Spontaneous September

We had a few fun outings in September and one spontaneous trip.   On Labor Day we stopped at Fisher's work and played on the giant bungees then I took the girls to the Science Center.

 We went on our annual ward camp out to Wolf Creek.  Spud loved it - dirt every where!

 Finally the weather started to hint at becoming pleasant again and the kids could play outside. Fisher built this tree swing last spring and it is being put to good use again.  These two little munchkins are a dynamic duo.  Keep a close eye on them!

 Mid September, I took a very last minute trip to Idaho.  Several factors contributed to the trip.  A few weeks earlier, dad had suddenly become ill and finally was diagnosed with Stage 5 renal failure.  The diagnosis came just days after we had been visiting and with school starting and other responsibilities it was not practical to go back and see him.  We knew we would be back in October for my sisters wedding so we hoped to see him then.  Then, after lots of prayer and contemplation, Paisley realized that she could not marry her fiance and best friend of four years.  It was heart breaking and when I heard the news, I knew that I needed to go see her and my dad.  Within an hour all the arrangements were made and within 12 hours, I was on my way to Idaho with Spud, Berry and my friend Miiko thankfully coming along to help drive and to visit her son in Idaho.  I would not have been able to make the trip without Fisher's help and encouragement and the help of Shar and other good friends who took care of Curly and Lou. 

We drove 15 hours in one day, stopping in SLC for dinner with Fisher's parents.  The short visit was wonderful.  It was sad to see dad so sick and Paisley so sad but I am so glad that we could be there to try to spread a little cheer and comfort. It also so happened that my good friend Jill was visiting her family and I was able to see her (we hadn't seen each other for a few years). 

K-Rae and Jeniel came up from Utah to spend time with us also.  We spent the time talking, listening, going for walks, eating yummy food and crying a little too.  Miiko cheered every one with her great attitude and some stellar hair color jobs.  I feel so blessed that I was able to go and grateful for my good family.

 

August and (eventually) everything after

Here is a quick August wrap-up (I know it's almost Thanksgiving but my goal is to be caught up by Christmas)

School started - Curly in 3rd Grade, Lou in 1st.  I love that they can eat lunch and play at recess together.  They are good buddies.
 

 

My Grandpa Woodbury turned 90 in August and I was able to fly back up for the special occasion.  My brother Nathan was there from Florida and my cousin Nicole from Virginia.  It was so wonderful to spend time with lots of family! 

Berry turned the blender full of green smoothie on and got a nice shower! 

 
Our girls take family outings seriously - Curly got all decked out with matching belt and heals, not to mention her pooch in it's carrier. 

 
Neighborhood ginormous slippin' slide!  All the kids loved it!  But I think Spud loved it most.  He is fearless! 

 
If I attempt to lay on the floor even for a minute, I am attacked by these two cute munchkins and it's time for "Superkids!" 

 

Summer wrap up - Utah

Lake Family Picnic at the Park

A Day at Herriman Reservior

The Oma Sleepover

Shane turns 1!

  

And here we have Idaho, Winning her way to fame

That is the song we sing whenever we cross the state line into Idaho. And for good reason too - it's catchy! AND Idaho is beautiful, maybe not famous yet, but we like it that way!

We love the time we spend in Idaho each Summer and this year was even more memorable than years past.  We took a trip to Yellowstone, we had a Pioneer Day Parade, we had an exciting adventure floating the Snake River, we went hiking, picnicking, singing, eating, and laughing.

Yellowstone!

We spent a day hitting a few spots in the park - Old Faithful, Geyser Basin, paint pots, emerald pools, and the river.  My parents and sisters took the little kids home and we took the older girls to a show at "The Playmill."

Pioneer Day

 The kids decided covered wagons are over rated.  When we ended our parade at our friend's home, the spent the rest of the afternoon driving her mini-suv.

Cress Creek Trail

Snake River

 Our float down the snake was supposed to be relaxing and fun.  It was... until the last 10 minutes.  What might have been a tragedy is now an exciting memory.  The short version of our experience is that the current near the exit point of our float was so strong and fast that it pulled two of the rafts down stream and into a large, fallen tree that was straining the river.  The first raft to hit was immediately tipped upside down flinging 4 adults and 3 children into the churning water.  Fortunately, no one was hurt or lost (though we did not know that immediately).  The second raft was dragged under the tree branches, caught for a minute and then able to continue on to the bank and try to help the first raft.  The experience left us all feeling grateful for life and for each other.  We also feel grateful for the kind fisherman who passed by with perfect timing to rescue the stranded raft.  It made the rest of our time there sweeter as we realized how fragile life can be.

Fun at Grandpa's and Grandma's House

On the days we weren't out adventuring, there was plenty of fun to be had in Rexburg.  Aunt Kristi "helped" all the little girls made aprons.  The girls had sleepovers on the trampoline with Aunt Pika and Aunt Kristi.  They convinced Amberlee and Stephen to participate in their musical skit of "Heart and Soul."  Grandpa, Jeniel and Jason took Curly and Lettie to explore the Civil Defense Caves and play at the sand dunes. We rode the carousel, visited LLL Ranch,  and swam at the pool. It was a wonderful time together with many happy memories!

Utah part 1

Inspired by Disneyland, the girl gang decided to create their own "Tiki Room"  This was a project they worked on for several weeks.  They sent invitation in advance and planned their performance the same weekend that the grandparents and aunties would be here.  There were decorations, costumes, and a script.  My favorite was the paper birds tied to the ceiling fan.  It was very cute.

The Tiki Room cast

Reading the script

Playtime

 The day after Tiki room, we left on our exodus to the North - 2 minivans, 2 babies, 6 little girls, 2 aunties, 2 moms, 1 grandma.  After 14 hours we made it and crashed on Grandma Woodbury's sundeck.

I love a Utah summer.  It is beautiful and delicious!

 

It was fun to meet up with old friends while visiting Salt Lake.  We also reunioned with family members and just enjoyed being outside.

Long-time friends Ash and Margie

Playing "pooh-sticks" at Aunt Pikas with cousin Nels

Chillin' with Charlie

Cookout at Pika's and Pato's lovely Millcreek home

Sleepy baby S

Rope swing over the ditch

 

Grad school friends - Summer, Jodi, Kathleen, Lynette

 We decided to throw a shower for my littlest sister Paisley while we were all together.  She will be married in October!  It was fun to plan and prepare with my sisters and we all had a lovely evening together.