Little Bits . . .

Little bits of this and that . . .

Some things are just too hard to resist. Cookie dough and Justin's big "baby blues" are just a couple. He's got the look down. Such a good little puppy. So, when I get a request to make cookies from this little guy, I usually give in. He especially likes to crank the handle up and down and use the numbers to determine the mixing speed.

Lindsay is back in soccer this season, and has been "training" at school by running again this year. Inspiration that spilled over from her father, no doubt.

I am not sure where her craftiness originates. Making little ghosts and a new little mousey for Jack.

Our favorite - pumpkin bread w/chocolate chips. Seriously, isn't everything better with just a bit of chocolate?

Shirts are very useful napkins when there is not a tablecloth to wipe yourself on.

We said goodbye to "Alie McPhee" . . .

and hello to family who visited us. We love cousin sleepovers.

These little boys played outside until after dark in bare feet. Where is our Fall weather? I just noticed the oven mitt in the pic, hmmm. . . . mystery solved.

Mimi and Papa came for an overnight visit as well. I am a sucker for sunsets. I try not to miss them. I am weird. I love this pic of Mimi with Alie.

Yikes!! This is not as bad as it looks. I guess that is easy for me to say. Papa helped us install additional overhead lighting in our bedroom. He literally put his sweat and blood into the job as he crawled up into our attic and was jabbed by an overhead protruding nail. The first thing the boys wanted was of course, the camera. Thanks Papa, this really helped to bring out our Halloween spirit!!

Yikes!! This is as bad as it looks. We officially have an iron man trainee living with us. He has been swimming, running, and now that he has his new friend to ride, biking.

Sweet Shades

Lindsay had a field trip to Torrey Pines State Reserve. I was able to help chaparone with Justin. We hiked down to the beach below where we picnicked with her classmates.

Saturday soccer, then . . .BYU Football Game!

Victory!! . . . and that's That!

We had our Primary Program this morning. Nana, Mimi, and Papa came to hear the children sing. Alison and Lindsay sang their first duet together. Their sweet voices were were touching as they sang "I feel my Savior's love". I know that they will remember this day and the spirit that was felt in the meeting. Sometimes I wish that my emotions were not connected to my tear ducts. I tend to leak easily. Justin surprised us by singing every song and entertained us with his exaggerated sign language movements.

I sure love this sweet little guy. He is "mine", but daddy would disagree.

Now that we no longer have babies in the house (which is very sad, by the way), we are able to have marbles. The kids love to play the "marble game". My grandpa made it for our family when I was little, and I remember playing with it for hours. They love it as much as we did. . .

Scouts . . .

The kids have already been back in school a month now, and Ryan has spent two of those weekends on Scout campouts. He especially liked camping on the beach. He learned how to surf, and loved it!! He has been asking when we can go back again.

Camping at Paso Picacho (in the mountains somewhere), enjoying a delicious meal.

The boys did some rock repelling here, after hiking in.

Great trips. Great troopers.

St. George

St. George . . . 18 hour visit, 14 hour drive.

Somehow we fit all of this in . . .

We stayed cool with frozen custard and swimming with cousins

Our night was filled with music from Annie, See's candy, grandparents, great-grandparents, siblings, and first and second cousins. The play was held at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre. Being outdoors, it allowed for scenic rock, horse drawn carriages, cars, and even fireworks! The kids loved it.

Our reason for the trip . . . to celebrate Grandma's 80th birthday. We had breakfast with Grandma in the morning as memories of funny and touching stories were shared about her. My grandma has wonderful perspective. She has a beautiful smile and a soft sweetness. She is always so positive. She doesn't complain, she works hard, and loves life. She loves being a mother and a grandmother. She can find the good in any situation. She makes time to serve in every way she can. She is a modern day pioneer. She is my grandma, and I love her.

The great grandkids sang for her. This picture just captures a small portion them. The room was filled with many family members.

Before heading home, we stopped at a nearby "natural park" the kids called "Mars" because of all of the red rock. The clouds were beautiful. We had fun exploring. There were caves, stairways, tunnels, views, and imaginations. . .

Time for meditation. Reflection. Family. Sleep.

We love you Grandma!!

Tackled . . .

A few things were tackled this Labor Day . . .

Alie, making a great save, was compelled to perform a backwards summersault when tackled by her opponent in the La Jolla Tournament.

She did NOT drop the ball and lived.

The coaches were tackled after a sweet victory

Medals were awarded

Our Water Boy tackled his task of keeping the girls cool.

and so did our Babysitter, with the young ones, playing tag. The "Safe" pole.

BBQ and Swimming tackled our hunger and desire to relax

Good Times. (Sorry Ry).