Autumn Decorations

Our fall decorations

Fall is by far my favorite time of year. I love the smell, the cooler temperatures, the beautiful leaves that fall, and the holidays. I know it leads to winter and all the snow, but I love when the seasons change and things begin to settle down from all the busyness of summer. It's something I truly missed in Virginia where they had fall, but it wasn't the same as in the west.

I also like to decorate my house for fall. I'm a very earthy kind of girl and I love the browns, oranges, yellows, and reds of fall. For those of you who have never been to my house, we have one of those display areas near the ceiling in our front room. When we moved in I was very excited to be able to decorate it, but I was also very nervous. I know many people who have those type of areas in their house and they've decorated them so cute, I didn't know if I could compete. Well, Kenny and I decided to try anyway.

On Saturday we went to Robert's (a local craft store) that was having a sale on their very cute fall decorations. We chose a bunch and then brought them home to see how they'd look. Now every time I walk into that room I'm happier because it reminds of fall and I'll be honest, I think we did a pretty good job.

A closer look!

Funny story! We decorated Saturday night while the kids were in bed and Sarah Kate was the first one to see it Sunday morning. She was walking back from the kitchen when she stopped dead in her tracks, pointed up, and said, "What's that?" I asked her if she liked it and she said she liked everything except the leaning hay bale on the side. I asked why and she said, "Because that hay bale was supposed to be for my pumpkin." When I told her we would buy her another one when it gets closer to Halloween and pumpkin carving time, she decided the leaned bale looked fine.

Yellowstone Day 3

Our final day in Yellowstone started very cold. It got into the 20's overnight and we woke up to frost outside. I must admit it was nice. There's just something about frost in the great outdoors that makes me think of when I was little. Despite the cold morning we got a pretty early start and loaded stuff in our trailer, (we have too many kids and not enough room in our van so we have to take a small trailer most places we go) hooked up Gary and Helen's trailer and headed out.

Our first stop was Fishing Bridge. It's the bridge crossing Yellowstone River that we drove over everyday to get to our camping sight. Ever since the first time we drove over it, Ben had wanted to go under it, so on the way out we made a quick stop to look under the bridge. The bridge is very old and very big. The kids loved playing under it for a few minutes and then they walked the entire length of it with Daddy and Grandma while Grandpa and I drove the vehicles to the other site.

Ben and Sarah Kate under Fishing Bridge

The next stop was Old Faithful. Gary and Helen were dropping their trailer off at West Thumb so they didn't have to pull it around all day. This made it so we arrived at Old Faithful before them. As we were driving up we could see the geyser going off in the distance. We had just missed it so we wasted time shopping. The kids each got a stuffed animal, Sarah and Hannah got a wolf and Ben got a bear. We had to go to another store to find a shirt for me and while we were there the kids found a baby wolf and a baby bear. They wanted them bad enough to buy them with their own money. This was fun for them and it's made those toys so much cooler. Grandma and Grandpa bought them a Yellowstone movie that we've really enjoyed and an animal block puzzle that they, especially Ben, have LOVED.

Ben in front of Old Faithful with his baby black bear.

Next we waited for Old Faithful. It wasn't nearly as exciting as the kids and adults were hoping for. I think after having been to the Soda Springs geyser (the one that comes every hour on the hour, shoots higher than Old Faithful, and you can play in the spray) Old Faithful just wasn't as cool. I know it's the largest natural geyser, but it was actually kind of boring for everyone and the wind was blowing so the steam blocked the view of the water. Not the best use of our time, but it's a huge part of Yellowstone so I'm glad we stayed to watch it.

Black Sand Basin

Next we went to Black Sand Basin. It's a half mile walk where you can see geysers and hot pools. The kids liked the geyser here better then Old Faithful because it went off almost continually and you could get much closer to it. It didn't go as high as Old Faithful, but it's still cool when you can get so close. I thought this was a very pretty place because of the variety of colors. The waters were green, red, blue, yellow and orange and the mountain behind it had beautiful red shrubs growing all over it. It was also a perfect walk to get engulfed in mist from the hot pools and all 4 of the kids enjoyed that.

