family

While we were in SLC we drove up to Ogden to see Brian's grandma.  Brian's parents were able to meet us there too.  We had a great visit.  We've heard that Grandma wasn't doing very well.  We thought she still looked great.  Yes she now uses a walker, and she's lost some weight.  But she's also 91 years old.  If you count little Harley that McKinzie is carrying, this is a 5 generation picture.  ;)

 

Once Aunt Diane realized we were driving she loaded us up with some goodies.  Julie was already sending cucumbers home with me.  Diane gave us more cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, cantaloupe, banana squash and three loaves of Great Harvest bread.  All of it was yummy.  McKinzie and I, mostly me, snacked on tomatoes on the drive home.  Geoff and I were the only ones to eat the squash.  I felt youthful again.  Growing up I had many summer meals straight out of the garden.

Diane pulled out this most amazing book while we were there.  It's called "Pioneers and Prominent  Men of Utah".  It was published in 1912.  Brian's Great Grandfather was in it, plus I was able to find my Great Great Grandfather and his family.  It also had pictures of the men too.  I was able to make copies and I've already sent copies to all my siblings.  The older I get the more interested I am in knowing my family.  OK maybe it's not because of my age.  I think it's because my parents are gone.  I'm trying to connect and remember all of them. 

another weekend in SLC

 Three days after I was home from my sisters weekend in SLC I headed back for a wedding.  Only Brian, McKinzie and I went. It was a very quick trip.  But we were grateful that we were able to make the trip and be there for Kristen.

Kristen is such a talented, beautiful woman.  I think her and Jon are going to be very happy.

We didn't want to get in the way of all of the family pictures so went and hung out around Temple Square until the luncheon.

 We were hoping to tour the Conference Center while we were waiting.  Unfortunately it was closed because of an event that evening.

 The luncheon was held in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.  The food was delicious! 

 On Saturday before we headed home we were able to take a tour of the Conference Center.  It's HUGE!! And beautiful!

We were even able to go on the roof and see the amazing view.

As a family we were planning to attend General Conference in October.  I recently learned that you have to be 8 to attend.  Carson will only be 7.  I was very disappointed.  Now that I've seen the Conference Center I'm okay to wait another year or so.  Hopefully only one year.

naked boy

Brian and I usually have out dates on Friday night.  When there's a conflict then Saturday is our backup.  This last Saturday we had our date so it was up to Karlee to make sure the boys have their baths, or showers, before bed.  There have been times  that Bailee has babysat and she would help the boys.

Last Saturday Carson had had enough.  At breakfast Sunday morning Karlee shared his frustration at bath time.  Carson had said to Karlee, "Why does everyone get to see me naked and I don't get to see them."  We all laughed at his comment.  So I asked him, "Do you want see everyone else naked?"  He pulled a face and said, "Not at the same time!"  Don't worry...he now takes showers and washes his hair by himself.  Whew!

yay for school

The first day of school is always exciting. One of the best parts is our schools have changed their bell times. The boys don't start until 8:25.  The girls start at 9:05.  We were able to sleep in an extra 30 minutes compared to last year.  And we still had time to read the Book of Mormon before school.  It's starting out to be a great school year!

 When I dropped off Carson in his classroom I was surprised again that it was hard to leave him.  We both shed a few tears.  He's in first grade now, we've both done this.  This is crazy!!

 Mason is very excited to be a 5th grader.  Man!  I can't believe how big my kids are getting.

 Karlee is a Freshman.  Her first year in High School and I didn't even drop her off at the curb.  Since Bailee drives she took Karlee.  I threatened Bailee that she couldn't drive today because I needed to take them on their first day.  But then I would of had to pick up Bailee mid day and take her to the HCTC.  So she drove...

I really did buy Karlee new pants. But no she had to wear the ones with holes in the knees.  I don't understand.

Bailee is a Senior!!  This could be her last year at home.  She considering going away in the Fall to live among her peers and have some crazy great fun with roommates.  When she graduates she'll also be licensed to do hair, which is way cool because she'll need a job to have come crazy great fun.  ;)

 Carson and Matthew

Mason didn't want me to walk him to his class.  I guess he's just too big for that.  So after I dropped off Carson I headed up the stairs in search of Mason.  Sometimes the students sit in the hall until school starts.  I wasn't sure where I would find him.  I was thrilled to be able to get this picture from the hall.  When he first saw me he turned away.  Then he looked at me with a not so shocked face that I was taking his picture.

I love my kids so much.  I love that school is back in session.  I love how peaceful my house is at the moment. 

 

sisters weekend

A couple weeks ago I was able to fly to SLC and spend a few days with my sisters.  We had a blast!  Friday night we went to an outdoor theatre and to watch 7 Brides for 7 Brothers.  This tractor and wagon was giving rides up to the theatre.  We decided to walk.

 

...and walk.  For some reason when we left it was also up hill.  I'm not sure how that was possible.

Saturday we spent the day shopping at City Creek Mall.  I believe it opened up this summer.  It was beautiful.  The design of the buildings and landscape.

I knew we were close to the temple but I didn't think I'd be able to get any pictures.

Don't these apples look amazing? YUM!!

For lunch we went to the Red Iguana.  I had the chile verde chimichanga.  Very good.  For an appetizer we had Killer Nachos.  They were A-MAZ-ING!!  I hope I can go again sometime.

We then headed over to IKEA.  Brenda and Aarin had never been.  Brenda checked out every little nook possible.  We were there for hours.  Our only concern was we wanted to make it over to the Cheesecake Factory for dessert.  We made it.

I had the raspberry lemon cheesecake.  Terri had the mango. I think the mango was my favorite.

Aarin had a red velvet cheesecake.  It was huge.  Then we had a couple of chocolate mousse and one other I can't remember. 

Sunday morning we went to watch the broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word.  It was in the Conference Center.  It was my first time to see the inside.  It was amazingly huge! 

It was a great weekend.  Although, Jeannette wasn't able to attend due to work.  She was greatly missed.  We laughed, ate, laughed some more, went shopping, ate, and laughed even more it that's possible.  It's been four years since the last time we got together.  I hope we continue to make it a priority every few years for just the sisters.  :-)

new project

 Karlee learned to crochet years ago.  She didn't really like it.  She needed to do something for YW in Excellence so I suggested crocheting.  She kind of pulled a face.  I suggested making a scarf.  She liked the idea.  Brian walked her though the basics and now she's started a scarf.  It's very cute.  I hope she continues to crochet and makes many more items.  :) 

scouts

This summer we have had only one Bear in our pack.  It's not fun to have two adults and one scout so we have been joining with another Ward for the summer and we have had many super fun activities.  Tonight was our last night to join them and we hammered in some nails at their boathouse, cleared away many cobwebs, then we went boating.  The boys loved it!  They also went swimming in the lake. 

Next week we will have a new Wolf and we'll be back to our old schedule.  Tuesday afternoons at my house.  It's very convenient to have Scouts at my house after school. 

swim w/friends

This month we invited to some friends to swim with us in their neighborhood pool.  Crazy sounding I know.  I have a pool card because McKinzie's HOA manages the neighborhood.  My friend just happened to move into that neighborhood a short time ago.  So we went swimming to catch up on life. 

 

We all had a great time.  After a few hours it started to sprinkle.  We ignored it. It started getting darker so we started gathering up our things.  By the time we head to the car it's a downpour. I think we got more wet from the rain than the pool. 

 

It was some much needed rain.  When I drove down our street I could tell we didn't get a drop.  A little frustrating.  So out I went to water a few plants.  These scattered showers drive me crazy.  Our house wants some too.