Pumpkin Picking

Traditions add such a sparkle to life.  

Picking pumpkins and Wightman's Farms annually actualizes our Autumn.

 In the most picturesque setting.

 We anticipate this day all year long.

Partly because the time spent together captivates our hearts,

but mostly because the corn, cider donuts and mixed berry pies charm our tummies.

 Just another fantastic day at the farm with my favorite foursome.

September iPhone Dump

Scrubbing September:

We found our new favorite pizza place.  It is heaven.  In pie form.

 Allen sold his black beauty.  In hopes the Bronco would be arriving shortly (it didn't).

 Pre-Women's Conference dinner and ice cream date with these darlings.

 I am so excited to be serving in Young Women's!!

 We held our first annual General Conference breakfast, and celebrated being different, distinct, royal daughters of God.

September's calendar is so slammed I often forget to stop and appreciate the joy of this season; the growth and hope offered by September.  It's the clean slate January wants to be but cannot actually accomplish. 

I am slowly learning to savor the good that is September.

Rosh Hashanah-ing Right

The Jewish New Year arrived at the exact moment we needed it most.

 Our entire household was afflicted with an assortment of ailments, and with a day off school and a stockpile of sunshine, we escaped to the ocean in hopes the salty sea air would soothe our symptoms.

 It worked.

 Today marked one of my most favorite days in my history of motherhood.  Something about an empty beach and endless giggles, kites and kindness, sand and sunshine; my body has been so sick and so tired and today blessed me with the healing balm I required (also, my second dose of antibiotics since the first proved entirely useless).

It might not be our new year, but our tomorrow is already looking brighter.

Eden Rose is FIVE!

Our baby is five.  A whole handful of fingers.

It's fine.

I'm fine.

The Angel Baby requested an emoji friend party.

Which is quite fitting, considering she is a real-life, live-action, walking array of endless emotion.

Also, she's obsessed with poop.

 There was crafting and snacking and smacking of pinatas with the most adorable group of little girls.

I adore five.

And Eden Rose.

My always angel baby girl.

...Here We Come!!

Good luck little darlings.

  May 8th grade grow your confidence but promise to keep you humble. 

 May 6th grade show you the world but never make you feel small.

 May 3rd grade broaden your mind but preserve your innocence.

 May kindergarten keep you smiling, but rush you back to me.

 Really, really quickly.

There goes my heart.

Off to conquer the world.

May your little minds and giant hearts blaze a trail of good.

Ready or Not...

Back-to-School Eve, featuring:

A fondue feast,

 Father's blessings, 

and Fashion Show.

How to dress like a 6th Grader

 How to dress like a 3rd Grader

  How to dress like a kindergartner.

Let the record show: I AM NOT READY!

August iPhone Dump

Rounding out the awesome of August:

Eden's only summer wish was to earn the coveted yellow wristband.  After weeks of begging, I finally caved and let her take the swim test I was certain she would fail.

She passed with flying colors.

That little body is fierce.  And tenacious.  And adorable.

Linley earned the title of "Brace Face" 

And wears that badge of honor proudly.

End it all with a little Top Golf date night with friends.

 Dear August, 

Why do you never last as long as January?

Florida Finale

We had a couple hours to kill before our flight home, so we decided to sneak in some Shamu and Sea World.

Also, our uber driver told us Sea World had the best of the coasters. 

He was accurate.

Also, penguins.

Always, penguins.

The perfect ending to a pretty perfect summer:

Thrills and killer whales.  

It really doesn't get any better.

Farewell Florida.  

You filled our souls with all the sunshine.