and confirm Sam. How blessed we are to have the priestood in our home. We are so proud of Sam and for his decision to be baptized. Shelby and Matt surely look up to him. He is a great older brother. We were blessed to have a little family--two grandma's, grandpa, and my cousin and her family. Eventhough we didn't have much family, you wouldn't have known it! We had so many great friends and neighbors at the baptism and the little dinner at our place afterwards. It was a neat experience for us to share this day with so many and to share our beliefs with others not of our faith. After the baptism everyone came over and it worked out great to just sit in the driveway and eat in the shade. It was a perfect evening! The kids were cracking us up! They all found light sabers or something that resembled a light saber and were playing Star Wars. (which was so nice because then the adults could just sit and relax a bit!) :) So fun! After everyone had gone, Sam openend some presents and cards. He was so excited! He said, "Wow! I got $55 bucks out of this!" I thought my mom and I were going to die laughing!! He had never had so much money in his life! The wheels in his brain were just a turnin' as to what he was going to buy! He ended up buying a skateboard, watch, and new scooter. And, he got to go to see Clone Wars with the movie gift card he got. Boy was he ever happy! Oh, I have to tell you a sweet story of cute Sam. The day that he bought his watch and skateboard, Matt was very jealous and having a rough time. He wanted a watch too, but I told him he would have to earn it. So, when Sam heard that, he went to the front door and yelled for Matt to come to the front door. Matt did and then came running back to the family room holding a $20 bill and said that he now had enough money for the watch. I cried. Sam felt so bad for Matt that he gave his own precious money to Matt so that he could have the watch and be happy. That shows how sensitive Sam is and just how much he loves his little brother. Those two are as "thick as theives"--as Tom would say. (needless to say, we worked it out and Sam got his money back---but even when I gave him the money back he still said that he was fine to pay for Matt's watch---so cute!) We are so blessed to have been able to adopt this amazing boy! We would be lost without him!

My favorite picture from Sam's special day! (Sam looking up at the Savior)


Below are the first day of school pictures, Sam's birthday, and Sam's baptism day.

Another very exciting thing happened in August! Matt's first day at kindergarten! He started the day after Sam and Shelby. He was so excited he didn't even care to get his picture taken! He just couldn't wait to be at the school with all the other kids.


Here's a picture of the "Brookfield St. Gang" He was all smiles walking to school with the big kids! Quite the crew!


Sam had his first major cub scout pack meeting! He was so excited to wear his uniform! The rockets didn't really work too well, but finally the dads decided to just fly them anyway. The kids had a great time, so that's what matters right?! :)



Oh! and one last photo I just can't resist! Tom has been debating whether or not to get Lasik done for at least 10 years---well he finally pulled the trigger! He said it is well worth it and would do it again---eventhough one eye isn't doing as well as the other. He will need a little "touch-up" in a month or so. So great he doesn't have to worry about his contacts when we hit the ocean and sand next Saturday!