Friday Night Lights

"Once a Panther, always a Panther". This is the saying that has been passed down for generations at West High School. So, it's a natural fit for Steve to be coaching there since he graduated from West. I, on the other hand, struggled last year after being a "Cougar" for many years. (Perhaps I should clarify, that's Cougar as in the mascot, not Cougar as in an older woman attracted to younger men. Although I have been accused of being that kind of Cougar too... wink, wink.) Anyhow, now that Steph has graduated from Kearns (home of the Cougars), I feel I can become a more devoted Panther fan.

Steve is the defensive coordinator this year. He's doing a great job, but it drives me crazy to see him rehash every little play all weekend long after each game.

The cutest Panther of them all... this little guy has been attending Friday night football games since he was two months old. It's no wonder he told me the other day, "I want to be a football player when I grow up"!

Twin Lakes

I love hiking, but usually have a hard time finding any takers in my family to accompany me. My nephew Raymond had been wanting to go, so I recruited him. Steve actually was on board too. (Just between us, the good thing about high school football season is that he secretly feels bad for being away from the family so much... I can get him to do pretty much any 'family time' activity I want!)

I remembered hiking to Twin Lakes back in our "pre-Alex" days, and that it wasn't too long or too difficult. I figured it'd be perfect for Alex. I guess I'd forgotten that although it's only a mile long, the entire thing is uphill. Whoever said chivalry is dead? I did! My big, strong football husband thought he was being such a gentleman by offering to carry the backpack so that I could carry Alex. He says he knows I like doing those kinds of things, so I can show how tough I am. (Secretly, he's right, but I didn't admit to it!)

Alex could have spent hours just throwing rocks in the lake. It was so beautiful and peaceful there, it was wonderful.

My little Moses and his walking stick.

One thing I can say I like about living in Utah is having beautiful places like this just a half hour away.

Child Labor?

Given the current state of the economy, we told Alex it was high time he started pulling his share of the weight around here. We've been training him to say, "Would you like fries with that?" These were his responses when he found out he would be entering the work force.... 1st Response: "What you talkin' bout Mama?"

2nd Response: "Noooo, you can't make me!!"

3rd Response: "You're teasin' me? Oh, what a relief!"