Fall Break

We went to a really nice park at the base of Provo Canyon on Monday night. We had a nice picnic dinner and then spent some time throwing rocks into the river and checking out the scenery. Here is Nathan, not Grizzly Adams, throwing his rock.

The girls decided we were going to have a photo shoot. Here is Mia's best "innocent" look. I think she pulled it off nicely.

Here is Libbie Lou.

And here is Malsie Pals.

Cuties on the bridge.

We went to Park City for a couple nights over Libbie's fall break. It was nice to get away. We did some shopping, eating, and site seeing. The girls really had a good time in the hotel swimming pool as well.

Here is Mallory and Daddy on the most expensive/rickety carousel ride ever.

Here are the girls at the pool.

All three of them slept in the same bed at night. It was fun to see them all snuggled up together. They had a great time giggling for an hour or so before eventually falling asleep too.

Another Year Older!

On Tuesday, we celebrated Mia's fourth birthday. We went to Chuck E. Cheese's with Lexi, Caleb, Gavin, and Rachel. It was a big party - let me tell you. I think the kids had a great time despite the rubbery pizza. Mia's number one birthday wish was for a red dress and red shoes with a point on the bottom (not sure if that means high heels). Our rigorous attempts at finding the red dress were profitless. However, we did find a cute pink and white dress I think she's happy with. I didn't know a four-year-old could have their heart set on such gifts - but not much surprises me with Mia.

Mallory, Mia, Alexis, and Libbie enjoying the "yummy" dinner.

Mia enjoying a ride with Chuck E. Cheese. Woo Hoo!

School and a Hair Cut

Just before school started, I took the girls for a hair cut. Here is Libbie looking very much like a young lady.

Here is Mia showcasing her new do.

Mallory thinks she got a haircut too. So we had to take her picture as well.

Libbie started the first grade this year! Can't believe it! She is still fluctuating between loving school and hating it. I am trying really hard to convince her that being home with us is super boring. Libbie was also surprised to meet her teacher for the first time. It turns out she is an older lady, and Libbie informed us she was picturing someone with a pony tail. I think she is warming up to her though - despite her lack of long locks.

First day of school.

Here are the girls in their "chair train". We got a kick out of this picture.

School Time!

Cute Cousins

When the Cardons came for a visit, we braved the portrait studio for a cousin picture. Everyone was so well-behaved, cute, and sweet (minus Mallory). She decided to throw a fit for the entire session. Anyway, here the eight cousins are. The Guys: Caden, Henry, and Gavin

The Gals: Mallory, Macy, Libbie, Mia, and Kelbie

The Group!

Reunion Time

Last week we got together with the Cardon clan for a few days. We were able to do a lot of fun things together including a hike to Cecret Lake - which by the way, isn't much of a secret anymore. The trail was quite crowded. Above is Mara and Mia climbing a large boulder.

Here are the big kids showing off their climbing skills.

Gavin and Mallory had a great time throwing rocks into the lake.

Here are all the cousins, minus little Henry, in front of the lake.Sitting down to enjoy the view, catch a breather, and eat a snack.

Here are my girls a couple Sundays ago.

So Grown Up!

Libbie turned six-years-old on Friday. I can't believe she's that old. She was very excited to have her first "friend party" in a Hawaiian theme on Tuesday afternoon. I think everyone had a good time. Friday, we went to the zoo with Marci and Gavin and then to dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Oyler, Nathan, and Courtney. I would say she's pretty spoiled.

Libbie asked for a "Sprinkles" cake. Apparently this is Blues Clue's new baby brother - probably the ugliest cake I've ever made, but oh well.

Here are the kids at Libbie's party enjoying a cupcake.

Here they are playing a game where they had to pop a balloon. They thought it was great but were not excited for the loud noise.

Fourth of July Camping

We headed to Marysvale, UT, (aka the middle of no where) for the Smith/Palmer reunion for the Fourth of July weekend. It was hot, but we had a good time relaxing, playing cards, and eating the day away. It was fun to see some family we haven't seen in quite a long time too. Above is Libbie and Mia burring each other in the dirt. We all agreed brown was the right color choice to wear that day.

One of the days of our camp out, we decided to take a drive to Bryce Canyon. Shortly after we unpacked all our picnic gear, the thunder began to rumble. We raced to make sandwiches and feed our faces before the rain began to poor. It was a nice lunch but very quick. Our trip to Bryce was definitely cut short because of the rain. I think we stopped and ran to two lookouts before we decided to call it good. We also stopped at a fun gift shop where Grandma bought us all a souvenir. Above is Mallory enjoying the "munks" - chipmunks. She was really trying to get them to come to her, but they just wouldn't listen.

Here is Mia, Libbie, and Grandma at our picnic in Bryce. Cute, cute.

Here we are shortly after getting our tents up at Lizzie and Charlie's ATV/RV camp. WoooHooo. Party animals.

This is a photo of Libbie enjoying the new pool Grandma Cardon bought Mallory for her birthday. The girls love to slide into the pool and have had great fun with the neighbor kids in it this summer.

Busy Bees

We had a busy week last week - full of lots of fun. It was Mallory's second birthday, Hannah and Molly came to visit while Jake was in China, and we had Nathan 's summer work party at Boondocks. Despite the scorching temperatures, we had a great time doing it all. I liked this picture of Libbie and Mia. Their mini golf game consisted of running down the green, dragging their club against the ball until it fell into the hole. They consistently got holes-in-one. Ha ha.

Nathan attempting to calm Mallory's ferocious swing at the ball.

All the very cute girls soon before Hannah and Molly left. While they were visiting, we went to the aquarium in Draper and to Gardner Village. I think we were quite brave.

Mallory requested a bumblebee cake this year. The best part of her birthday for me was watching her sing "Happy Birthday to you" to herself and then seeing her eyes light up when she heard everyone sing "...dear Mallory". Sooooo cute!

Mallory going down her new slide.

Great Grandma and Grandpa Oyler came down for the big party. Here are Mia and Mals reading a story with her.

Libbie also just started her first tee-ball season. It has been great fun to watch. She just loves to play ball - no matter the sport. Look at that follow through!

Busy Bees

A camping we will go!

Mallory enjoying a sucker from Aunt Marci.

Libbie roasting a marshmallow.

On one of our hikes to the amphitheater.

We headed to Logan Canyon for Memorial Day weekend. It was great fun romping around in the dirt and bugs. We even saw a few dead snakes - which made Nathan a little uneasy for the remainder of our stay. The girls had lots of fun throwing rocks and sticks into the river and playing with Gavin. Libbie even led us on a tour to the amphitheater in the campgroud. She was quite excited about that feature. Mia even kept her anxiety attacks over the insects and spiders to a minimum. We'll call the trip a success.