Gracie standing in the mist from the hot pools.

After our trip to Black Sand Basin it was time for us to start heading home. On the way to Old Faithful my Mother-in-law had commented on the fact that we had seen very little variety of wildlife. It was perfect timing because on the way back to West Thumb we spotted a coyote on the side of the road. I don't think I've ever seen a coyote in Yellowstone. It was very cool, but not something I was willing to approach (the picture was taken out the car window as we drove by.)

Mr. Coyote

When arriving at West Thumb we were originally going to just hook up the trailer and head for home, but instead we decided to take the 1/2 mile walk around. West Thumb is full of springs, cones, hot pools and geysers all along the shore of Yellowstone Lake. It was so pretty to see all these amazing works of nature with Yellowstone Lake in the background. It was a nice walk, but we quickly discovered the kids were very tired and it was time to head out.

Hot Pool at West Thumb with Yellowstone Lake in the background.

The long drive home was kind of nice. We decided to drive home by way of the Tetons because, again, it's been over 7 years since we've seen them. The leaves weren't changing as much as I thought they would be, which was kind of a disappointment, but it was still beautiful. The lighting wasn't very good for pictures of the Tetons, but I had to take some anyway. It was kind of a disappointment, but I guess it just means we'll just have to go back. DARN!!! :)

Tetons; not the best picture, but you get the idea.

We stopped in Jackson Hole to eat at McDonald's (again) and then made it home before 8:00. It was a perfect trip and everyone had a ton of fun. The kids keep talking about it and last week when our temperature was in the 80's Sarah Kate really wanted to wear her Yellowstone sweatshirt to school. Oh, she also got to take the postcards we bought at Old Faithful to school and tell her entire class about her trip. That was cool for her. The other day Ben, out of the blue, asked me why the Bison get to walk down to the hot pots and we don't. I think the trip was a success and I've told the kids we'll go back in the spring and see how it's changed with the seasons.

Another day with a lot of pictures so please enjoy this slide show as well.

Yellowstone Day 2

Enjoying a short rest at Mammoth Hot Springs

Saturday didn't start real early, but it was packed full of a lot of sightseeing and driving. We decided to go to Mammoth Hot Springs because I don't ever remember going there. As I think about it I'm sure I've probably been there before, but not that I remember. We left the trailer around 9:30 and headed to the upper loop. We had to stop and take in the view near Dunraven Pass and then we headed to Tower Falls.

Look'n at the view

Here's a funny story that happened along the way to Tower Falls. Kenny had commented on all the people stopping to take pictures of the Bison. Sarah Kate was so beyond Bison at this point. She had to give us a lecture about how dumb it is to waste all your time taking pictures of Bison, there everywhere. I mean really, how lame is that. :) She has a point, there are Bison everywhere around the fishing bridge area, but I still find them cool.

Tower Falls

Tower Falls is yet another beautiful waterfall that graces Yellowstone. Again, I don't remember ever having been there, so it was new to me. As soon as we walked the hundred yards or so to the lookout point Kenny decided he wanted to go down to it. The trail to the base of the waterfall only went about half way and there were signs along the trail with notes that read something like this, 'Due to current washout conditions the trail to the base of the waterfall is closed.' Of course being Kenny he didn't think it applied to him, so when he tried to climb over the fence blocking the rest of the trail I told him no. He wasn't happy with me and decided to go down to the river below instead. I was OK with this, as there were may fishermen down there, so we all headed down to the river. Again, he really wanted to go to the waterfall so he decided to walk along the bank of the river and get to the waterfall that way. On we went, following Daddy to the base of the waterfall. I will say it was very beautiful and I'm glad I went, but I still feel guilty about going where we weren't suppose to be. The worst part was walking up the trail and climbing over the fence at the end with all the people watching us. I know I'm a baby, but I really don't like disobeying rules like that.

