The 2017-2018 school year started August 21.

Raine started 4th grade.

Carter started 2nd grade.

Just like that, the summer was over and they were off to school.

Daddy dropped by the school at the peak of the solar eclipse to pull them out so they could watch it. The school didn’t let the kids go outside during the eclipse for fear they would burn their retinas trying to peak around the glasses. There were a number of other parents who pulled their kids out so they could watch it in front of the school. It was a fun experience, although Carter didn’t think it was THAT special.

A little good-luck high-five on Saturday morning as Daddy geared up for his triathlon.

The start of Daddy’s swim wave.

Daddy is the one with the black sleeves.

Exiting the swim.

Climbing up to the bike course.

About halfway through the bike course.

The run course was the opposite direction from the bike course so we just waited near the finish line.

After the race, the kids cooled off in the lake. Here is Carter’s victorious emergence from his swim!

Preliminary results

Daddy took 1st in the Master’s division. He didn’t realize that he was a master and was wholly confused when they called his name, but he turned into a “master” about 1 week ago (40+)!

We take cheering very seriously, it was exhausting!

After the awards ceremony, we picked up a drive-through lunch and headed to the swimming beach to cool off.

Later that evening we went out for dinner at the Cracker Barrel and then just hung out at the hotel.

The next morning we packed up and headed home. This stick bug tried to hitch a ride.

Right before school started we took one last vacation to DeGray Lake, Arkansas so that Daddy could run in the triathlon there. We made the 4+ hour drive after meet the teacher on Thursday and arrived fairly late. The next morning, we awoke to a beautiful view.

After taking a little hike around the resort (and getting eaten alive by mosquitoes) the kids wanted to swim in the pool.

They were showing off their stroke skills. Carter went the entire length of the pool doing the butterfly.

We ate lunch at DJ’s Drive-in, over in Bismarck. It was a tasty little place that offered a little bit of everything.

After lunch, we rented a boat and headed out on the lake.

Raine and Carter could not get enough of the tube, they stayed on that thing for hours! They went flying off and still got back on.

DJ found a pair of water skis in the boat and gave it a whirl.

I was forced onto the tube at one point, but spent most of the time on the boat! It was a beautiful day and a beautiful lake.

Daddy turned the big four-oh this year so we needed some party decor to celebrate. I put it up while Daddy and the kids were in Utah. They came home to black balloons and streamers all over the house.

Daddy didn’t appreciate some of my signs as much as I did — I thought they were hilarious!

First thing Saturday morning, Daddy opened presents. Since this guy is so old, he doesn’t need any more “stuff.” Instead we gave him activities to create memories while he is still young enough to enjoy them!!! But first, he opened the “Vintage 1977” t-shirt so that he could wear it the rest of the day.

Carter gave Daddy an outing to the archery range that they can use together. Raine gave Daddy an outing to a local rock climbing gym so they can climb together. I gave Daddy an escape-room outing that we were all going to do that evening.

We had an early dinner of Latin food at Gloria’s.

Then we headed to the escape room where we attempted to escape from prison. It was so much fun! We all loved it, even though we didn’t quite make it out.

After that, we had pazookies (with trick candles).

The next day, a bunch of Daddy’s friends came over for cake (or peach pie) and ice cream.

Evan Eastman brought Daddy an awesome old-man gift complete with reading glasses, magnifying glass, ensure nutrition shakes, prunes, and 40 candybars.

Brad Grubbs brought him a pink My-Little-Pony card with an outing to an old-school arcade!

Daddy was a good sport, despite all our (my) teasing about how old he is! He still has at least another 2x 40 years of life left so in comparison, he still a young gun!!

We made our annual pilgrimage to Utah on August 4 this year. It’s such a routine “vacation” that I forget to take photos. Here is the random assortment that we managed to capture (and some from Aunt Karin).

Raine loved playing with Uncle Geoff’s dog Mya at Grandma Dewey’s house — I don’t think Mya thought it was a much fun as Raine did until Grandma gave Raine some strawberries to feed Mya.

Daddy had a lunch date with Groby in Farmington, so the kids and I tagged along. We ate lunch at Johnny Rockets and then explored Station Park.

That evening Raine and Daddy went on a daddy-daughter camp-out with Uncle Sterling and his girls.

Rachel, Camille, Raine

Here is a photo of Raine with the snake they found while camping.

Carter and I went with Aunt Karin and her boys to the nicklecade to play video games.

Carter, Bryce, Parker

On Sunday, August 6, John blessed their new baby, Jacks. This photo includes three of my four brothers (Ryan, Jed, and John) and our kids.

I flew home on Monday, August 7 while Daddy and the kids stayed at Grandma and Grandpa’s house with Aunt Katie and her girls. Before I left, we had a family dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

Carter spent the night at Bryce’s house and went to soccer practice with him.

On August 10, they spent the day at Park City with Aunt Katie, Bella, and Tessa.

Tessa, Bella, Raine, and Carter