Look who's 8 months old today!!

 She is such a fun kid.  I love seeing more and more personality come out as she longs to be mobile and talk.  She's quick to give a big cheeser, fake cough, our mumble mama.  She has brought a lot of fun into our home!

pics of fall

No, these pics aren't of the leaves.  They are our random takes from this month.

Milestones:  eating more food! (other than mom's)

 wrestling and fighting lightsabers.  This kid doesn't mess around wrestling.  I'm not sure how much longer I can take him.  When I tell him how he's going to get bigger and stronger than me - he gets a massive smile!

 Not just sitting anymore....always wanting everything around her.

 We've been enjoying the great weather with a couple picnincs and trips to the park.

 Ashley loves the outdoors.  Just like her siblings.  We were outside playing and once again Hailey insisted on riding her bike (she's obsessed).  She insisted that I could put my baby down "Her's be alright".  So I put Ashley down and went with Hailey on a quick trip to Disneyland.  Ashley was plenty content.  I guess Hailey knows her mothering.

Mom's 60th birthday

Conference weekend we surprised my mom for her 60th birthday party. If only I could be more like my mom....she's my inspiration!! She deserves a lot more recognition than a simple party!

                                    

The family gave my mom 60 postcards from people throughout her life plus postcards from all her kids and grandkids.  It was a fun project and I'm sure I got more out of it than she did.  I looked forward to reading the postcards as they came in the mail...they were my highlights at the end of a crazy month.  It was such a reminder to me that life isn't just getting from poing a to point b and accomplishing as much as we can (something I tend to do :)), it's about the memories and relationships we make along the way.  My mom is a champ in that department.  She is social with everyone and genuinely interested.  Now that I'm a mom little things like how she knew all my friends, roommates, and social situations as well as all my siblings', is simply amazing!

 My dad spoiled us with cafe rio and an amazing birthday cake.

 This picture sums up my mom.  Fun and always happy.  She is selfless and always giving to others.  We enjoyed sneaking in a fun surprise party between conference sessions.  Love you mom!

Fall Break

October has been my recovery month.  It seems bit by bit every day I find myself relaxing and turning back to normal :)  Sometimes I look forward to winter just so life will calm down a little.  October has done the trick.  We've had just enough fun, mixed in with some chill time.

Mid October we had fall break.  The kids were so excited that we were going to bug Grandma and Grandpa and play for a couple days.  They love it there.

Grandma and Grandpa took Whitney and Travis through a corn maze in the dark.  We saw Jeff and Selly's lot.  Ate snowcones.  The kids had a blast at DI of all places.  And we did one of my favorite things to do in the fall... picnic among all the gorgeous leaves.  Wish I took better pics, but we were busy having fun :)

On the way home we stopped for a quick visit of temple square.  It was so pretty and fun to see them stringing up the lights for christmas.

 Love these moments!!

We made it back to the car before the storm, headed home and Aaron took whit and trav to see ice age. 

I think the more committed we are to school the more I realize how precious and important these outings become.  A family adventure.

soccer season

I thought life would simmer down in September.  Wow, I was way off!  Between homework, piano, finishing the basement, and mutual...soccer nights were crazy, but definitely worth it.

Travis had a blast!

 And Whitney enjoyed herself way more than I thought she would.

 Grandma and Grandpa even came to watch.....does it look like we got to see the game?  We got a little in :)   They provided enough motivation for both Travis and Whitney to score that night - icecream was a must afterwards!!

 I think they're already looking forward to next season