Sarah Kate and Ben at the base of Tower Falls.

Walking to the base of the waterfall took a lot of time and my in-laws were nice enough to watch Gracie while we went down. Again, Gary and Helen, sorry it took us so long. We had a quick sandwich lunch in our cars as we drove on to Mammoth Hot Springs.

Mammoth Hot Springs (without the water)

Mammoth was very pretty, but very cold. The wind was blowing and it was just simply colder there. We bundled everyone up and headed up the walkway to look at all the pretty sights. Most of the hot springs were dried up and I think they would have been much prettier had they had water running down them, but they were neat anyway. We also got to see some elk hanging out around the houses that have been constructed there. All in all, I'm really glad we went that way. It was a different view of Yellowstone as it contained the fort built for the Army in the 1880's and the current park headquarters with houses and apartments. Not things you typically see in Yellowstone. And the hot springs were really cool too.

All bundled up ready to see the hot springs.

We drove on down toward Old faithful and stopped at a few neat spots. Artists Paintpots were really cool with stunning views. Hannah was sound a sleep in the car (not something our kids typically do) and Grandpa was kind enough to sit with her while the rest of us took the mile or so walk around the paintpots. The kids liked the bubbling mud and I like the blue blue water and red rocks, not to mention the view.

View of Artist Paintpots

Our next stop was Fountain Paint Pot, another walk to see some geysers and beautiful bubbling mud. The kids really enjoyed listening the the sound of the splatting mud and the steam that would completely engulf them. I'm really glad my kids enjoy the great outdoors so much. I guess it's good because they happen to be our kids which means they'll be spending a lot of their time outdoors.

We took the Firehole Lake Drive, but the kids were mostly happy to just sit in the car and watch a movie for this drive. It was pretty and they got out a few times, but it was getting late in the day and they were all pretty tired.

The streams from Grand Prismatic Spring running into the Firehole River.

Our last stop was Grand Prismatic Spring. This was really cool. Big pools of hot boiling water in amazing colors of blue, green, red and orange. They created streams that ran into the Firehole River and sent up mist as their hot water touched the colder water of the stream. There was a lot of steam coming from the hot springs, maybe because it was getting late and colder, but the pools were still stunning. Everyone enjoyed the walk, but near the end we decided the kids were all getting tired (and whiny) and it was probably time to start heading back to the trailer. Old Faithful would have to wait until tomorrow.

Grand Prismatic Spring

We started the long drive back to Fishing Bridge and on the shore of Yellowstone Lake we discovered a family of elk. There were 2 females, 2 babies (I think, or was there only 1), and a bull. It was very cool, we HAD to stop and take pictures. The sun was going down, the moon was coming up over the lake, and there were these beautiful animals walking along the lake. The bull was gorgeous, a little intimidating, but absolutely beautiful. What a way to end a wonderful day.

The bull elk walking along the shore of Yellowstone Lake.

I again have too many wonderful pictures so please enjoy this slide show as well.

Yellowstone Day 1

We went to Yellowstone last weekend and it was absolutely fabulous. I hadn't been back there since I was pregnant with Sarah Kate so it's been a good 7 years or so. I'd forgotten how beautiful it is. I love going to Yellowstone as an adult because I have so much more appreciation for it's beauty than I did as a child. It's definitely an incredibly beautiful place that everyone should go visit sometime in their lives. It's nature at it finest.

Anyway, we left Friday and of course we were late. It turned out OK though because we were meeting Kenny's parents there and they were also late. We took the drive up through Island Park and West Yellowstone. As we drove I realized what a pretty place we've moved to. It's amazing to me that we live so close to so many beautiful areas. We stopped in West Yellowstone and ate lunch at McDonald's. It was a constructed like a log cabin and Ben thought it was the coolest McDonald's he had ever seen. It was great, a log cabin McDonald's and a Star Wars Happy Meal toy, he couldn't have been happier.

