Another Jack thought

"Mom and Dad. You know why I really like classical music?"
Us, "Why?"
"Because Kidz Bop can't ruin it."

Can't really argue with that logic.

Aaaaaand this is Jack

So a friend from church who lives down the street related a story to me tonight about my son. He said he saw Jack walking down the road and asked if he wanted a ride home. Jack has a hard time recognizing people when they aren't where he's used to seeing them. So he told our friend, "Well, ya know that whole stranger danger thing? Yeah, I'm not into that."

Good grief, I love this kid.

9th bday and Goosebumps

Just going to do a supah quick post, b/c I can't keep up with the pics and the writing and all the things...

Jack had a FUN bday, filled w/ minecraft legos. I'm going to miss this phase.
Emma's working on a PP presentation on Queen Hatshepsut - wow has technology changed since I was in high school ;-)

After watching the Goosebumps movie in the theater, Jack has been on a kick at home as well. They're worth watching just for Emma's commentary:

"Hey kids, your grandparents are creepy. Just thought you should know."

"Hey, kid. If you open that door, you're an idiot."

"Why would even do that?"

"Oh, well. You're going to die now, and this will be the shortest show ever."

"You really should just let that monster eat the annoying kid with you. I'm sure you can outrun him."

These kids crack me up...

Jack is Baptized!

How we started baptism day...

Like Mike said - this is the only time you'll get to go to church in bare feet ;-)

Our Stake does baptisms for the kiddos the second Saturday. Jack LOVED that his buddy Jack, and his twin, Hazel, got to be baptized right after him. FUN TIMES.

Finished the day off with building Legos and a re-watch of Aladdin.

We both knew that once Jack decided he wanted to be baptized, he'd be excited, and that's exactly how it went. He turns 9 later this month, and I'm super proud of him for waiting until he was ready.

Fun times in the Perry family!

MISSING

I know.
With Facebook and Instagram, I'm terrible w/ keeping this up.

I'll go back and post some highlights... But not today.

Grammy Visits!

Mike's mom came up from UT to visit us for the month of October, so naturally, we had to drag her out onto the raft (it didn't take much convincing). Our "nice" fall days are few and far between, but even with the good weather AND the fire, we all froze a little...

And then we all played around in the "shed" full of toys - Jack was pretty proud of his roller skates (we use these under the skis and tracks of the snowmachines so they're easy to roll across the floor)

And Kay found a machine she might like to try... ;-)

Jack was very disappointed this wasn't coming home with us... Maybe something to ask Santa for, Jack...

One of MANY family trips to Hatcher's Pass...

April Bowl has always been one of our favorite hikes in Hatcher's pass, and this was the FIRST time Mike has  been able to make the trip with us - mostly b/c we're not patient enough to wait for him to come home from work.

 The trail takes only about 20 minutes to get up to the second set of lakes and past the waterfall. Switchbacks, and a LONG drop down...

Near the top!

 Mike is an expert rock skipper, and is always trying to help the kids. Sadee was super fascinated, which led to a lot of hilarity.

 Mike took a ton of geology classes in college, and we all find rocks pretty interesting, so we have to inspect. Also. There  are  gold mines up there for a reason...

 After SO many rocks had been tossed in the lake by Mike and the kids, Sadee was determined to pull one out for herself. She seriously dunked her whole head under the water to get the massive rock at her feet.

 Oh. This was also the day before our EIGHTEENTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. Go us ;-)

And so it Begins...

SCHOOL.

Both kids whined about school until open house, and then they were both excited about school, and now, a few days into school, it has already lost its excitement ;-)

My little Emma started MIDDLE SCHOOL, which still makes my hyperventilate a little to think about... She is now in the land of schedules, lockers, and no more recess.

And here's Jack on his first day of school - the kid in the middle in the grey sweatshirt. He was most excited to learn that he got an OPENING DESK. Apparently when you're in elementary, this means you've arrived ;-)

A few pictures to catch up...

The force is still strong w/ my lego builders, and they're still forcing mini figures to walk the plank into the deep pit of the sink...

Mike still makes better fettuccine alfredo than any restaurant. Ever.

Jolene got ARCs (advanced reader copies) of her next book, which is super fun (should be in Barnes and Noble Sep 1)

Emma in a dress she and her mom designed together, and thrilled that Dad was able to get to the concert JUST in time

Emma and her "gang" of 5th grade choir pals

We still sometimes reign chaos in Dad's office...

Sitka roses in front of the house always make me happy, but they last for such a short time...

Jack took full advantage of the taxi service Emma started...

Adventures on our hike to one of the nearby lakes...

 Frogs...

 and swans...



We always spend a LOT of time in Hatcher's Pass since it's so close to where we live :-D

Jack helped build the raft at the Bagley grandparents' house - been a LOT of fun. More pics of this project soon...

Emma is getting to be a good kitchen helper

 And dog sitter...? (yes, the convertible is totally practical in Alaska - the whole family AND the dog can fit)

GOLF! our little 3 par nearby course is a blast.

More Hatcher's Pass w/ neighbor friend.

 Me and Sadee have a lot of fun together. Such a great dog.

And that's a quickie recap in pics :-D