Fall Break and Other Fallish Things

Due to the very small pumpkins our garden grew this year, we opted for the painted pumpkins. I think the girls had a good time with this variation of pumpkin decorating. I decided the mess is equal to, or worse than, carving them.
Nathan made his pumpkin as a self-portrayal.

Me with my pumpkin who I think looks a bit like Barbara Streisand.

Libbie and her little guy.

Mia's cute pumpkin.

Mallory with her new friend.

Claire's masterpiece.




Nathan's business partner helped us get a fantastic room at a fantastic price in Park City for the girls' fall break. Mom was able to come bond with us (endure our craziness). We had a fun time shopping at the outlets, eating some pretty decent food, swimming in the pool, and relaxing in the room. We've done this little jaunt the last few years. And while it isn't the most adventurous or new vacation spot, we continue to have a great time together.
Here we are at Red Banjo Pizza...which I must say that Nathan chose. Poor service, dirty environment, and mediocre food. Let's just say that it was a letdown but nonetheless memorable.



A quick tour of Olympic Park. Mom was kind enough to sit in the car with Claire while she snoozed, and Mals was in no mood for a photo shoot.

On the little scarecrow path in the Park City Area.



The girls enjoying a snack and some tv.

Mia went to the season's first Halloween party. A little boy in her class announced to all his friends on the bus that he was having a party that day. When Mia got off the bus, I assured her that I had talked to his mom that morning, and she said nothing of the sort. Well, apparently his mom is super nice because she decided to let her son have this unplanned party on that very day. We got Mia dressed up really quick and off she went. She had a great time, and I must say this mom is a great one because she really knew how to throw a fun party together in a very short amount of time.

Must Share

Well, this post is pretty pointless. Mostly Grandma worthy. Just wanted to share a few precious pictures of my cute/funny kiddos.

Just had to include these pictures of my not-so-little little girl. Doesn't her hair look long and luxurious? Can't believe it.




This little stinker got into the bathroom while Mia was bathing and decided to have her second bath of the night.


After two long days of conference, we were all in need of a little fresh air. Unfortunately it was FREEZING, but the kids didn't seem to mind. I think this picture is pretty sweet.


Mia practicing some moves from her new-found-love tumbling and cheer.




Uncle Caleb was nice enough to share free Jazz tickets with us one night last week. Mia, Claire, Gavin and I sat really far away from the rest of our group during the game, but we still had a great time playing Mia's favorite game. It's called "Where are the Cheeleaders Now?"

Stuff and Things

This past month has been pretty darn fun. We've been enjoying time outside, savoring the final days of great summer temperatures. Here are a few hi-lights of how we've been spending our time in no particular order of importance.
Teaching our little ones that socks and sandals are a definite fashion no-no.

Practicing our best funny faces...I think she need not practice anymore.

"Hiking" to see Bridal Veil Falls.

Pretending to be a ragamuffin while picking green tomatoes.

Playing ball in the best backyard neighborhood in America.

Fun daddy time.

And being cute while wearing blankets on our heads.

Six

We got to celebrate Mia's birthday this last week. She chose the ever-popular theme of Gingerbread Boy. Her cake request was the Gingerbread Boy giving a balloon to his girlfriend. Let me tell you, this girl is an interesting one, but she always keeps us thinking. She had a lunchtime party with some friends from school and then a fun dinner party on her birthday. Thanks to all those who came and joined in on her great day.

First Days!

Here's Mals on her first day of preschool. She is really liking it.

Mia FINALLY got to start Kindergarten. She was very nervous about the whole bus thing and making friends, but luckily she had a great first day. She loves school so far.


Here's our third-grader. I can hardly believe it's true!

Last weekend we headed to Logan for the Top of Utah Half Marathon. Nathan, Jake, and Marci did the race, and they all did great. After the race we went to Tremonton for the fair...that part was great too! I love the fair and the yummy burgers.

This is the Place

For our "end of summer bash" we wanted to live it up and be crazy kids. So naturally we decided to spend the day at This is the Place Heritage Park. While this location isn't exactly wild, it really ended up being a lot of fun. They had lots to see and do for adults and kids. Interestingly enough, I think the girls' favorite part was doing laundry pioneer style. I guess I better put them to work in my own laundry room.
This is a picture of the girls riding the mini train around a mini lake.

Stamping some leather at the saddlery.

Libbie and Mia in front of Brigham Young's farm house...which we found out he never spent the night in even once. I don't get it.

They had a fun little petting zoo with a sheep and a goat running loose. The kids had a great time getting up close and personal.

This picture came just before Claire touched the little lamb. When her fingers met the wool, she got the willies and quickly ran away.

One of the crafts they chose to do...decorating a mini flour sack.

The girls found these hats in the gift shop. They thought they were pretty hilarious.

Dressed in White

Libbie was recently baptized. Thanks to everyone who made the journey to share in her special day. It sure was a great time for our family

Grandma and Grandpa Golf Ball

Grandma and Papa

Subway

Nathan's brother scored some passes to hike the Subway in Zion so we along with Caleb, Marci, Jeff, Crystal and Rich headed down for the adventure. The night before the hike we had some very unsettled weather which equals no sleep in a tent. We found ourselves being woke up all the time to the loud crashes of thunder and the very bright lightning. Lucky for us, the morning turned out chilly, but clear, so we decided to start our journey. A fun fact about me is that I HATE cold water, and I cannot swim...both key elements to the hike. I am happy to say I survived, and I "swam" a bit, and I had a pretty good time despite nearly freezing to death. It was beautiful down there and some amazing sites were to be had. Let's not forget the patient people who prodded me along in the deep waters even though they were freezing to death too. It was a great experience for us.







A cool hole in the rock we got to climb through.


This is my "I'm freezing my tail off" face. Or maybe it's my "hypothermia is setting in" face.