September - So Far - 2015

September is Tim's favorite month - he loves everything about it - so we have really been trying to take advantage of these last few days of summer and spending time together.

The babies played outside with Katelyn, their favorite was the bubbles and sidewalk chalk.  You can't see it very well, but there is a drawing next to Luke's foot that he said was "mama's broken arm"

We had the best afternoon in the park.  We ate a McDonalds picnic lunch, made new  friends on the playground and fed the ducks.

Date night to the BYU football game.  I got the tickets for Tim's birthday and didn't realize the game would be late on a Saturday night.  It was a bit of a scramble to find a babysitter but thanks to my great parents we were able to go have a great time at the game.  It had been a long time since we had been out alone together and we really had so much fun.  And an added bonus, BYU won!

The kids love Sunday nights in Santaquin, especially time with the cousins.  A few weeks ago Miles was super patient and tried teaching the babies to play "Sorry".

Tim enjoying some well deserved alone time down by the lake.

And so not so alone time in the jeep.  

Luke continues to think that pre-school and Miss Nikki are the greatest things ever.  I love seeing how excited he gets to show me what he made and tell me what he learned.  This week it was the letter A, which included apples and drinking applesauce like an astronaut.   

We had a great time at the BYU women's soccer game.  It was fun to know someone on the team and by the end I had the kids chanting "Go Paigey Go" and BYU Cougars.  

There was that awkward moment when Ruby puked everywhere, but otherwise, the night was so fun.

ERIKA TURNED 18!!!!!

Yes, that definitely called for all caps and multiple exclamation points.  She was so young when we first met and I have loved seeing her grow and develop into such an amazing person.  I am impressed with her drive and motivation and admire how hard she tries to be kind to everyone she meets.  She is really such a joy to be around and our family is so lucky to have her.  We were all excited to celebrate a night early with a birthday dinner, the fact that she chose a mexican restaurant was just a bonus.  

What better way to celebrate your 18th birthday than by jumping out of an airplane???  Sounds pretty great, right?  Erika and Clark definitely have the mentality of "go big or go home", and know how to plan a great birthday.  I couldn't believe they weren't nervous, but really, how could they be anything but excited.

After skydiving, everyone explored a Fall festival. 

While the boys went to Ogden, Ruby and I had our own little date to the Chalk the Block festival here in Provo.  It was so amazing the works of art that were created.  I loved a chance to appreciate the art, Ruby mostly just loved being outside, but together we had a great afternoon.  

Labor Day Weekend 2015

Labor Day is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate.  I know that for a lot of people there isn't much tradition in the day.  However growing up in the Payson area meant that Labor Day = Onion Days, and that's a good time.  I have so many good memories associated with friends and family, also it has usually started to cool down so it is actually fun to be at a parade and carnival.  Before we can talk about Onion Days though, we have to rewind to Friday because we packed a lot into the weekend.

This is the first weekend since I got hurt that I have actually felt like doing something that required an outfit other than pajamas - I may have overdone it (considering my throbbing wrist), but it was nice to be out of the house and spend time with the ones I love.  So Friday my mom and I adventured out with the babies to Thanksgiving Point Farm Country.  It had been a few months since we last went and I was amazed at how much they remembered and which animals they were excited to see.  We loved having my mom along - I needed an extra hand, but the babies just loved the fact that she was there to see it all with us.

Patiently waiting their turn, and picking out their ponies.

Not only did Ruby not cry this time, I heard a couple of yee-haws from both kids.

I know he doesn't look too excited, but there is a scarecrow on a Curious George episode
So Luke actually asked me to take his picture.

Wagon ride.

Earlier in the week Taylor's car had met an untimely end so he had been pretty stranded.  He and Tim did lots of looking, weeded out the lemons and Taylor is the proud owner of a new car.  Freedom!

Saturday Tim got up super early and headed out to run the Mt. Nebo Half Marathon.  I'm the one that got him into these crazy races and I love/hate that he signed up and ran without me.  He told me that he would run it for me since I was the one that really wanted to race.  He hasn't had a chance to train much and I'm always amazed at what a natural he is.  He finished with smiles for all and hugs for the babies.

Jarin ran the full marathon.  He also finished like a total champ.  He has been so dedicated with his training and put in the work for a great race.  He also had plenty of energy for high fives and waves.

Showing off their bling!

We had been telling the kids for a few days that we would be going to a parade so they were so excited when Monday finally rolled around.  I thought parades and celebrations were fun before, but I have absolutely loved re-discovering the magic while watching my kids.  We always meet up with my cousins at the parade so there is the added bonus of more family time.

When we asked Luke his favorite part of the parade, with no hesitation, he said the dinosaur float.

At least Tim and /i will look at the camera.

Cousins - and which one looks like she should be Ruby's mama???

I loved this one of my dad and my Uncle Kim.

Juniper wanted to sit on Luke's chair, I'm not sure she was as excited to sit on his lap.

Hmmmm, this one was a little tricky.

Lunch in the park.

And then it was off to the carnival.  My kids have never really been to a carnival so they had no idea the fun they were missing.  I was surprised when Luke said he wanted to go on the Ferris wheel.  I'm sure it helped that by going, it meant that he got to be a part of the big boys. Thanks guys for showing him the way. Oh, and it turns out that taking pictures of your kids on carnival rides is not as easy as it looks.  We are just happy to have some shots to document the memories.

The fun is clearly just beginning.

They were told to "hold on tight"

High fives from everyone.

This ride started off with all smiles...

Approximately 5 seconds after it started Ruby started to cry with a look of pure terror,
They had to stop the ride to let her off.  Poor baby.

Luke loved it so much, he went a second time.

Nothing like a great weekend to wear everyone out.  The babies were in bed by 6:30, exhausted by all the fun.  Life is pretty good.