We went to Wheeler Farm today. The weather was beautiful, the animals were pretty, and the kids had a great time. Unfortunately, I am not used to how quickly my Nikon battery dies (or it could be the fact that I take about a billion unusable pictures for every good one), and it was out of juice within about ten minutes of being there. We plan on going back sometime next week when the lighting isn't as harsh and when it's not as crowded. We happened to pick the day that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention had the park booked, so there was an interesting vibe on the farm. :P




For your extreme gross-out moment of the day: Connor reached through the fence and INTO that cow's ear. The cow had some unnameable injury in there (possibly from other two-year-olds sticking their hands where they shouldn't be) and Connor's fingers came out with cow blood on them. Ewewewewewew. I am still dying.




Lainy was there, too. I can't wait for this girl to walk!

Over the past few years, the season of fall for me has taken on a life of its own. I feel like my memories of fall are the most vivid out all of the seasons, and I find that perplexing since I have a love/hate relationship with this time of the year.

I love the bold colors of fall, the hot drinks, seeing kids walking home from school, and the anticipation of Halloween. Fall 2006 and Fall 2007 will forever be special to me as my pregnancies were discovered and celebrated. Fall 2008 is one that I'd like to forget.

I don't like the days being shorter, but I do enjoy the feeling of gearing up for a long rest. This summer has been great, but I enjoy the routine of schoolwork, especially if I'm not the one doing it! :) I do get a bit antsy about the oncoming cold, but I know that once it really sets in, it will only be a few months until spring.

Celebrate the cycle and go sprinkle some nutmeg in your hot chocolate!

Today has been exhausting, but great! Alaina and I (reluctantly) started the day at 5:15, so it took me a while to get over some requisite grumpiness, but once we woke up, we kicked it into high gear. We started at the store to pick up some necessities and free stuff via couponing, then had a classy lunch at McDonald's. Afterward we went to the park to chase seagulls and quack at geese (according to Connor, all birds quack instead of chirp or honk). After a quick nap, we packed up the kiddos headed out to what was supposedly an easy hike up to Cecret Lake.

This sign looks innocent and unassuming, right? I had read on a Parks and Rec website that this hike was suitable for young children and was more like a twenty minute stroll, so perfect for us all, right? I'm somewhat proud to say that it took us 42 minutes of hard work to complete this supposed mile!


Connor did his part.


I feel pretty fortunate to have this kind of scenery thirty minutes away.


We made it! It was worth it!


I wish I had discovered this place earlier in the season. I could spend all day looking at this view.


She's got him wrapped around her fat little finger. :*)

A few weeks ago my sister, my mom, and myself went to judge some 4-H exhibits for the State Fair. In return, we got free admission! Today we took advantage of it!

Who can spot the peeper?


Riding the ponies was always the highlight for me growing up, and Connor wanted to!




We saw goats, bunnies, and cows. Sorry for the picture quality - I didn't want to use the flash and freak out this monster of a longhorn and Connor didn't want his picture taken.


I was pretty jealous of this girl. The best part of this photo? No editing! Thank you, circular polarizing filter!




We shared a $6 slice of pizza and a $3 stale churro. Gotta love the culinary delights of the State Ferr!




I adore peoplewatching, and this trailer summed up the majority of the people that we saw. Once again, no editing.


Stevie Wonder here begged to ride the train and we caved.


This smile was worth the $3.

This is the result of refrigerator locks not fitting on our fridge. It's a good thing these little hooligans are cute. :)

Last week

I painted one of Alaina's walls with chalkboard paint on the bottom half and lavender on the top. After quite a few failed attempts, it finally came together!


My claim to fame in her room is her fabulous lampshade. I sewed powdery pink feather boas around the rims that cast a soft pink light throughout the room.


Instead of two catch-all toy bins that overwhelm the kids, I bought this bookshelf/room divider from Ikea. I'd say that the spreading out of the toys was a hit, as Alaina played for an hour and a half this morning while I dozed quite happily at her side.


Anthony and I took advantage of the Salt Lake Dine-O-Round that's going on right now. You can go to a plethora of restaurants and get a three-course meal for a fixed price of $30. We had salads, gorgonzola-stuffed filets, and creme brulee/bread pudding. It was so good.


Connor had a fantastic time with his Papa and has been pitifully whining "Paaaaapaaaaa" since we left. It's sad.


Alaina and her Nana


They shared ice cream every night.


Alaina loved riding in the bike trailer so much that she'd disappear into the other room and we'd find her with her helmet on and ready to go.


Three generations of football watchers.


The in-laws are staying at a hotel while their house is being finished, and Connor learned the practice of saying hi to anyone and everyone. It's pretty cute. Hi.

Do you know how happy it makes me to actually have a shallow focus without any editing? RIDICULOUSLY happy.