As I sit down to finish this post, September suddenly seems a very long time ago. Life has somehow gotten a little too crazy and I've had a hard time keeping up with this little endeavor. I keep thinking that I'm going to "quit the blog", but it's currently the only form of a journal that I write, and I love being able to look back on the years of memories. So, I guess I will just keep plugging along and stop worrying that most posts are completely out of context and not particularly current. The thing is, part of why I am so behind is that we have just been having such a good time together. There are days that I desperately miss Luke and Ruby being small and I would give anything to have just a little more of that baby and toddler time. But honestly, the last year or two has been so much fun and I absolutely love the little people they are becoming. Going on adventures with them requires very little gear, doesn't revolve around naps, and generally just means hanging out and watching them discover the world. So each month is starting to feel like my favorite and I hope that never changes.
Stopped on a run to enjoy the wildflowers.
We were able to spend a Sunday afternoon with the Whitesides and say goodbye to Nathan as he gave his farewell talk before leaving on a mission for the Phillipines. He gave a fantastic talk and has been such a great example for all of the younger kids. We ate lunch at a park and all of the cousins, big and small, seemed to really enjoy spending the afternoon together.
And of course, the best part was seeing baby Lola,
She's Jacob's baby and Tim's sister Cheri's first grandchild
As part of "Safety Week" at the elementary school, the firemen came to the school soccer field and let the kids play in the spray from the fire hoses. Luke and Ruby thought it was amazing, both meeting the firemen, and especially playing like maniacs in the water.
Learning from the best...Jess came down for dinner and Ruby was so excited to help make the guacamole. They were having a great time until Ruby started to help with the onions. Poor girl, I don't think her eyes stopped running until she had a bath later that night. We definitely appreciate her sacrifice because the guacamole was awesome.
We are all completely smitten by Baby Penelope. I've claimed her as partially mine and luckily Nikki keeps letting us all love on this sweet little girl. Whenever Ruby is at their house she spends a lot of time talking to the baby, and Drake and Luke have declared themselves her protectors.
Selfies forever!
Nothing better than my babies in the bath tub.
The kids got new jackets and were super excited the first morning that it was cold enough to wear them....the excitement ended quickly when they realized that it was actually cold enough for a jacket.
When Luke and Drake started all day 1st Grade, I was a little worried that Ruby and Brexley would be bored and feel like they were missing out on some fun. Turns out they are doing just fine at home on their own. I think they have figured out that it is pretty fun to rule the roost for a few hours.
Ruby is desperate for the day that she will need glasses.
It seems like every year there are plenty of forest fires in Utah throughout the summer, but this year was especially tough. There was an enormous fire in the hills above Elk Ridge and Woodland Hills that eventually burned a large section of Payson Canyon. Some of my very favorite parts of the canyon were apparently destroyed and it is heartbreaking to think of the way the mountains have been altered. During the few weeks that the fire was burning, we could almost monitor the winds and the containment by the enormous plumes of smoke that hung over the valley. It really affected our air and I found myself routinely checking the air quality several times throughout the day. We were all so relieved when the weather cooled enough to allow the firefighters to get the flames under control.
When it was time for a haircut, Luke knew exactly how he wanted it done - long on the top, short on the sides, and lightening bolts shaved just for fun. He was so excited about the idea of the lightening bolts and has loved the reaction from his friends.
Each year Lakeview Elementary hosts a family picnic. We missed the event last year and Luke was devastated so we made sure we put it the calendar this time as soon as it was announced. I tried to get them to eat a little bit of dinner - after all it was a picnic - but snow cones and running wild with friends was definitely the main attraction of the evening.
After a long dry summer, rain storms and especially rainbows have been a particularly welcome sight.
Luke is assigned to write a journal entry each week. I love seeing what is on his mind and what he thinks makes an interesting story. Clearly, he likes sitting at the bar and watching the IPad
We put Ruby's hair in Zulu knots and I couldn't believe the curls. She looked so cute with the curly hair and I caught her admiring herself in the mirror several times throughout the day.
The Primary Program during Sacrament Meeting is hands down the best sacrament meeting all year. Luke and Ruby each had assigned parts that they practiced all week and y heart almost burst when it was their turn at the microphone. The theme was I Am a Child of God and as I watched them singing, with all of their friends, I could hardly believe the blessing I have with these kids of mine.
One day she might regret all of these silly poses...
Then again, she will probably always think this is funny.
It turns out that having a high school across the street is actually a really good time. We have loved being part of the Provo High community and the kids jumped at the chance to go to the Homecoming Parade and tailgate party. They loved the parade, the activities, and of course, the football game.
Luke is an amazing quarterback.
The night sky was amazing!
The kids finally cashed in their Build a Bear gift certificates and picked out new outfits for their pets. Once they had new outfits, the bears were in the mood to party so we watched a lot of bear lip syncing and plenty of bears dancing. I just love their creativity.
Sundays are for shenanigans in Santquin. I'm not sure who is cuter in these shots.