After lunch we stopped at an outlet store in West Yellowstone that was selling Yellowstone shirts for cheap. We bought the three oldest kids sweatshirts which came in handy as the park did get a little cold. We couldn't find anything for Gracie, but I didn't think she cared all that much. She was just happy to be out or her car seat and to crawl around on the floor.

Then we headed into the park. As I said before, it's just beautiful. Pretty much as soon as we drove in we spotted a Bison in the river. It was such a welcoming. Kenny said it should wear a sign around it's neck that says 'Welcome to Yellowstone.' I don't know about you, but I wasn't willing to put the sign on him. :) We saw other Bison and some Elk as we drove to our campsite.

Our first bison sighting.

Our first stop, minus the stops for wildlife pictures, was at Gibbon Falls. It's a waterfall along the Gibbon River (I bet you couldn't have figured that out.) Kenny decided we needed to walk down to it and so I gave up my east coast mentality that you can't go exploring and headed down with the family. It was beautiful and the kids enjoyed looking down over the edge (don't worry we held on to them.) On the way up I got the first (and only) battle wound of the trip. I was trying to help the kids up as I was holding Gracie and I wasn't paying attention to the trees in front of me. I walked right into a very poky, dead tree limb and it hit me square between the eyes. I guess it's good it didn't poke my eye out, but it did leave a small mark and Hannah was very concerned for me. She still looks at me and points as she says "Mama owie." It's very cute.

Gibbon Waterfall

Next we went to find Kenny's parents who we thought were at Canyon Campground, but when we got there we discovered the campground was closed for the season. We drove down to Fishing Bridge and got lucky when we found them there, it was also nice that they had only been there for about 15 minutes. We were originally going to take the trip with Kenny's brother Michael and his family along with his parents, but last minute Michael discovered he had to work that weekend so it was just us with Grandma and Grandpa. It turned out great and everyone had a wonderful time. They let us stay in their trailer which was very nice and cozy and kept us very warm overnight with the sometimes below freezing temperatures outside. We were grateful to have a nice place to stay.

After we got all settled in the trailer we headed to Yellowstone's Grand Canyon area. We first had to stop at the Mud Volcano, which is a hot spot for bison as well. When we arrived the Bison were by the road and as we left they were headed up the hill for the night to the warm area of the mud pots. We stopped and took a few pictures of the bison and then went to see the mud volcano. The kids loved the walk and enjoyed looking at the springs and mud pots. They even tolerated the sulphur smell, which was very nice.

Watching the Bison at the mud volcano

When we finished there we went to Artist Point which gives you an amazing view of Yellowstone's Grand Canyon and the huge waterfall along the Yellowstone River. Every time I go there I'm awe struck. It's such an amazing place. I always think of two things when I go there. One, I wonder what it would have been like to discover it. What an amazing sight it would have been had you never seen anything like it before. It probably would have also been very daunting, how would you get around it? Two, God had created some amazing things in this world and I'm so grateful for their beauty and for the opportunity I get to enjoy them.

The Grand Canyon and waterfall.

The kids enjoyed the waterfalls, but it was getting dark so we had to head out. On the way home we ran into something you only see in Yellowstone, a Bison roadblock. There was a herd of Bison on the roadway and they were just happy to chill out. They were in no big hurry to leave and no one wanted to mess with them. It took a while before the Bison moved a bit and for the people to get brave enough to drive by, but if I have to be in a traffic jam, I'm OK with it being that kind of a jam.

The bison road block.

We went back to the trailer, fed the kids and put them in bed. Then Kenny and I went for a quick walk and headed back into the trailer to play some Scrabble with my in-laws. It was a wonderful day and that set us up for yet another wonderful day.

We had a lot of great pictures so check out the slideshow.

Haircuts Again

Apparently this is a great time of year for haircuts in our family. First Ben and Hannah, then Kenny, Sarah Kate, and I. The only one left is Gracie and in order to give her a haircut we'd have to shave her head. Kenny was in dire need of a haircut so yesterday he stopped on his way home from work. He looks much better, but being a guy it's not that cool so I didn't take any pictures.

