It's almost winter, but I am thinking about camping.
... and the Andrews family suited up for some BOOing! I don't know if it's just a Utah thing or what, but since we moved here we have enjoyed a yearly tradition of booing our neighbors. You make treats and doorbell ditch them, leaving behind a sign to hang in their window that they have been booed, and instructions to make copies and goodies for another neighbor to pay it forward.
Mike takes it up a notch and makes us all dress in black. You would think we were on a spy mission... he wanted to paint our faces black but I drew the line. We have to whisper... avoid street lights... run behind houses... and wait for exorbitant amounts of time to leave our hiding places... all to avoid the possibility of a curious eye. It makes it really fun, but in reality people just grab their goodies, shut the door, and devour! I suppose he imagines that he would hunt down anyone who dares to leave a treat at our door.
Ms. Tina had the class do a cheer for the fireman. She is so fun and the kids all completely adore her.
The second was the pumpkin patch and the little kids and I were able to tag along.
The girls loved the bunnies!
They had a cute maze made out of hay bales with dead ends along the way.
The favorite attraction was the trampoline covered in hay for a cushy landing pad. Doesn't Maddie's face speak pure delight?
Ella was brave enough to go on the hay ride while I stayed with Tyler. I love how she sat back and relaxed against the rail.
Best of all they got to pick pumpkins to bring home. Ella loved this little one.
Pumpkin patches are so fun!
This is special moment for Mike. On the left are Russ and Anita, and in the middle are dear friends Doug and Tricia Haymore. They are all from the same Paper Mill ward back in Georgia, and Mike grew up with the Haymore's as basically second parents. He was best friends with their son and worked for Doug, building homes for many years. Now they are on a mission in Salt Lake City and were able to come and give their congrats.
I'm glad I captured this funny moment... Anita is giving Mike his Wyoming shot glass souvenir of the marriage... they say they didn't elope, they "jackaloped." Wyoming is known for their jackrabbit/antelope cross.
The surprise went off well! Mike's sister Rebecca told Anita and Russ we were doing family pictures (a fake out) so they would be dressed to meet people and not in their lounge clothes. I got a kick out of that. They thought it was just a family gathering, but when they turned the corner they found other people waiting to meet them!
The spread was amazing! This was before all of the food even arrived, and every last morsel was consumed. The Andrews family is good at food.
Others at the party: Brooke, Seth, John (Mike's two brothers), and April (cousin)
Two of my cute nieces, Jonelle and Michaela
Korinne, Rebecca (Mike's sister), and Lynn
Mike with more Georgia friends turned missionaries, the Luce's
Rachel (Mike's twin) with more Georgia friends, the VanSlooten's
Another shot of all the Georgia friends talking. The house was packed to the brim with Anita's friends and family. And now a final happy congratulations to the happy couple--we love you!
The BEST part was that I asked the kids to put their names on their papers.... and you know how it is when you are teaching your own kids, you help them last... I looked over and Ella had written her own name, for the FIRST time!!! She has known how to spell it but this is the first time she has even attempted writing it. Such a rewarding moment.
Sad this picture is so blurry, but Maddie taught us her poem about 5 Little Pumpkins. It was perfect because we were learning about the number 5 and the color orange.
We made yummy pumpkin playdough (smells good enough to eat) and turned it into jack-o-lanterns.
The girls went on a leaf hunt at the park to collect leaves for this fall activity:
Pounding leaves! You just put fresh leaves between two pieces of muslin and pound them with a mallet, and it releases the chlorophyll or fall colors onto the fabric. It was a hit with the kids.
I just had to laugh at myself on this one... I colored water the night before and put it in the fridge for a little science experiment about the color orange... and when I poured them together the yellow was frozen from being at the back of the fridge! It looked kinda cool though.
There temps have been all over the board lately--80's one week, then 40's, then back to 70's... but we have been enjoying the sunny days as much as possible.
Little Tyler is already 4 months old. He is such a joy to our family! A few nights ago I was rocking him before bed and just savoring how sweet it is to hold a baby in your arms. Don't grow up little guy.
Jabber jabber talk talk! He's squeals up a storm these days. He is getting grabby and playful and just so fun!
His sisters just adore him. They want to hold, hug, squish, and laugh with him constantly.
Ty watching football with Dad. He is fascinated by the colorful moving screen.
We got a special visit this weekend. We got to meet my niece and nephew twins! Here are the Ty's together with their proud papas.
My baby is only 3 months older than them but they are soooooooo TINY!
Ty and Ava like to sleep near each other. They are so precious and I am so happy I got to meet and nuzzle them.
The girls were pretty thrilled to have their best cousin Emrie play for a day too! Thanks for the visit Noelle & Zak!
I took a bunch of pictures for Noelle because she couldn't make it. (What, you didn't want to drive 8 hours with 4 week old twins?) Here's a little tour.
Through the front gate is a shady courtyard to the front door.
Here's a view to the west from the courtyard.
Here's a view to the east as the sun comes up over the red cliffs.
This is a view out the back yard.
Here's another breathtaking view of Red Rock to the west, although the yard is the neighbors below them.
These pictures don't do it justice as I just point and shoot. When you walk in the front door there is a big open room and wall of windows in front of you. The kitchen and dining is to the back left, the guest and bath to the front left, the Master to the back right, and the office/laundry down the hallway to the front right.
This is looking back at the front door the other direction.
The kitchen is gorgeous! Sorry for the blur.
The Master has another big bank of windows looking out toward Snow Canyon.
The master bath is super cool... the shower just curves around!
Dad had the beautiful mirrors and front gate custom made of iron.
Back in the courtyard, this the entrance to the casita. I forgot to take any pictures inside, probably because of our kid mess.
Also in the courtyard is this amazing spa. It can be both cool and hot, so the kids can enjoy it as much as the adults.
As I mentioned we were there to watch General Conference. Being together is great, but it also makes it harder to concentrate on what it being said! Thank goodness I can go to lds.org and catch all the nuggets I may have missed.
My parents sure planned for this to be a family home. The huge table can easily seat us all.
The neighborhood is gorgeous too. This lily pond is on the corner of my parent's street.
We took advantage of their clubhouse membership and enjoyed a dip in the big pool.
Mike took his bike down and enjoyed two scenic rides in and around Snow Canyon.
By the end of the weekend we felt like this. Aren't you supposed to feel rested after a vacation?
