Emergency!

 While I was at parent-teacher conferences, Henry decided to go find me. He put on his father's boots and headed outside unbeknownst to his fellow siblings. 

   

  A neighbor found him on High street, which is the street just past our property, so basically he just got to the edge of our property, but the neighbors found him and couldn't understand him of course, so they called the police. So I got a call on my way home from Devon's conference from our house, I assumed it was Charles asking for an update, but it was the police informing me of the situation and inquiring when I would be home. I told him where I was and that I was on my way. The officer wasn't so concerned, he didn't even wait for me to show up. 

   

Back home Henry helped me make lemon curd.

And Teddy did some trick riding!

What a Day!

School Days

 Obligatory first-day photos:

Teddy did not want to pose.

Walking to the bus stop.

Consoling the ones left behind.

August Highlights

         The Portland temple was closed for 2 months so I took advantage and went to the Columbia River temple. I had never been in such a small temple before, it was a real experience! Everyone was so nice and helpful. They don't have a chapel so you dress and then head right into the ordinance room to wait. The celestial room was right in front of the ordinance room and then opened to the same hall to get back to the changing rooms. The bathroom was nearly hidden. It is a beautiful temple.

Girl's camp was way out there by Yakama kinda, so I picked the girls up, on the way I spotted this cute little truck.

We went to the fair and saw the archery competition.

        We visited the PUD's booth and spun the wheel of prizes and each got a huge mug. It was fun, I only had 4 kids with me then; when we went back with the other 2 they were disappointed that they didn't get mugs too.

         Lizzy has decided to try sports this year. They started their season with a midnight practice. She has really embraced the sports and made some good friends there. She wants to play goalie next season.

      Since my huckleberry dealer moved away I decided to go berry picking. I tapped my local knowledge friend for info and she suggested Mt. Adams. I got my picking permit and map and off we went! It was surprisingly chilly, my kids were not prepared for that, but luckily I had some spare clothes in the trunk. Since it was later in the season it was hard to find berries, but we finally found a little spot full of them. I had hoped for 2 gallons, but we ended up with almost one. It was enough for some muffins. Next year I will go earlier, also maybe take a better map, because GPS doesn't work up on the mountain and we were so lost trying to get back. We ended up halfway to Stevenson! But we made it! 

         I don't know what it is about forests that calm me, but they are seriously my happy place. I love green plants and wild woods. Must be the witch in me. This one was full of natural bridges. So fun!

 

Mayor for the Day

Emily was chosen to be the Mayor of Goldendale for the day! It was quite the honor and quite the day! The Mayor took us on a tour of the police station, and water treatment facility. Later we toured the fire station. 

She received lots of gifts and 2 commemorative coins.

Meeting the staff and trying out the gavel.

We went to tour the police station first.

        Here we are meeting the staff of the water treatment plant. He took us on a tour of the site, and I only took a Marco Polo I guess. So this is my only photo. She told some of the workers to get back to work, and one of the guys didn't like that much, but she was told to say it by their boss. 

We went home for a bit and I made apple pie since we had a few overripe apples.

Grandma read to Teddy

        

 Then we went to the fire station to have a tour and then arrive at the council meeting in style! Our firefighters are all volunteers. They had little kits and, hats for each of the kids. It was really nice.  I have never ridden in a fire truck before. It was a blast!

 

Then she opened the council meeting, we were able to leave after the business really got going and she made sure to collect everything, including a calendar they have for council members! It was funny.

The council members and everyone had such a fun time. I'm so glad we had this opportunity.