On to the cool haircuts! Both Sarah Kate and I had a lot of split ends so I asked her if she wanted her haircut. She's never gotten a real haircut before (I trimmed it once about 2 years ago) and wanted to try it out. So, we decided to make it a fun Mommy/Sarah evening and we headed to the mall after dinner. When we got there, Sarah Kate asked if I could go first, she was a little nervous. I got a ton cut off. I was amazed at just how long my hair had gotten. I guess that happens when you don't cut it in almost 2 years. I asked for a few small layers in the back and she gave me many big layers everywhere. Oh well! It still turned out fairly cute and I'll get used to it.

Horrible picture of me, but it shows my haircut.

Sarah Kate was next and she was very excited. She also cut quite a bit off and asked for some layers just like Mommy. Her hair turned out darling. That girl is so cute! I know she's mine, but you can't deny just how cute she is. She loves her new haircut and was so pleased today when her teacher and Aunt Sarah noticed it.

This pictures shows how long her hair was on the first day of school.

With her new haircut. She insisted on wearing it down to school so everyone could see it.

From the back! She really did cut a lot off.

After our haircuts we went to Old Navy to see if we could find her some pants (another strike out, I just can't find that girl any pants) and then we stopped at the ice cream place in the mall. It was delicious and Sarah Kate really enjoyed all the special attention. Kenny and I have started having special days or evenings with Ben and Sarah and it's been such a great thing for them. They're getting old enough that they crave that one on one time and hopefully it will keep us close as they get older.

Zooing It Again

Gracie, Ben, Hannah, Trent, Travis

This tiger is such a great place for a picture.

My sister-in-law heard the zoo was having a special this week were if you have a child in a stroller the mother gets in free. She's never been to the Idaho Falls zoo so she called me to see if I wanted to go. Of course, I wouldn't pass up a chance to take the kids to the zoo. So, while Sarah Kate was at school, Sarah (my sister-in-law) came up and we were able to enjoyed a day at the zoo for only $2.65 each (we had to pay for the 4 year olds.)

The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time. Ben was so excited to show Travis all the animals at the zoo. We actually went through the zoo rather quickly. I think it's because Ben was so anxious to show Travis the next animal that they didn't spend much time looking at the animals. After a few hours Sarah (my sister-in-law) and I were ready to go (5 kids under 5 in a zoo can be a lot for 2 people) and luckily the kids were also ready to go.

Hannah and Trent looking at the chickens.

We had to pet the goats again. The kids all thought this was great.

I think every zoo I've been to has one of these drinking fountains.

We stopped and got some happy meals at Wendy's and headed back to the house. The kids ate and then enjoy some time playing before Sarah had to go. It's been so much fun having family so close. I love that my kids get to play with their cousins and form those relationships. I also quite like Sarah. We're alike in many ways and it's been great getting to talk with her and becoming such good friends.

Blessing Baby Will

Baby Will! Born August 12th 2008

We had a wonderful weekend! My cousin Kristin was blessing her baby in Logan on Sunday so we headed down south. Kristin told me her church started at 11:15, which seemed kind of weird to me. I've never heard of chruch starting at 11:15 so I assumed I must have heard her wrong and that church really started at 11:00. We arrived at about 10:50 and there was only one family in the chapel. We asked if we were at the right church, we were, and then asked what time it started. Sure enough, it started at 11:15. So, rather than keep the kids sitting in the chapel for an extra 25 minutes we decided to go for a drive. We drove up a nearby canyon and then made it back a few minutes before church started.

Kristin and baby Will.

The blessing was very nice. They named him William Kent Alder. Apparently he was awake the entire time and was moving around. You never would have known it. He did very well and never made a peep.

Daddy, Ben, and Sarah walking under the bridge.

Hannah and Grandpa watching the kids play in the water.

Gracie our water baby. She always has to be in the water.

