Fall Festivities

We have been trying to enjoy the season by doing our annual fall activities - hike in Uintahs to enjoy the colors, Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point, and we added a new one this year - Wheeler Farms.

A few weeks ago we went to the Uintahs and it turned out to be a disaster (the pics we got are deceiving). It was cold day so we were sure to bundle up the kids. About 1/2 way up to Mirror Lake, Steve realized that we might not make it back because we were that low in fuel. I tried to convinced him that we would make it, but it was definitely a sore spot for us for the rest of the day. And then it was very cold with quite a bit of snow on the ground for our hike. It was packed down, so I thought it would be fine to do the hike around the lake. It went okay until about 1/3 of the way around when Kelly started to cry. And then about 1/2 way around Jake and Stevie started to cry. It was cold. Needless to say, we ended up carrying all of the kids the rest of the way and listened to three crying kids. Bad idea Lesa, I felt pretty defeated. Everyone was so cranky, hungry, cold, etc. At the end of the hike we just got in the car, gave everyone a snack, and headed back home. I really don't think we enjoyed the scenery much at all, but I think we did learn a few lessons. And we made it to the gas station!

The other two activities have been great. We went with the Dustmans to Wheeler Farms and had a great time picking pumpkins, going for a hayride and enjoying the animals. Jake fell into the ditch and got wet up to his belly button, but luckily we had extra clothes in the car.

The Scarecrow Festival was also a great time with the McClellands and the Dustmans. It was so different this year than last...the kids were more capable and could do most of the inflatables themselves. And Kelly didn't cry the whole time like she did last year. She loved the train ride and loved watching the rest of the kids enjoy themselves. It wasn't as busy as last year either, so when Stevie got lost, it was easy to find her. Poor thing ran off and was so scared when I found her a few minutes later. Hopefully she learned a lesson. FYI...if any of you are going...my kids loved the Rocket Launch the best.

Animals Living Together

Look for four different kinds of animals in this picture...

Yes, this is a field by my house and the owners just love to have unique pets. A buffalo, a zebra, a donkey, and a goat.

Come On Kelly!

Okay Little Kelly...you have 2 more days to start crawling. After that...you are officially the latest crawler in our family. Jake started at 13 1/2 months and Stevie scooted at 11 months. My children really take their time! It is really getting old to hear that Ah Ah Ah thing she does when we walk away from her. Come on Kelly! Just follow us.

The first tooth came after her 1st birthday too and we sometimes call her Bucky. He he. Check out this picture.

The tooth is adorable and actually has some friends in there, four teeth total have broken through the skin but all in a strange order.

Fall is in the Air...Literally

I woke up this morning to rain/slow pellets coming from the sky. So not only is Fall in the air...looks like a little Winter too. We have been trying to enjoy our favorite fall things as much as possible - long days at the park, walks around our neighborhood trail, favorite TV shows that are back, bike rides, soccer, etc.

Here are a few pics from the Cow Ballet this year...always a good time.

And I really don't have any park pictures, but I will say that I have fallen with love with Liberty Park in SLC. Playgroup has been there a few times and we are going to try to back a few more times, weather depending. So many things to do and see there.

And soccer...Jake is on his first soccer team and it has been such a good experience. I have to say that we were worried because he is going through such a shy phase and he really didn't know anyone on the team. Team Spiderman lucked out with a great coach aka nurturing mom, and good kids that aren't out there to be a star, just to have fun with each other. He is pretty much the youngest and the smallest on the team. But Jake loves going to soccer and he is improving for sure.

Facebook Finally

OK...I finally joined Facebook. Yes...I have bashed it in the past, but I missed out on one too many things and couldn't stand it anymore. I am taking baby steps so I don't get overwhelmed. And hopefully I won't waste too much time this week :-)

Nannie's September Visit

The day after Steve and Jake got back from Tennessee, Judy aka Nannie, flew to Utah as well. The boys had already spent time with her, and now it was the girls' turn. Judy helped me plan Kelly's belated birthday party, put together the girls' room, take care of and play with all of the kiddos, and on and on. Nannie won over Kelly's heart too...which can be very difficult to do. She has the grandma's touch for sure.

Kelly seemed to enjoy her party and didn't fuss too much when people tried to hold her. Jake helped her blow out the candle and then she dug into the cake. I don't think she liked the frosting sticking to her fingers, but she did like the taste. She ate some, smeared some on Zeke's back, fed me some, and then just got annoyed with the mess. Notice the toxic-looking pink frosting that came on the cupcakes and Kelly's cake. It did not come off of Stevie's face for a day or so and it took steel wool to get it off the tables. Still working on getting it out of the clothes. Thanks to those who came to celebrate Kelly with us.

There is only one picture of Judy in all of these, but these are the pictures we both took while she was here.

Steve & Jake's Adventure

I can be a bit of a baby when it comes to heat. Love cold weather most of the time, but I don't enjoy hot weather unless I am sitting by a pool. And Nashville can be very hot and humid in August. I have been there one time in August and I told Steve then and I probably wouldn't go back that time of year unless I had to. Selfish...yes. I'm sure I would adjust if we ever move to that area, but I would need some time :-) I love Nashville in spring and fall when it can be somewhat dreary in Utah. Anyway...so when it was decided that Steve's 20 year high school reunion was in August, it worked out perfectly that Krissy - Steve's twin - wanted to be his date...she came up from Shreveport, LA. Thanks Krissy! And we thought it would be fun to have Jake go along on the trip as well to spend time with everyone there.

They had a great trip and Jake got so much attention and time...he felt very special when he got home. They all took great care of him. Here are a few pictures of the reunion - Steve and Kris look so good and you gotta love the Elvis impersonator who is actually one of Steve's classmates. And a few of the rest of the trip too. We are all going back to visit in November and we are excited.