Timpanogos Cave

We took a day and went hiking up to the Timpanogos Cave. It's funny because I told Ryan that I've lived here for 12 years and never done it. He then turned around and said, "Well I've lived here for 33 and never done it, so I win." I can't believe it took us this long to do it.
The kids were better troopers about the 1 1/2 mile hike than I was. Now I remember why I don't like hiking. It was pretty intense in a few spots. But they both walked almost the entire way up. Jax needed help about the last 1/4 of the way up, and then fell asleep riding piggy-back on Aunt Misty's back on the way down. Then Ryan carried him the last 3/4 of the way. But Emma made it the entire way and loved it.

This is a view of Utah County from about 1/2 way up the trail.

Emma, Jax and Misty enjoying the beautiful Fall colors.

One of the MANY pictures from inside the cool caves. A lot didn't turn out though because the caverns were too dark. For anyone that wants to go, take a jacket. It was freezing. They said it's like being in a refrigerator. But VERY worth it. We had a great time together.

Creek Side

After jeeping we decided to stop by the creek that we followed the entire way up the mountain and let the kids get out to play. Emma loved walking in it with her shoes off, but Jax was not about ready to get into the cold water. The entire time I was worried about Emma falling in and she didn't disappointment me. ;-) She had a different ride home in the back with nothing on but a hoodie and a blanket.
She found an awesome walking stick she kept trying to insist we bring home. I won that battle.

Jax decided he needed a turn with above mentioned stick.

Ryan was trying to teach the kids the finer points of skipping rocks.

Loungin' by the creek.

Mineral Basin

The first weekend of October we went with some of Ryan's brothers and their families jeeping up Mineral Basin up American Fork Canyon. It was a perfect day, not too hot, not too cold. Plus we got to see some of the beautiful color changes that occur this time of year. Here is a picture I took looking into our side mirror at Ryan's brother Ron's jeep behind us.
This was one of many beautiful views from our trip.

Some of the spectacular colors we saw. Man this reminds me why Fall is my favorite season.

This grin says it all. It's more than an obsession, it's a love. ;-)

Do You See the Resemblance?

So this was a picture of Jax at his buddy across the street's birthday party over a year ago. His cute mom sent me a picture of Jax from the party. For the longest time I kept thinking that it reminded me of something, and then the other night we were watching The 3 Amigos and I figured out what it reminded me of...

...the little Mexican village boy from the movie that wanted Dusty Bottom's watch when he died. I pulled up the picture of Jax and Ryan and I started laughing so hard we were crying. I wanted to see if anyone else saw the resemblance.

3 Year Old Soccer

This fall Jax started soccer. He is on a little team with 3 and 4 year olds. I seriously don't think there is anything funnier than watching these little people play. Jax kicking a goal.
Learning to kick down the field.

Jax and his best buddy, Brady. They are on the same team.

Jax's coach finally just started dragging him around the field to teach him to chase after the ball.We love going to his games and watching how much fun he's having.

Helping Daddy

Jax always loves helping Ryan wash his jeep.
Oops...dropped the brush into the soap.

Hurry and take the picture mom...I'm getting soap in my eye.

Preschool Presentation

Jax gave his first presentation in preschool. We made a poster together about himself and he got to show all his friends the pictures he chose. It was adorable at how excited he was.

1st Day of Preschool

Jax started his first day of preschool in September. He is going to the same amazing preschool that Emma went to for 2 years. He LOVES going and he is so excited seeing Ms. Jani greeting him before each class. I still can't believe he is big enough to go to preschool. My favorite part is the fact that his backpack seriously looks big enough that he could put himself inside of it. It's hysterical. I miss him when he's gone!

Happy 7th Birthday

We celebrated Emma's 7th birthday in Island Park, ID. We were lucky enough that our birthday fairy found her way to our little cabin and instead of decorating Emma's bedroom, she decorated the inside of the cabin. These signs say Happy Birthday...
... Emma

Emma and Jax waiting for Emma's birthday cake.

Emma can't have gluten, so I made her a cake with candy bars instead of a regular cake. She loved it. Thanks for the fabulous idea Becca!

Emma was SO excited to get a pair of Skecher Twinkle Toe sneakers.

Happy Birthday Emma! We are so excited at how big and fabulous you are getting. But it also makes us sad at how fast it's all going. You are amazing and we love every minute with you!

Island Park, ID

For Labor Day we went to Island Park, ID with the Davis Family and the Westenskow Family. We have so much fun going with them each year. This is Emma and Grace at dinner around the camp fire the first day.
Emma and Grace in their little boat they shared when everyone went floating down the river.

Jax had a fun time riding in the rafts.

Ryan and Jax on our hike to see Mesa Falls.

Mesa Falls was beyond beautiful and one of my favorite parts of the entire amazing trip.

Thanks for the fun weekend, can't wait until next year.

1st Grade...Here She Comes

Emma started 1st grade this year. She picked out her special outfit days before. I can't believe she's old enough already to be in all day school. Jax and I miss her so much and count down the hours until she comes home. She was so excited she almost couldn't still for this picture.
This is Emma and one of her best friends, Daxia, on the first morning waiting for Jax and I to catch up so we could all go to the area where the kids line up.

Grace's Visit

We had such a fun time when Emma's "best-est" friend, Grace, stayed with us for 5 days back in August. She helped us celebrate Ryan's birthday, we went to the park one day and the pool another day. They even "swam" in our jetted tub every night. Emma and Grace were in heaven getting to have each other 24/7. Thanks Ryan and Martina for giving Emma the best last week of summer.

Happy 33rd BDay

We had a great time celebrating Ryan's BDay last August 18th. The kids helped me make his favorite dinner and I tried to make a cheese cake for him. Not my finest attempt at a dessert, but at least the candles stayed in and we were able to eat it. No on really wanted seconds, but oh well.

Ryan, thanks for being so wonderful to us. Thank you for another great year having you in my life. We love you so much and can't wait to make next year's cake better. Although that isn't going to be tough to top. ;-)