After church we went to Mac Park for a picnic. The kids had a blast. They got to walk in the river, play on the toys, and climb the small hill near the park. Kristin doesn't have many of her family here, (the only ones nearby are her parents, my parents, and us) but her husband Cory has a lot of family around. All his siblings (I think there are 4,) his parents, and both sets of grandparents were there. The kids had a lot of fun playing with Cory's nieces and nephews. My kids can make friends wherever they go. As for me, I enjoyed talking to my family and holding baby Will. I've decided another one would be OK, if only I could skip the pregnancy.

I love this face! Babies make the cutes faces when their fussing.

Strawberry Jam

The finished product! The kids were so proud of what they made.

On the way home from our day of fun with my Mom, we saw some people on the side of the road selling strawberries. They were selling a flat for $9.00 and I couldn't pass it up. So we stopped and bought some, thinking I'd make jam the next day, after church. Well, as my last blog said, we had unexpected company Sunday and Monday so the jam had to wait until Monday night. I ended up with 3 batches (I probably would have had 4 batches had I not waited the extra day) which is plenty and by the time I was done, I was done. Not that freezer jam is hard, it's just a little time consuming and messy.

Smushing the strawberries! Ben got a little too into it sometimes, it scared me. :)

Mixing the Strawberry Jam! We had to mix it for 3 minutes which was a long time for Sarah Kate, but she was determined to do it.

Ben and Sarah Kate helped me make the last batch. They enjoyed smushing the strawberries, mixing them, and tasting it, of course. It actually turned out really good. The next day I sent Sarah Kate to school with a peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich. She loved it and as soon as she got home she asked if she could have another one. Now I just need to convince myself to make huckleberry jam.

Other Weekend Vistors

After Mom left we had some other weekend visitors. Kenny's parent's called Saturday night to see if they could come up the next day for a short visit. We called Michael (Kenny's brother who lives in Pocatello) and his wife Sarah to see if they wanted to come also. So after church we got a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Newbry who ate dinner with use and helped us semi-plan our Yellowstone trip scheduled for the 12th. Michael and Sarah came late, just as Grandma and Grandpa were leaving.

Michael, Sarah and their two boys (Travis, Ben's age and Trent, Hannah's age) decided to spend the night. It was great. We put the kids to bed and then the adults stayed up and played games. Kenny won both games of 'Settlers' and yes I was kind of a sore loser. I'm a little embarrassed by it, but I think my sore losing was caused by three things. 1. It was almost 1:00 in the morning and I was very tired. I tend to get a little whiny when I'm tired. 2. He always wins this game. Our friends in Virginia can vouch for me, at least 9 out of 10 times Kenny wins this game. It's very irritating. 3. I've been a little lonely here, having made no friends yet and having no car during the day to go anywhere. I miss adult interaction (Kenny's the only adult interaction I get and he doesn't really count). So having Michael and Sarah come was great for me, and it just lost some of the fun when Kenny won both games so fast. Come on! You can't tell me you've never been a little upset when you don't win.

Anyway, we had a lot of fun with Michael, Sarah, and their boys. The adults stayed up way too late, we talked for over an hour after we got done playing, and the kids got up way too early. Oh, well! Small price to pay for family fun. The kids played most of the day Monday. Sarah and I went to Target and did a little shopping while most of the kids were left with the Dad's. We played some more game (this time we stayed clear of 'Settlers' and Kenny cheated for me so I could win one, what a nice guy) talked, and watched the kids play together. Kind of a lazy Labor Day, but it was perfect. They left around 4 and we put the kids down for a much needed short nap. We then spent the rest of the day getting ready for the work week.

The only picture I have of the weekend. Hannah and Travis playing dress-up. What you can't see is that underneath the Buzz costume, Travis has his regular clothes AND a full firefighter costume. He didn't get cold!

