Drat. Cat. That. Hat. Mat. Pat. Sat. Fat. Rat. Bat. Lat. Nat.

You'll never guess -- my cable went out. I am home alone, can finally watch exactly what I want (Cupcake Wars or Extreme Couponing) without any gripes or embarrassing questions, and my plans have been thwarted by some unknown factor. I suppose I will watch "Shall We Dance" instead. Drat. Cat. That. Hat. Mat. Pat. Sat. Fat. Rat. Bat. Lat. Nat. Or perhaps I'll endlessly rhyme to myself.

Nick's Trick, A Real Treat

Tomorrow Nick is prepared to show his trick -- toothpick in the button. I suppose all those houses that actually make the children perform a trick to receive their treat are in for a real treat.

Jack-O-Lanterns

We carved pumpkins today. The entire process only lasted about 2.5 hours -- this year we had big kids to help us poke the patterns. I would recommend an afternoon versus an evening to carve. The only true skill learned was that Meg taught Andy how to sign "whatever major loser." He now uses his ASL on Maisie. And wouldn't you know, she just LOVES his new skill. Ah, the memories.

Goblin Valley (Perfect Halloween Title)

Fall break we headed south to Goblin Valley and LIttle Wild Horse Canyon. Both days we hiked the legs off our children -- but they didn't complain, because they loved it more than the adults.

Meg stuck with Aunt Ashley and hiked/ climbed with her much of the time. She came up with classic games to entertain.

Andy crawled up every goblin and canyon wall in sight.

Maisie just couldn't help herself and touched every grain of sand. Her little legs actually walked the 8 mile loop in Bell and Wild Horse canyons, and she would suddenly morph into self proclaimed "Cat Girl," and scale the walls right along side Andy.

Nick knew just how to sit still on Uncle Tyler's lap and watch the fire. He also walked until he was exhausted.

Maddie loved all the goblins and climbed when possible. She was a little scared when the walls of the canyon were caving in on her.

Tyler and Ashley were patient and helpful. I was glad to have to extra adults.

Austin was the guide, camp cook, and Maddie's personal taxi.

We decided we'll go every fall break.

Cat's Eye

Meg's project for tribal trading; 32 cat's eyes. It took us a couple hours...

Blah!

Well, as long as one of my children has already desecrated the chapel, we thought we'd let another. Nick puked on the stand this morning during the primary program practice...I'm glad it was Austin who had to deal with it. For the first time I don't envy his calling as a primary teacher more than mine as a scout leader.

Whitni's Magic

New family pictures. I just love them. Thanks Whit! (Thanks, Kimmie, for printing them!)
July 2010

July 2011

July 2010

July 2011

Roaming

For about 5 minutes I couldn't find Maddie today. Then I had the inspiration to open the garage door. I found her, buckled in her car seat! (She looks sad because I think she knew the tone of my voice when I called for her.)

How did she open the garage door and get to the car? The dog door, which gives her free access to the great outdoors whenever she pleases. This is the only time she gave me a scare while using her freedom to roam. At least her roaming does not cost extra....