Fall Happenings

We seem to constantly be going, going, going. It's a busy but fun time if life. Here's some things we've been up to that don't need a long post to each event, but I wanted to make sure they made it into our printed family journal at the end of the year...

Brian has gone on a few fishing trips and has taken turns with the boys. Surprisingly, he catches fish with them playing around the river! They always have a good time and are proud of there catches!

 We survived another year of canning season! We busted our about 100 jars of applesauce, another 90 of peaches and pears (mostly peaches), about 50 jars of tomatoes, and soon we'll be doing grapes. We spent a month getting our food storage up to date and beefing up our 3 month and 2 year supplies. It was a huge project!

The kids have held a few produce stands a bake sales. They are learning the lesson of hard work, talking with adults, and dealing with money. They get excited about their efforts! When they come asking me to buy stuff, and I tell them that if they want it, they have to buy it...then this is our solution to that problem. They have purchased their own scooters, extra toys they "had to have", and things from the school carnival.

 I went on a solo hike on Timpanogos. I rode the lift up to arrowhead summit at Sundance and hiked (bushwhacked) my own trail up to the top of the tree line along the ridge seen of the first picture. I hoped to get t o the summit, but that's as far as I could make it on my own without climbing gear, It was pretty cliffy and exposed and I didn't want to risk a search and rescue event. This hike was an effort for me to get some personal reflection done without interruption from others. It was a neat experience. Brian and I have made several trips to the temple as we contemplate the next phase of our lives.

I've been helping a the school with different events. It's fun to help out my kids' classes. The teachers are amazing. I have a great supportive hubby and mom who watch the younger kids so that i can be a help at the school on occasion.

look closely for the hawk flying over Jackson's head! 

 We've gone on some family hikes and drives to see fall leaves. Cascade and Sundance have been favorites.

 Brian pointing out Provo Peak to Zoey..her favorite mountain which she called Provo Pink because of the pink sunrises on snowy mornings in the winter. It's beautiful.

 Brian pointing out Utah Lake which Calvin calls "the tall lake"

That's the three oldest kids riding solo not he lift! 

I was the mean mom one day when I took all the kids to an immunization clinic to get flu shots. They were not happy with me! Jackson did fine. But it was a struggle with all the others. I got them a cookie from kneaders afterwards.

Brian visited Gettysburg momentarily while on a business trip. We want to go back!

 Zoey has had the chance to take care of Hootie, the class mascot from 1st grade. It was a big privilege for her and Hootie has come on many family adventures. We had an FHE in the park this week and Hootie joined us. Jackson came up with the activity (fire), Eli was in charge of treats
(s'mores) and I thought a quick lesson on the light of Christ.