Fall Break!

We’ve had a gorgeous Fall this year.  That perfect combination of sunny but cool and crisp and colorful.  We usually head out of town for Fall break, but this year we were feeling a little travel-weary since our big CA trip was just a little over a month ago, so we decided to have a little stay-cation.  It was perfect!

Thursday morning we got up and went for a family bike ride.  This was the first time in forever we’ve all had a bike (except Josh, he rode in the trailer).  We have so many great trails nearby, that we finally utilized – it was a blast.  The only hitch was my newly tuned up bike blew a tire about 1/3 into our ride.  I walked back to the car while Bren and the kids finished their ride and then met me back at our car.  It was perfect weather and such a fun outing.

After that, we headed home for a quick shower and change of clothes and then went bowling.  It was so much fun.  Josh would get so excited and do some serious celebrating after his turns.  There’s something just so magical about doing things as a family.  There’s still some whining, and occasional grumpiness, but for the most part we get to remember why we love each other so much.

The next day, Brennan had to work, so the kids and I joined up with Eliza and her kids for a fantastic walk through a favorite forest/park and then brought lunch to eat with my Dad on a rare day off for him to celebrate his birthday.

The boys couldn’t get enough of going off the trail to forge new paths.

Lots of dirt “surfing” and bum sliding going on.

a few little tantrums

and lots of tripping by Joshy

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend and a much needed break from homework, carpools and early mornings.  We were so grateful to have such wonderful weather.

Columbus Day

I’ve never gone too far out of my way to celebrate Columbus Day, but then again I’ve certainly never avoided celebrating anything.  When given the chance to party – I’m in.  My parents both had Columbus Day off of work so they were dying to get out and do something.  I had to break it to them that the kids were still in school, but that didn’t deter them.  They invited everyone who could to meet them at this beautiful little nature preserve just 15 minutes from our house.  My family and my Sister and her kids were available, so right after school we all met up for a fantastic outing.

My Dad, Nate and Abby

My parents brought their canoe, which we haven’t used for years.  My kids were apprehensive at first, but then every one of them fell madly in love with the serene, scenic rides around the perfect-sized pond.  Abby decided that jet skis and motorboats were not for her, canoes on a little pond are just the right fit for her.  Anna even ventured out by herself, I’m sure having romantic thoughts of Gilbert Blythe rescuing Anne Shirley from her “Lady of Shallot” mishap. 

We brought a picnic dinner and had such a wonderful time feeding ducks, riding in the canoe, wandering around the beautiful trails and enjoying some of our favorite people’s company.  It was a definite highlight, and hopefully a new tradition!

I walked away for 2 minutes and this is best they came up with for life-jacket distribution

Conference Weekend

Conference weekend was wonderful, as always.  These bi-annual weekends are so completely restorative and restful.   It’s just so nice to have a break from our regular meetings and responsibilities  (that I love, but they can get hectic), and enjoy church from the comfort of our own home (or my parents’).  We can sit around in jammies all day or listen while being productive.  Then, you add the blessing of hearing incredible, articulate, inspiring messages from some of the purest, smartest, most spiritual people in the world, throw in some good gathering time with family and what’s not to love?

During the Priesthood Session Saturday night, the kids and moms (this year, just Eliza, Mom and me) meet at the pumpkin patch for the kids to pick out just the right one.

Then we head back to my Mom’s so the kids can paint them.  It’s so fun to see what they come up with and how different they all approach this.  Some of the kids are done in 2 seconds and some could spend 2 hours.  They all take it pretty seriously though and are so cute and impressed by each other.

Not every grandma would turn this many kids loose with paint in her lovely home!

The kids love this tradition!

Sunday, we gathered again at my parents.  This time, Ryan and Macy and their kids came, and Davis and Melissa too.  The kids worked really hard at conference bingo and then we ate a great dinner together, followed by a little show by the girls.  It was a perfect Conference Sunday.

 

Sunday morning session at our house – another great reason for church at home!