So this week . . .

Brett went camping with the Teachers’ Quorum on Friday night, and he left his sleeping bag at home. (Anyone surprised?) When Jim saw it sitting in the middle of the family room Saturday morning, he said, “That kid would forget his hair if it was possible to remove it.” Since this is how his life goes, he fared fairly well sans-sleeping bag. He’ll do well living on a student budget; he’s used to making due without half the things he needs.

With Brett gone, Jeff was an only child for the weekend. I told him he should get used to it because his entire high school career will be spent as an only child living with two old parents. I thought he’d be sad, but he said, “I know. I CAN’T WAIT!” No competition for the gaming systems, the computer, or the TV. We’ll import a few female cousins occasionally to keep him humble and used to sharing.

Jim . . . well, we just don’t see a whole lot of him lately. And when we do, he’s pretty tuckered out. Brett said, “Dad seems all cheerful and energetic at church, but that’s not how he is when he gets home.” Jeff agreed. “I know. On Sunday night, he just lies on the couch and doesn’t move.” Too true. And he still insists on making home teaching appointments during the time that the rest of us know he’ll be lying on the couch, not moving. Brett and I are getting good at being home teachers on those occasions.

Marty and Michele were in town for the weekend, and it was really fun to get to catch up with them. Michele said the Arizona heat is still a challenge. She wore flip-flops to Home Depot on a 126 degree day in July, and her shoes melted on the asphalt before she could get from the parking lot to the store. That’s hot!

Marty just got a new calling as high councilor. He’s been assigned to cover an Indian branch that’s at the base of the Grand Canyon and is only accessible by helicopter and donkey. They’re not sure which mode of transportation he’ll be using, but it will be one of the two.

As for Bryce, according to Facebook, he went snowboarding yesterday and has the sore muscles to prove it today. He also successfully browned his first pound of hamburger this week and made taco salad with it.

And that about covers the excitement around here this week.