A Rainbow Over Our Little Valley

We had an amazing full rainbow today over our little valley in east Escondido, just as the sun was setting.

Scouts-Joseph Earns His 1st Class Rank in Scouts

Joseph is in a community Scout Troop: Troop 668. He also moonlights in the ward 655 Troop.

He earned his 1st Class Rank, finally. We are so proud of him to have worked hard to complete it.


Notice his crutches? He biffed it on a ripstick . . . the hill won. We're lucky it is just a sprain. This didn't stop him from getting here to this awards night to recieve his new rank. We hope Joseph maintains his enthusiasm with Scouting and earns his Eagle.

Joseph's First Temple Trip with the Young Men/Young Women Organizations

Joseph met with the Bishop and received a Temple Recommend so he could attend the San Diego Temple and perform some baptisms for the dead (who did not have a chance to be baptized while they were alive on the earth).

Daniel Mevs, also in the deacons quorum (12 and 13 year-old boys), attended as well.

It's so nice that these boys have made good choices to keep themselves worthy to enter the temple.

Annual Escondido 1st Ward Pinewood Derby/Chili Cookoff

Usually our family goes crazy and makes 4 cars to race in our annual ward Pinewood Derby/Chili cookoff. We usually place in the top 6 and the past two years we won 1st and 2nd place (Amara's car, both times). I usually enter my chicken chili in the contest as well. This year, I just wasn't feelin' it. Nope. We just dusted off our old cars and called it good. I think I made chili, but I didn't even get honorable mention. At least I didn't bring canned chili. :0)

Joseph had much better luck this time around with last year's car.

He ended up getting 3rd place, or something like that. He devoured his winnings before we even reached home.

We had a fun time, anyway. Amara even brought her neighbor friend, Lea, along for the fun.

Aleya had the most fun of all . . . racing her own car for the very first time.

7th Grade Back-to-School Party

Joseph's good friend, Griffin, hosted a 7th Grade Back-to-School party at their newly completed home. Their previous home was burned down by the fires 2 years ago.

Griffin's dad manned the BBQ.

The kids enjoyed swimming, jumping off the diving board, and EATING!

These are Joseph's good friends, Kyle and Griffin.

The diving board was a hit!

Griffin was sure getting a lot of bonus points with this party! I think he'll move up in the popularity rankings.

Griffin's mom, Errin, was so totally awesome to do this for the whole grade. She's amazing, and my idol.

They enjoyed a gorgeous sunset as the party continued into the evening. Joseph spent the night at Griffins, even after the party ended. It was a FANTASTIC party and a terrific memory for Joseph.