Fall Fun

We had a great - and busy - weekend. We started with a trip to the Pumpkin Patch.

Each child picked a perfect pumpkin.
Then we headed to Farnsworth Farms, for the Pumpkin Festival.
Located in Sandy, it was a great little spot. A free event, that will take place again this weekend from 5-9 p.m. There are vendors where we picked up fresh kettle corn (lg bag $4), face painting ($1 per cheek), food (really inexpensive), hay rack ride (.50/person, under 3 free), bounce house (.50/child), and the outdoor showing of "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown". We ate before we went, so we only spent $10.50 at the event!On Sunday we headed to downtown Salt Lake for our regional conference. Held at the conference center, we were a little apprehensive about taking the 3 kids. Amazingly enough, they were great. We were amazed that we didn't even have to take Reed out for the entire 2 hour session.
We had great seats right up front, the kids were able to wave to the Prophet, and we were so happy we were able to attend.

Where did the summer go?

We had a fantastic summer - enjoyed every degree of it! Here are some highlights of the many things we did.

We did a lot of yard work. It went from looking like this:
To looking like this:
And oh so much more yard work to go!

Went to Taylorsville Dayzz, and rode lots of rides.We also went to the Salt Lake County Fair, and rode rides there too!

Spent time with cousins and LOTS of family.

Played dress up

Played store
"Free sapel be carfol with the yellow plese take one of each."

And enjoyed nice warm days with nice cool water.
Goodbye summer. I'll miss you dearly!

Happy Birthday Bella!

Today my little Bella turns 7 years old!

She woke up to her present on her plate - something she reminded me about several times the night before.It was a spotz maker. They're little coin shaped things you can put all kinds of pictures in. (Basically one more thing for mom to pick up off the floor!) She loves it!
It must have been a special day, because Mom made breakfast - that usually only happens at dinnertime. Waffles with fresh strawberries and blueberry muffins.
After church we went to Grandma's for a special birthday dinner. She had the place all decked out!
After dinner we had a round of "Birthday Bingo", and even had goodie bags! Thanks Grandma and Aunt Jane for a great party!
Bella isn't a big cake fan (go figure!) so she voted for ice cream sundaes for her birthday dessert. Good choice Bella! We had loads of fun!
Bella is a very sweet, very generous little girl. I love how helpful she is, and she loves to have lots of hugs and kisses and spend time with her family. She is very smart, and beautiful to boot! Thanks Bella for being a great daughter. I can't believe how big you are!

Stay tuned for pictures from her birthday party - it was a little family party in August. She wanted a swimming party and you can't do that here in September!

First Day of First Grade

Why is it that my oldest, keeps getting older?!

Isabella started first grade today. I think I had a much harder time than she did. Even though she went for a full school day last year, I still struggled. I think that's because I know exactly how long a school day/year is.

This year the program has changed to 90% spanish and 10% english. Her teacher is Mr. Torres, and I just know she's going to have a great year!

This is the Place

We love visiting "This is The Place", and have gone each summer since we moved here.

They always have a variety of activities for the kids to do. This happened to be a "free admission" day - due to the "Days of 47" week that's going on now. It was a little crazy - lots of people, but we still had a ball.
It's always entertaining to see Jeff try to stuff himself into tiny kids rides!

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

We had the opportunity to take the kids to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House.

It was much easier than the Draper Temple Open House (which took 3 hours at night, in February). This one was much quicker, and much warmer!
We loved it and are so happy to have yet another beautiful Temple so close to our home.

A Surprise Visitor

My sister Dianne came into town for a visit, and brought a special present from Arizona for the girls. She arrived late, and we actually had to wake up the girls for the unveiling.

Cousin Jane! Boy was Bella surprised! Jane came up with exactly how she wanted the surprise to happen, and made little cards for Bella and Sofie.During their week long visit, we made calzones:

Enjoyed the beautiful outdoors, as well as a little shopping, and took a trip to Gardner Village:

And just played and had fun. Thanks Dayna for allowing her to come out - we had a ball!

Field Day

Bella had her field day at school today.

She played lots of games outside, enjoyed otter pops and had a fun lunch with mom and Sofie & Reed at McDonalds.

The crowning event was when the firefighters came with their ladder truck and soaked all those that were willing to participate. It wasn't very warm outside, and I was surprised so many voluntarily got soaked! A fun time was had by all!

Walk-a-thon

Bella's school had a fundraiser today - a walk-a-thon.

Bella raised money (Thanks to Grandmas & Grandpa and Aunts & Uncles!) and walked a WHOLE MILE! It was fun and a we loved doing it as a family with her.