Antelope Island

It's Fall Break!  Our dad took the day off of work.  I've been in a funk all week.  Elliott has wanted to see what was on Antelope Island for weeks so, as our stars aligned, it was time to go on a "fall break get mom out of her funk antelope island outdoor adventure".

Yee Haw!  Say that 5 times fast.

It was a beautiful day to be outside exploring some place new.  The kids had a great time, got super dirty and caught brine shrimp with their bare hands.  Quinn hiked up a mountain and only fell down once.  We saw bison and probably still have some wayward flies stuck inside our car.

I cannot remember, though I'm sure I have, ever going out to antelope island.  The Great Salt Lake is pretty cool and on the North side, where you cannot see any land, it really truly feels like the end of the world....like the kids are just standing on glass.  We should have been more prepared for the water portion of our adventure, but I was proud of my kids for hiking, having fun, and eating a tasty dinner at an authentic Argentine restaurant in Clearfield on the way home.

As always - pictures.

Cousin Photo Shoot 2015

My mom wanted pictures of her grand kids.  Her daughters obliged.  We went to Camera Shy at Jordan Landing and the pictures turned out great!  Awesome!  Fantastic.  The children were all cooperative, smiley and happy.  Our photographer, Camille, was fast and efficient and made all the kids laugh and smile with "grandma has stinky feet" and "booger pizza".  Quinn, who we were all quite nervous about, came out of the photo shoot like a champ.

Here are a few of my favorites.  Well, they were all my favorites, but here are a few.

And Mom, thanks for paying for my kids Christmas card picture this year.

He can come home anytime

He doesn't have a return date yet, or at least not that he's letting on or that we know of.  

In his letter today he said he was now the "senyvas" missionary.  That means the "old" missionary.  There are sister's who went out after him, who are now going home before him.  That must be a strange feeling.

His letter today was a bit melancholy.  My sister called it trunky.  Last week, on Monday, a friend of his from a good family up the street from my parents passed away suddenly.  He was a year older than Willie.  I have no idea how many e-mails he read this morning telling him of Ahmed's passing. I'm sure it was more than he wanted and knowing my brother, he was probably really upset about it and really needed someone to talk to.

Today it feels like he's been gone a REALLY long time.  The last week or so, it feels like the closer we get to him returning home from his two year mission that time is moving like concrete...not at all.

I texted my mom this afternoon:

I miss my brother.  I want him to come home.  Just thought you should know.

She replied:

I think he needs a hug.

I think she's right.

A mission is a valiant service and sacrifice and I am so proud of my brother.  He has helped so many people, made excellent life long friends, and grown more than any of us probably ever thought the big iggy was capable of - I mean gosh, he can cook now.  Like real food.  

But, basketball season is starting and if he plays his cards right, he might be able to catch the last game or two of the Runnin' Utes season.

We will get to talk with him on Christmas day.  His 21st birthday will be five days later and before we know it, it will be February and hopefully he will be home, to lay on our couches, eat oranges, and laugh at cartoons.

I just miss him.  

I'm ready for him to come home.

A whole lot of insignificant in the grand scheme of life but still important things....

We went to the fair.



We've eaten a lot of food. Some of it better than others.





I've baked a little. It's pretty much not my thing anymore, but I can still make a pretty mean cookie. Well, a nice and edible cookie. "Mean" meaning tasty.



I've driven to the school. A lot. Elliott is now in the band, trombone player, and has to be to school four days a week by 8:10. We get up really early now. Quinn and I take Elliott to school, come home, finish getting Wyatt ready, and then take Wyatt to school. At least they both finish at the same time now since Wyatt is a first grader. Two drop off and two pick up trips would be a bit much in a day. Quinn and I spend a lot of time buckling buckles.







We went to the Mountains to live deliberately and suck out all the marrow of life. Really, to eat charcoal burned steaks and baked potatoes and salad, but eating those things in the mountains with crisp fall air is just so much better. Really. It is so. much. better.



I've been making a lot of bags lately for family, friends, neighbors, and strangers on ETSY. It's keeping me busy and creative. I'm excited to be doing it all.



Soccer - both boys practice on Thursday nights and play games on Saturday mornings. It's a little crazy getting everyone to their field on time, and trying to watch both games, but it's fun and Elliott and Wyatt are doing awesome.



Everyone is a winner at the Pinewood Derby! Elliott's first foray into the derby was a success. He didn't have the fasted car or win anything but he got a ribbon for participating. Dad got really into the car building and in his own words, "Maybe I over thought it a bit too much", but it was a great way for these two to spend some time together.



I signed Quinn up for a sports class. It's gone as expected and better than expected. He just doesn't do people. But, if he's ever going to go to primary or school, he's got to start at least standing and holding a ball next to a kid, not his mom. To get him to participate without crying, I've been bribing him with "chichen" nuggets. He upped the anty this week with a cesars pizza.