Thanksgiving

The day before Thanksgiving, our little family headed to the woods and found the perfect tree in less than 5 minutes, 500 feet from the pullout and it was over and done!  After a 40 minutes car ride traveling there, then five and done. I felt cheated, I didn't get my fill of fresh woodsy pine, hiking in the cool crisp air, or trampin' around the mountain, so I made Jotham walk around for another 20 minutes looking for something better, but alas, after perfection its hard to improve, so we went back and cut it down just as the storm came in.  

We enjoyed Thanksgiving with the Hatches. 

and had a glorious fill:

Jotham brought his horses up and gave rides all afternoon.  

He loved it and so did his family!

 We stole Rustin's kids Friday afternoon, because apparently 

there is never enough time with the cousins.

Then that Saturday we were blessed to be able to attend the temple and 

witness our oldest nephew Phillip marry the newest addition to the family, his new bride Kat. 

  

Kat's great uncle, Gerald Lund sealed them in the Timponogos Temple, 

it was beautiful to witness and to learn and be taught. 

In between the temple and the reception we stopped and visited with Jordan and Abby's family and then made a quick trip to IKEA where we were able to glimpse into Hyrum's future life as a successful ad executive.

But that might have to wait until he learns how to iron his own tie.

Spread your Wings and Fly!

Its hard sitting still and watching your baby turn sixteen!

He is so full of life and ever so busy with school, friends and dance.

In a way I'm so excited for him to take this next step.

Yes, I'm speaking about driving.

Oh, the freedom!

 For both him and I.

I ran kids around all summer.  Some days spending 4-5 hours in the car chauffeuring, with Hyrum's activities always dominating. Pick up and drop off... Track in the early morning a.m., then off to dance practice, a few shifts at work, and then he'd still want me to run him to his friends and then to stay awake long after my body said I should be in bed to retrieve him

So, Hellejuah!

Oddly enough,  I can't quiet seem to get the hang of it.  I still find myself heading to the car with keys in hand, kids in tow every Tuesday evening to drive the kids to mutual before I realize that I don't have.to.do.this.anymore!

But that doesn't stop the pit in my stomach.  That gnawing pit that stays with me entire time he's away.  Worry and Anxiety. They don't leave me alone until I hear the blessed sound of the garage door opening and I know he's come home safe, at last!

This freedom comes at a price.  Its very bitter sweet.

He thinks I should let him travel to New York this summer to preform on Broadway with his dance team.  He has been saving every penny he's earned working concessions at the ice rink during USU hockey games.  This teen job thing is tricky too, kind of cramps our family travels. One night Jotham and I went to spy on him.  He wasn't too thrilled to sell us our nachos for some odd reason.  He could have died when I took a picture. Strange. I don't know... something about having embarrassing parents. Its more fun than I thought.

He hasn't ventured out on his first date.  The "no driving with friends in the car for 6 months" Utah government mandated rule makes it a little tricky.  But he's been to some pretty spectacular 16th birthday party's lately, so I'm sure he's not missing out on anything. Everything from locked rooms in SLC, to movies, and murder mystery dinners.

Here he is all dressed up fancy as the "Beast" from the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast" for a

 Sweet Sixteen Murder Mystery Party for one of is gal pals, Raelyn. 

With Alice in Wonderland, aka Tybree Ballard

 With Belle, aka Maren Hatch

With the Princess, aka Raelyn Sharp

Fall happenings

Gavin had a great first season of soccer.

I'll be honest, he'd rather tease and play with the other kids out on the field than chase the ball, however, I'm interested to see what next year will bring.

Hyrum enjoyed his first season of Cross Country.

The chickens moved onto greener pastures.

Jotham took the three oldest to baptisms at the temple.

 We got a new horse.  He was a neglected 3 year old.  Never handled, let alone trained.

We named him Dante and he is just the sweetest horse.

Had so much fun on a date night with the Skinners and Thackers.

Gavin learned to tie his shoes... again!

Went Hiking with Grandpa, the Benson family and Sam's kids.

Went and meet Jessica Day George.

This was so fun, all the kids really enjoyed her lecture. 

Hyrum was worried it would be just for girls and didn't want to come even though he's read (and enjoyed) most of her books, I had to bribe him with hot dogs at Sam's Club on the way there.

 Always a fall favorite: The Pumpkin Walk

 Did I mention we got a new horse? because its been a pretty big deal for Jotham. 

 He has had so much fun, breaking, riding and training that horse. 

A Tea Party

When Hollie asked to have a Tea Party for her birthday trust me when 

I'll tell you she didn't have to twist my arm very hard, okay maybe at all.

I stayed awake at night dreaming about a pretty table.

found some tea cups at an estate sell,

made homemade macaroons, cupcakes and mini tea scones.

Once her friends arrived we made facsinator hats out of tissue paper and tulle.

Played a few games like transporting sugar cubes across the room 

on the tip of knife and depositing them in a tea cup, 

and musical chairs to Doris Day singing Tea for Two.

Its not every year the weather is nice enough for an outdoor tea party in November,

but this was the prefect year to make this little girl's wish come true.

She was on cloud nine!

Happy 9th Birthday Lollie Jean

 

To make her day extra special Jotham donned his top hat and acted as server.

and Hannah beaded up a princess crown just for the birthday girl.

Oh, it was a good day to celebrate my little girl!