September Happenings

September was Porter's time to shine! He finally started preschool and was so excited for his big day. He loves playing with friends and I'm glad this gives him a break from mom and the house and some structured learning/playing time.

 The boys and I have been using the bike trailer a lot while Brooke's at school and the weather has been nice. Porter and Grant love it and I'm proud of myself for being able to make it up some pretty not steep hills throughout the neighborhood!

Brooke has gotten into the swing of things with school. She just brought home her first spelling list this week. Oh man, I am not used to homework and practicing spelling words each night...

 I went a little pumpkin crazy earlier this month. I made 4 loaves of pumpkin zucchini bread and a batch of pumpkin cookies. I love pumpkin!

 About a week ago we came home to find this little guy hiding in the corn stalks in our garden. I asked around if he belonged to anyone and even tried to give him away, but he was so cute and good natured we decided to keep him. Even though he's a "he" we named him Jasmin after the lion in the movie secondhand lions who also liked to hide cornstalks.

 Porter learned about the letter A at school and they made airline pilot hats. Porter thought he was the real deal.

 I watched my friend's baby one afternoon and it was so cute to see Grant and Ava interact.

 Grant really wanted to make it up the stairs to go after Ava, but couldn't quite do it.

 I missed women's conference because of Blake's work schedule. Then, my kids ended up getting sick with a stomach bug and we missed church. On Sunday while the kids lounged around the house, I was able to watch women's conference online and can some salsa using tomatoes, zucchini, onions, and peppers all homegrown!

 It's hunting season and we went on a family drive to look for some deer. We didn't spot any, but I could not resist taking this picture.

 Sometimes I get so caught up in taking pictures of the little boys that miss Brooke feels left out.

 Shameless selfies happen with I actually get ready for the day.

 I submitted one of Porter's funny stories to Parents Magazine and it was chosen to be published in the October issue! I was so excited. I also got a gift card to gymboree from them.

 Brooke was helping Porter learn his letters. She asked, "What letter is this?" Porter said "one" Then Brooke goes, "no, it's two. wait! I mean it's three!" I was laughing so hard. Do they actually learn anything at school?

Bear Hollow Lakes

Over Labor Day weekend, Blake's siblings gathered at Bear Hollow Lakes. This place has become a regular spot for us to hold reunions. It is a little piece of heaven on earth. I would highly recommend booking your next family get together here.

We arrived Saturday around lunchtime and our kids wasted no time changing into their swimming suits and jumping right into playtime with cousins.

Blake and Porter out exploring

The cousins had lots of fun riding the tube and swimming

Porter and Brooke went back and forth from the lake to the hot tub all weekend long. It's nice that they are finally at an age where we don't have to watch them like hawks around the water. Obviously we still keep an eye on them, but they can swim and know how to handle themselves around water better.

Blake surfing

I spent the majority of the weekend right here on the dock in my lounge chair enjoying the mild weather & beautiful scenery while reading, drinking Dr. Pepper and chatting with my sister in laws.

Grant hung out on my lounge chair too...I have a feeling next summer he won't let me just lounge

The oldest and the youngest grandson :)

I love how the older grandkids are so so good with the littler ones. Skylar played in the sand with the younger boys and Grant had is own little entourage of girl cousins entertaining, holding, and gushing over him the whole weekend.

We were only missing one grandchild for this picture...so fun to have practically everyone together!

silly faces...

Grant with Aunt Jeannie (also look at that beautiful lighting on that mountain behind them!)

Little beach baby. He was content splashing in the water here until the boat came by and sent huge waves over his head.

Amelia and Brooke are best little buddies (they are closest girl cousins in age).

Porter and some of the older cousins just relaxing...

Karson is only 5 months younger than Brooke and they are like two peas in a pod whenever they get together.

While we were in northern Utah we also took an afternoon to visit our old stomping grounds at USU and our first house we bought. It was so fun to reminisce as we drove around and point out things to the kids. Brooke was born in Logan so she was excited to see the where we lived when she was born.

Monday afternoon is was back to reality and piles of laundry from the weekend. Even though we all live in the same state, we actually don't get together very often (which is too bad) so these are special times for our family.

All About B

 Brooke poster she completed for school:

 Her three wishes: I wish I had a cat. I wish I had a...? (not sure about the second one). I wish I had my money jar filled up.

 I am 48 inches tall and weigh 44 pounds. My hair is blonde and my favorite color is purple. I am six years old.

 When I grow up I want to be a mom.

What mom says about Brooke:
Brooke is very friendly and can immediately make a new friend wherever we go. She is very accepting of others and is always making crafty things for her friends and teachers. She can also be bossy and likes to be in charge of the imaginary story she is acting out with her friends. She loves nail polish, is desperate to wear make up (mom won't let her yet), and loves to play dress up. She also likes to go spotting for deer and elk with dad and camping. She loves to ride her bike. Brooke is a great helper around the house and does a lot for her brothers Porter and Grant.  She hates to wear jeans (leggings, dresses, and shorts are ok), and hates to have her hair brushed in the morning. We love Brooke so much and can't imagine our life without her.

Grant is 10 months!

Grant turned 10 months old on August 29. This first year of his is going by so quickly! A few weeks before his 10 month milestone, Grant mastered the army crawl and has been on the move every since! It's been kind of hard for him and for me. No longer is he content to just sit in the other room playing with toys while I get dinner made or clean. He is everywhere I am and that makes it hard on both of us. We have to constantly watch him with the stairs and Grant will get mad when he'll crawl up to me and want my attention but I can't because I'm busy (like elbow deep in grating zucchini from our garden).

I think we're on the last few times in his little bouncer too. Now that he can move, being confined to the bouncer just isn't any fun.

No, he's not pulling himself up yet, but if we stand him up he can hold on with no problems.

Grant is telling me he's "So Big!"

Porter pulled the kitchen chairs in front of the stairs to the basement then moved the highchair over and got in to act as a "guard" in case Grant got too close.

We sure love our sweet, smiley guy!