Vegas

We had so much fun in Vegas this year. With good company, good weather and a good book, how could you not?

We love going to the Bellagio and seeing all their fall decorations:
I loved Blue Man Group. Chris enjoyed it but didn't like all the slow parts with them staring at each other.Of course the food is always a highlight!We attempted to swim, but Chris and I read our books instead. Yes, I think Holli was annoyed, but it was a good one!!!We were so excited to get M&Ms for the kids from the M&M factory...that is until we found out they were $100/lb. Maybe a bag from the gas station and a picture would suffice?Chris' highlight was going to the BYU vs UNLV football game.We even went to the temple. I forgot how big these "normal" temples are.I think everyone's highlight hiking in Red Rock Canyon. It reminded us of Moab and almost brought Chris to tears....almost.

Pumpkin Decisions

Kaden and I went with his Gateway class to the Pumpkin Patch. Kaden's favorite thing: the hay ride. My favorite thing: getting chocolate from the store.

He didn't have a hard time finding the "perfect" one. He went right to it, picked it up and said, "Let's go, mom"...then wondered what was taking everyone so long.The farm animals....he didn't stay still long enough to get a good picture.Running through the maze:King of the hill:

School Pictures

Taylor - 6th grade:
Ethan - 4th grade:
Emmaline - Kindergarten:

Working World

I have been working at the office filling in for our payroll manager.......enough said.

Time Out

Last weekend I was sent to Time Out....in Boise! We ate food, we fed our spirits and deprived our bodies of sleep....and I loved every second! Can't wait for the one in Spokane next spring!
Melanie, Amber, Holli, Me, Karen and Raquel:I had the best time with the best friends a girl could ask for. I enjoyed all the speakers, but I could have listen to Hilary Weeks all weekend!Thanks girls for a most memorable weekend! I love you guys!!!

Firsts

A lot of "firsts" have been going on around here the last week.

Taylor had her first day of middle school:This is as far as I got with pictures....so sad!Emma had her first day of kindergarten:Getting her name tag from her teacher, Mrs. Lipp:Sitting on the carpet:Kaden had his first day of preschool: He was so excited I had a hard time getting a "normal" picture.
Finally I say, "Kaden just look normal!" and he gives me this: (like, "what's 'normal'?")Walking into his classroom:Ethan didn't have such a monumental "first". I guess he's in 4th grade for the first time, but he even has the same teacher he had in 2nd grade. We are thrilled with his teacher and excited for a great year!

Labor Day

We had a wonderful Labor Day weekend with Chris' family. We went up to Darran and Lori's house in Cocolalla again and had so much fun I hardly took any pictures!

When we weren't outside boating, swimming or playing volleyball, we were inside playing cards:The first 2 days we had beautiful weather and enjoyed the boat and time outside. Then the storms came and brought us a special treat:Ethan fished all day, every day, and endlessly begged his Dad, Uncles and Pappa in between:He was/is sooo proud of this catfish he caught:Thanks Darran and Lori for being so gracious and sharing your retreat!

Priest Lake

We went to Priest Lake camping. Look how beautiful:
...with our friends Don and Tara:This is how we felt about the weather:
But because we are geniuses, we created this to protect us from the elements:It worked great except when it trapped in the smoke from the fire!Even though we didn't use this......do not fear! We still had a ton of fun! Ethan, Emma and Mason going "logging":
We did plenty of biking and as Ethan put it, he is now an expert at "off-roading":Our beach time never lasted longer than an hour, so we had to make the best of it. Mason and Ethan creating:Even Kaden got in the water:Taylor and Chris:Taylor trying to warm up:Tara and Kennedy:Ethan experienced his first bee sting...which he took like a man kind of:Taylor loved holding Ryker:Cooking over the fire:
Ethan playing with the hatchet:Emma, Taylor and Kennedy swinging in the hammock: