Abbie is doing well in fourth grade. Her teacher warned us that this year would be very different, and it is. A lot more is expected of her, and she is learning to step up to the plate of responsibility. We were really proud of her this year for trying lots of new things. She decided to run for class representative in her class which was a fun experience. We made the posters (which I'm now thinking I should have taken a picture of) and she wrote a adorable speech ending with "You won't be crabby if you vote for Abbie". It was kind of discouraging when we found out that practically the whole class was running, but she did it anyway. She originally didn't win, but then the winner from her class had to move classes and she was the next runner up. So, she now is officially her class representative. She attended her first meeting last week, and is excited to help out. She also was courageous and tried out for her school choir which she is really enjoying. 
This is Avery's picture pose lately. She finally got her wish of starting ballet the past few weeks which she has enjoyed. She has also been busy taking a fun class at the library called "I can read to animals." Every week they have been learning about different animals and then they actually bring the animals into the library for the kids to read to. She read to chickens, cats, dogs, and turtles. The last week of the program they sent her home with a giant stuffed animal dog which she is responsible to take care of. Now Buster the dog is part of our family which is perfect because he is the perfect pet. :)
Our little Lizzie started pre-school and ballet which has been so fun. There just happen to be six little girls her same age in the ward, so we decided to do a little pre-school co-op. Each of the moms take turns teaching on Tuesday mornings for a few hours. I had my turn last week and they were just soooo cute. She is also really enjoying her ballet class too. She also has a little class at the library that she looks forward to every week. 
I had to stick Micah in here because he celebrated his 33rd Birthday on September 30th. We had a fun dinner together as a family with lemon bars for dessert rather than cake (he doesn't like cake.) With us only being five months apart in age he teases me relentlessly those five months that I am older than him. We are now officially the same age! 
I really did not expect Vegas to be so beautiful. The temperatures have finally cooled off, and it is really gorgeous. Last week Abbie took a few pictures on a walk of all the beautiful flowers in bloom this time of year. It really is amazingly beautiful to see all the desert plants.
Like this one.....
and this one.....
and this one!
Although I think I will never get used to seeing scorpions, I don't freak out as much as I used to. I really do enjoy the occasional visit of these little lizards in our back yard. They are so cute! 
