Sept. - Midway, UT

While in Utah visiting Ryan's parents, we were able to see my sister Leah and her family and they were nice enough to let us stay in their condo in Midway.  It is a nice little town that has Swiss Days every year.  It is basically the biggest and most packed crafty street fair you can imagine.  It was fun to walk around and see everything.  We spent some time in the pool at their place also and were able to have Ryan's brother, sister in law and their baby come visit too.  Thanks again for letting us stay!  

Heber Valley Girls' Camp, Utah; September

We went to Heber, Utah in September to visit Ryan's parents.  They were serving a mission at the Heber Valley Girls Camp.  We met up with most of Ryan's siblings and were all able to "camp" there at the cabins and spend some time on the obstacle courses (the zip line and swing).  They were not my cup of tea as I am afraid of heights.  However, I did do them both and survived.  So did everyone else!  We saw some deer while we were there, took a long hike and of course just had fun hanging out with family.  

No, this picture is not sideways.  I was sideways!!!

                                     Dad G. in his element.  Loving his four wheeler and the outdoors!

We went to Heber, Utah in September to visit Ryan's parents.  They were serving a mission at the Heber Valley Girls Camp.  We met up with most of Ryan's siblings and were all able to "camp" there at the cabins and spend some time on the obstacle courses (the zip line and swing).  They were not my cup of tea as I am afraid of heights.  However, I did do them both and survived.  So did everyone else!  We saw some deer while we were there, took a long hike and of course just had fun hanging out with family.

The kids

Here's just a couple of pics of the kids that I wanted to have in a post of things to remember...
I was able to put Brooke's hair in pigtails this summer!  She has the most hair of all of our kids at this age, and it is still dark!  We thought she would have changed to blonde by now, but that brunette in her is hanging on!

Brooke loves to make "talk" into cups, lids, or anything that gives her an echo.

Ma still loves her babies.  She told me the other day after she had wrapped them up in blankets that they always ask her to take naps in my room.  Silly girl.  She loves to "mother" them and pretend they are real.  So cute.  She loves to "mother" her little sis too and it is helpful sometimes.  Other times, she is a little too helpful :)

Pres was given a blue dog when he was a baby by one of our good friends.  He still keeps it with him all the time.  It is so cute, but kind of wondering when he will grow out of it?!

August catch up

In August, we had fun playing outside.  We went to a parade and got a couple of beach balls, which Brooke discovered she really liked playing with.  We grew a garden full of raspberries, zucchini, beans, jalapenos, Anaheim Chili Peppers, Italian Tomatoes, green bell peppers, and cantaloupe.  We also had a surprise of a pumpkin plant growing in our compost pile that grew VERY well and produced about 6 sugar pie pumpkins.  Preston started kindergarten!  He is one of the youngest in his class, but loves school and is doing well.  He is in a public magnet school (they specialize in music and art) that is around the corner from us and goes in the morning every day.  He is on "track break" right now for 3 weeks, so we are wondering what to do to keep him busy!  Ma started preschool and is loving it and having a bit of time for herself.  She goes two days a week for a couple of hours, which leave me home with Brooke who usually naps at that time!  It is nice to have a little bit of time to myself before the kids get home.  

More cousins... July

We were lucky enough to have lots of cousins visit in July.  Two of my sisters braved the long hours of driving with 5 kids and 2 adults in a van from Texas to Utah (we all met up in Utah at our other sister's house for her baby's blessing), then to Idaho.  I am sure it was a time they and us will never forget, and I am sure they lost some sanity with the trip.  :)  It was so fun to let the kids play and get reaquainted.  We even got babysitters one day and us sisters went to the mall to walk around and out for lunch to Cafe Rio.  YUM!   We are soooo greatful that they took the time to come visit us. LOVE YOU GUYS!!  On our way to Utah, we stopped and saw Ryan's sister and her family and we made a stop at Shoshone Falls in twin Falls, ID.  It is a beautiful place!