Fall Baking

I love Fall. But Fall has not gotten the memo that after Labor Day, it's supposed to cool down a bit. It's going to soon, but recently I've been trying to will it to be Fall by doing some baking. 

I made this Pumpkin Apple Bread and it is SO good!! I will definitely be making this again. Now I'll know what to do with the 638 apples my kids insist on bringing home when we go pick apples this year!

I also made To-Go Baked Oatmeal and Scott & I both really liked them! I used blueberries, cranberries and chocolate chips as toppings. The kids were kind of non-committal, even though they both like oatmeal, but I think they'll grow on them.

Happy Fall!

Fall Hike at Power Valley

Last weekend it was not too hot, so the kids and I decided to go on a hike at Powder Valley. Scott was working and we needed an activity to occupy us for a bit. It had rained buckets the night before so the creeks were full and beautiful. 

I love Nate's face. It's the "You are making her stand too close to me Mom!!" face. Priceless.

Mom Fail...I did not have them wear their old tennis shoes. So they especially loved trying to see how close to the water they could get without getting in it.

I finally gave up. As I should have.

What? You don't want me to get all the way in the water?? Too late.

We usually go to the nature center on our way out, but they decided they just wanted to get on the frog and call it a day.

I'm looking forward to many more Fall hikes! Thankfully our temperatures just might start cooperating.

Catching Up

Scott's precious grandmother passed away on September 6th, 2016. Grandma Boyle was 97 years old and her family will miss its matriarch very much. Scott made the trip to New York for the funeral, so the kids and I held down the weekend fort at home. 

First up, Mexican to celebrate the end of the week! 

Then back home to have a candy corn challenge. Brach's is making all these fun candy corn flavors and I saw this package of "Brunch" flavors and the kids thought they were really fun.

On Saturday morning, we made our way to swim team and the Bread Company to kill some time. Of course we had to take a doll and all her accessories with us.

After resting on Saturday, we went to church on Sunday morning, then to play at Rocket Park. The kids decided they didn't want to play on the playground, but instead on the sand volleyball court.

I have to admit, open pits of sand give me the heebies jeebies...but they were having so much fun, I went with it.

And the temperature on this day was a glorious 78 degrees, so it kind of felt like we were having a beautiful day at the beach.

My lovelies...

 Nate and his pyramids...always so imaginative.

We were happy to have Scott home safely on Sunday evening! Although the kids really didn't like having to go back to their beds. They very much enjoyed getting to sleep in the bed with me! I enjoyed having them too, as it was the first night in our new house that Scott hasn't been home. And of course it stormed all night the first night...of course!

Labor Day Kids Triathlon

Nate & Lila did a Kids Triathlon on Labor Day! This was Nate's third year to do it and Lila's first - she was very excited that she was finally old enough. She was a little nervous, but did great!

Swim, Bike, Run

She was so proud! And I was proud of her. 

One of my friends took this picture and I love that is captures her natural happiness!

Scott was working, so when Lila finished, we hustled back to the starting line to watch Nate's heat!

Swim, Bike, Run 

I was so proud of Nate for doing the triathlon for the 3rd time!! I think he humored me a bit:)

I didn't get enough pictures of Nate but my phone was acting up at the end of his race. I did manage to get them together. Love them! 

Around the House

Nate has been asking to cook dinner for us all summer. Sadly, we didn't get around to it until after school started. Shame on me for not taking him up on the offer sooner! 

He made Stuffed Shells from Paula Deen's Kids Cookbook. He did such a good job! 

It was very tasty and I was so proud of him!

We had a cool snap last week so we were able to be outside for more than 30 seconds without our faces melting off. Ahem. One afternoon, we went to the park and ran around. Lila of course had to run her baby too.

I was trying to get a picture of them, but that's really too much to ask. Ya know.

The love and adoration...

 But then real life shines through!

Lila wanted to make Nate a perler bead present and she was so patient in putting all the beads on the mold. I forgot to take a picture of the finished product but he was so gracious and appreciative!

End of Summer Float

We went to the cabin last weekend with some friends from MRH and had the best time! Nana & Wayne plus Hamil, Sarah, Thane & Ruel rounded out our canoe trip group! 

It was Ruel's first canoe trip and Lila was SO excited! He loved the water and of course Lila very much enjoyed holding him while he splashed in the water. 

Sweet cousins...they are a pair! Lila told me that it just wasn't any fun when Thane wasn't there. Love.

This is the first summer float I've done in a very long time. I even got in the water. It was very nice, despite my previous misconceptions. I do love canoeing with my Dad. 

The kids caught lots of fish! This picture makes me smile. 

Some of the group. Love them! 

FIFTH Grade & Sister Lou Goes to Kindergarten

On a rainy, dreary Monday, Nate started 5th grade! This was the only picture he allowed me to take and was preceded by "Mom, take the picture, I have to go." So we are officially there. Such a smart, handsome 5th grader! We love him so much and know he is going to do big things this year! 

This one was ready for Kindergarten! 

The teenager pose again...have mercy.

I don't think I can remember a first day of school when it rained. But here we were, leaving the house with raincoats!

She had no fear...

But I was crying big crocodile tears. I gave up on trying to hide it.

Because just a few short years ago, I was carrying her 10 month old self in my arms when we dropped this little bitty boy off at Kindergarten.

Lila, you are going to wow them all this year. I have finally stopped crying when I drop you off at school (it's only taken 2.5 weeks). I have tried hard to follow your lead in being a brave girl ready to take on the world. As you often tell me when I ask you if you know how to do something (like buy your own lunch)..."Mom, I will just figure it out." Yes you will sweet girl, because you are a smart, strong, and capable future leader. The world is lucky to have you.