Life here is much different than Virginia. In Virginia we always complained that there was nothing to do, but here we've been going like crazy since arriving. It's been a blast having family, beautiful landscapes, and clean water nearby, but in a way I miss the boringness of Virginia. I was thinking of what we would have done over Labor Day had we been in Virginia. We probably would have complained about how there was nothing to do. Maybe we would have gone into the city or to Mount Vernon, but that probably would have been it. Maybe, probably, we would have gone for a walk to the marina with Gulicks. I miss that. Life's changing and I'm loving it here, but I'm thankful I have those memories of Virginia.

Weekend With Grandma

My mom came up for the first part of Labor Day weekend. The kids were so excited to see her and even more excited that she was spending the night. She was our first overnight guest in our new house and they couldn't wait. She arrived Friday night around 5:00 while the the kids were playing with friends in the bounce house in the back yard. She was nice enough to watch them that night while Kenny and I went on a date. I don't think we've been on a date in about 6 months so this was great. We wanted to see 'Dark Knight', but the only theater we know of in Idaho Falls wasn't playing it (we should probably find out where the other theaters are). Instead we had a nice dinner and did a little shopping. It was so quiet and peaceful, just what we needed. The kids had a blast with Grandma watching the new Ariel movie and 'Nim's Island'.

The next day was a perfect kid day. They woke up early and played with Grandma downstairs for a few hours. We let Gracie nap and then headed off for our picnic in the park. We stopped at McDonald's (they currently have Star Wars happy meal toys and it's all Ben talks about) and took our food to the park where the kids ate and then played on the toys. After that it was off to the Idaho Falls zoo. I was quite impressed with the zoo here. For a little town the zoo was very good. I think we'll have to go back, maybe when it's not so hot. Hannah loved the goats the most, petting, brushing, and chasing them. Sarah Kate and Ben enjoyed all the animals, but I think they're favorite part was the gift shop at the end where Grandma bought them a present. Grace was just happy to be out, though I think she liked the shave ice the best.

After the zoo we took the kids to a really neat playground that was by the zoo. I think we found a new favorite playground and we'll be back there many times. After the second playground we went to show Grandma the waterfalls and feed the ducks. Grandma hasn't been back to Idaho Falls since before I was born (my brother was born here) so the kids were excited to show her the falls. We took a cute picture of the kids with Grandma in front of the falls and then went to feed the ducks. On the way, Hannah fell out of the stroller and bonked her head really bad. She was exhausted from the long day and then the bonk came, and she was not a happy camper. All she wanted was to be held by Daddy (no fair, I wish I could have held, snuggled, and comforted her.) That was kind of the end of the trip. We fed the duck and then headed home. Hannah fell asleep on the way and didn't wake up again until Sunday morning.


We had way to many cute picture to post alone so please click on this and watch a slideshow of all our cute pictures.

It was a great visit and I think everyone had fun (minus the fall from the stroller.) It was a perfect day for the kids. Playing with Grandma in the morning, picnic in the park with McDonald's, the zoo, playing on the playground, a visit to the falls to feed the ducks, all this with Grandma, they were in heaven. It was a long day, but we were still sad to see Grandma go (she was sad to go, but probably happy to relax and get a break.)

Hannah's First Haircut

Hannah's new haircut, just short enough!

Kenny and I have always thought that Hannah would be cuter with short hair. It's easy to think that, but for some reason we just didn't want to cut her hair, we kept putting it off. Ben was in desperate need of a haircut and he likes it better when Daddy does it so, because Kenny had Friday off (he gets every other Friday off) we decided that would be a perfect time to cut Ben's hair. Ben's haircut went well, he looks very good without the bushiness, and when they were done, we all went into the bathroom to check it out. When we got back, Hannah had sat herself down on the stool with the towel in hand waiting for her turn. We decided now was as good a time as any to cut her hair, so we went for it. I personally love it. I think she looks so cute. We cut quite a bit off, but mostly just evened it up. She's very proud of it and had to show all our weekend guests her hair.

Pulling faces while Daddy cut her hair. She did really well for her first haircut, with a little help from Mom.

Showing the camera all the hair we cut off. I was a little sad because her haircut made her look so much older, but that always happens with haircuts.

Here's a view from the back. Isn't she so cute?