Family dinner

We usually go to my mom's once a month for a family dinner and birthday celebration.  We went over there on Labor Day.  It is still crazy hot so she had some water balloons for the kids. 

My kids have the best cousins ever.  Hallee wanted to play, but she didn't have a teammate so EJ played with her.  He always treats my kids like they are the coolest kids ever.

Wyatt and Kyle did a balloon toss together. 

After that the boys played nerf guns with Wyatt.  He was thrilled and loved every minute of it.

Wyatt wanted the bucket of water dumped on him after the water balloons were gone. 

We came down early so Keith could go visit his mom.  Pat isn't talking much anymore and she is usually asleep so we decided it would be better if just Keith went.  Keith went and picked up his dad and they went to see her.  Unfortunately, they couldn't get her to wake up, but at least Keith got to see her for a minute. Garth came over for dinner with Keith.  He was wearing his dentures for the first time in a while and had a hard time swallowing.  It was sad and a little scary to see him choking a little.  I really don't want to get old!

Matt and Lori were in town this weekend for Sandi's (Cody's birthmom) wedding. Cody was one of her groomsmen.  I loved hearing all about it and seeing the touching pictures of Cody and Sandi, especially when they shared a dance.  It shocks me when I hear people say negative things about adoption.  I have seen first hand how amazing it is and how much unconditional love is involved on both sides.  I'm so glad Cody had such a good experience with his birth family. 

Matt was supposed to be here on Sunday, but he had to leave early because of work problems.  I was able to go out to their hotel Saturday night when they got back from the wedding.  It was fun to visit with them, Mel came too.  I love hanging out with my siblings.

Yesterday everyone came over for dinner since Lori and the kids were in town.  Mom was watching Tiff's kids while they were in Bear Lake, so we did dinner at our house.  

Luckily, the kids could eat outside since we don't have room for everyone in the house. 

My kids loved having all of their cousins over and so did I.  It was so fun to hear the kids laughing and playing together downstairs.  It was great to have time to visit with Lori.  I love any chance I get to spend time with her. 

This is the best night ever!

On Friday night everyone was gone except for Wyatt.  Jonah was at the football game and Caitlyn babysits for the May's during every football game.  She took Hallee along to play with Amanda.  Wyatt was excited to check out a new store with us.  Wyatt said it was the best night ever.  We need to do better at one on one time with the kids. 

We went to an escape room with the group a couple of weeks ago.  I've always wanted to try one.  It was really fun.  I didn't contribute a lot, but it was fun to try and figure things out. 

We had to ask for a couple of hints, but I think we did pretty good.  We were able to figure it out and get out in time.  They had a labor day deal so we got coupons for a J-Dawg and Yogurtland so we went to both of those after.  It was a fun night. 

Hallee loves to put on makeup and she always asks me to take a picture of her.  She looked so grown up in this picture.  

Kyle has come over for Sunday dinner a few times.  One night we went up to Bridal Veil Falls after dinner.  

I have walked the trail from Bridal Veil Falls to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon a few times.  It is so beautiful and rejuvenating for me. The colors are changing and it is beautiful up there. 

I told my dad about it and he said he wanted to go with me.  I told him that Tiff, Mel and I were going the next day so he took a day off work and went with us.  It was so fun.  Mel and Tiff were doing some of the fastest speed walking I have ever seen so dad and I walked together.  It was fun to visit with him and it meant a lot that he wanted to come and walk with me.  We all walked down together.  It was a great way to spend the morning.  

A fire truck came to the kids school today.  I met them after school and brought them sandals and took their back packs so they could get wet.  Jonah didn't want to get wet, but Wyatt and Hallee had fun in the water.  

Catch Up

Wyatt started cub scouts last month.  He loves it.  He is really disappointed that soccer is on Tuesday nights so he has had to skip for a few weeks.  He sure looks handsome and grown up!

Miss sassy pants is getting more sassy by the day.  Sometimes it is really cute and sometimes it scares me!  She always makes me laugh though.

We bought a bookshelf for Hallee's room.  Wyatt was so excited to use his new tool box to help Keith put it together.  Wyatt worked so hard and helped Keith out a lot.  Keith loves doing projects with the kids.  He is so patient and kind with the kids. 

Kyle and I went to the temple and to lunch one morning before he started school.  It's been so fun to see him so often.  He is so fun to be around and so easy to talk to.

Keith and I decided we needed a date night, we have never been very good at this.  We went to dinner and then we didn't know what to do, but we didn't want to go home yet.  We finally decided to drive up to Bridal Veil Falls.  We sat on the bench and listened to the rushing water for a while before we finished walking up to the falls. 

I love it up there.  It was cool and I love the sound of rushing water.

One night for our beehive activity we went up to the Provo Temple and sat on the lawn while we watched a video and talked about making goals and setting our standards now so they won't have to make tough decisions in the moment.   The temple was gorgeous with the mountains in the back and all of the beautiful flowers.  There was no wind and the temperature was perfect! 

I asked the girls to write their goals and plans in their journals.  Caitlyn was one of the only girls who did it.  We have a lot of new beehives and they get so goofy when they get together.  It was nice to see them having fun and enjoying each other, but I haven't quite figured out how to keep them focused.  

We were there when the sun was setting and it was gorgeous. 

Mom sent me this picture of Ashley and Caitlyn at Leatherby's.  Such cute girls!

Fall Soccer

I love Fall for a lot of reasons and one of them is soccer!  

Wyatt is excited that Rockwell, Kellen and Onesi are on his team.  

Wyatt is having fun and we are having fun watching him.

Wyatt is doing really well.  He has great foot work and does a great job dribbling. 

Wyatt always has his tongue out when he is concentrating.

Wyatt likes to play goalie.  His team is pretty good so he usually doesn't have to do much as a goalie.

I love that cute face!

Sports are so great for Wyatt.  Sports are a great release for his emotions and frustrations.   He loves to play soccer, especially with his friends.