A Thousand Peaks and my current valley

Gabe ended his last scout event of the summer at Thousand Peaks Ranch. Families were invited to join the celebration that included the most incredible setting imaginable and a feast that involved steaks and shakes. It would have been a near perfect evening if it hadn't been for the fact that the phrase "end of summer" catapulted me into thinking about things that I have been trying not to think about. Such as:

1. My youngest/my baby is starting Junior High. The very phrase "junior high" makes me shudder. I liked elementary school. I like things a little elementary. I liked class parties and recess and family lunch days and fieldtrips. Gabe is ready to move on. I have got to get with the program.

2. Christian is taking his driving test tomorrow. (Do I need to elaborate?)

3. Christian signed up for early morning seminary. (Again. Any need to elaborate?)

4. Brittney is starting another semester with classes outside of her comfort zone with a new roommate, a new apartment and the top bunk of a bunk bed.

5. Hailee moves out. Starts school. New everything. Leaves me.

6. It will be me and the boys. I love them. I love being with them. But lets be honest here...they're not real good at doing my hair.

7. My kids are growing up. I can't stop it. I wouldn't really want to.

...But couldn't we at least slow the pace?

Thousand Peaks Ranch is Kim's family ranch. She has graciously shared it with me and others many times before. Kim is one of my favorite people-even if she does mock anyone that blogs.