Hello everyone! We survived September! We started the month with celebrating Wyatt’s 8th birthday. We were fortunate to have Grandma Stevens and Uncle Todd come down for his birthday and his baptism!!! Wyatt was really excited about being baptized. We had a lot of friends attend and it was extra special to have Grandma and Uncle Todd here. Wade baptized Wyatt and I stood back and cried! My little boy isn’t so little anymore!
After a fun weekend of birthday cake and playing, we headed to Rexburg, Idaho. We took a three-day vacation to Yellowstone and stayed in Rexburg. We drove through the park and it took all day as we did the entire loop. We were fortunate to see a bald eagle, elk, buffalo, a wolf, and elk. At one point the buffalo were coming down the road and they were so close to the van Wade could have reached out and gave one a good rub between the eyes. Not encouraged, but they were that close. We even managed to see Old Faithful blow. The kids had never seen the geyser before. It was a quick trip but at least got us away for a few days.
We have started home schooling. We actually started at the end of August, which I do believe I already told you in our August letter. I apologize for the repetitiveness. The kids are doing well. We start about 8:30 or so and are done between 1pm and 2pm. The kids also have an art class at the private school they attended last year. A professor from a local college teaches it. They are also doing PE with their old private school twice a month.
Bekah and Wyatt are back into piano lessons. Wyatt and Annika are both playing soccer, which has only one week left!!!!! (It has since ended as this letter took a bit to get out) Bekah and Annika start clogging in another week or so! (They HAVE started clogging) My children are not bored! Will gets to tag along on all the outings.
OH!! Wyatt is now in cub scouts and loves it. We had our first pack meeting last night (ok, about 2 ½ weeks ago) and he was able to be part of the flag ceremony and carry in a flag. The whole scouting thing is brand new to Wade and I. Wyatt loves scouts and is anxious to start earning badges. (He has since earned his bobcat!)
The hospital officially made its transition to St Luke’s Health System September 1st. Wade was pleased to see if finally come together as envisioned. Not much has changed for him, although is now he working for St Luke’s. He enjoys the networking and interaction he is able to have with the CEOs of the other St Luke’s hospitals. On a separate note, he was nominated to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors of the Idaho Hospital Association. I’m not sure when he will start that. Oh, he was also nominated to be the Idaho Regent for the American College of Healthcare Executives and was newly chosen as the President of the Idaho Healthcare Executive Forum.
The weather is thinking about cooling down. Still have had some temps close to 90. I am ready for cooler weather! I would love some grass as well. All in good time I suppose. We finished our round pen, which works very nicely for riding, and we started on some other fencing. Always something to do!
Our horses have been naughty. We had a two-week stint where they kept getting out. We couldn’t figure out what was going on and discovered the battery to our solar fencer was shot. The mares kept getting out. Our geldings stayed put. The fence was lying on the ground but the boys wouldn’t step over it. I love geldings!!! I am sick of the girls!! I told Wade we are not getting any more mares. Anyone want three!!!!????
After fixing the fence a couple of times, we bought a very good electric fencer with the hopes that if they tested the fence it would zap them all the way to town!!! The pony escaped the other day, not sure how, but for the most part they are minding their manners.
I have managed to get out and right a little. Bekah enjoys riding her pony. The round pen sure makes it nice for her to build up her confidence. Our next project is the riding arena.
We had a short visit from Grandma and Grandpa Dashiell. They were on their way to Colorado for an Elk hunt. (Grandpa did get an elk!! Way to go Grandpa!!) They stayed a night with us. We had a good visit and the kid’s loved seeing their grandparents.
I think that is about it for now. I am doing well. Just trying to keep up with the kids and keep my sanity. Wade and I both have new callings at church. Wade teaches the Gospel Doctrine class in Sunday school and I have been called as the 2nd Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency. Relief Society is a woman’s organization in our church. Among other duties, I am responsible for the activities we hold. Wade loves teaching and I am slowly getting over feeling overwhelmed.
We hope fall finds you in beautiful colors and enjoy the cooler weather!!! Consider yourself hugged from the Johnson’s!
