Busy Little Girl:
Alison has learned how to pull herself up, pull open drawers, and empty things- all within in the blink of an eye. She loves the tupperware drawer. I think we put this all away at least three times a day! She's so proud of herself. She does try to put them back in. She usually gets a couple back in and then gets distracted and remembers how much fun it is and pulls them out again.
Aaron rarely falls asleep in his bed. He usually wants to stay out in the hall and read a book. He falls sleep within 10-15 minutes most nights and then Ryan puts him in bed. One night, Nathan decided he didn't want to be in his bed either. They sleep well, so I hope it's not going to scar them later in life.
Alan and Carmen came to Utah for a visit in mid-August. It was the first time the only two little girl cousins have met. They were so cute playing with Grandma. Ali wanted to get close to Paige- sometimes too close like on the bike ride when she kept pulling Paige's binkie out. But they had a great time getting to know each other.
Uncle David is a fantastic storyteller. The little boys were entranced. Aaron, especially couldn't get enough of it. He has been telling us stories ever since.
"Here comes a bunch of butcher boys"We had so much fun playing this old family home evening favorite in Mom & Dad's backyard. I wish I could accurately describe the running, laughing, acting, intensity that were involved. Even the little girls got to play as they were carried and jostled around.
Roasting marshmallows - another favorite activity.
Another round of butcher boys...this is another thing my boys still do. They come up and start "playing" butcher boys throughout the day.Here comes a bunch of butcher boys seeking for a trade.
-What's your trade?
Sweet lemonade.
-Then get to work and show us then if you're not afraid.
When we were younger, laying brick was always the first one acted out. Ditching digging and sports were also favorites. We led off with laying brick again. Aaron and Nathan try playing basketball, clapping, being a monster, and playing the piano. Sometimes I just can't guess what they are doing, but it's so cute to watch them.
Part of our hike to Cascade Springs in Heber.
We went to the Davis County Fair again this year. Alan and Carmen were still in town, so they came up with Grandma, and David and Kara came up with their boys as well. It was POURING rain when we arrived. We bought a couple of umbrellas and spent some time in the indoor exhibits. Then we ventured out. It was nice for the pony rides because there was really no line (as opposed to last year when we waited for about an hour in HOT weather). The kids loved riding the ponies, seeing how fast they could throw a baseball- which all the adults got into as well- riding the carnival rides, and especially eating corn dogs. I love the picture of Nathan and Dallin sharing a lemonade.
Family picture day. We ended up getting some pictures. I can't wait to get them up on my walls. We need some current pictures. My boys are getting so old!
After the bike ride down Provo Canyon, we had a picnic. The older boys carried around the younger boys and they all had so much fun together.The bike ride was 4.5 miles long and Nathan pedaled almost the whole way. It got in the bike trailer to ride the last half mile or so. He was a trooper on his little 12" bike with training wheels. He hadn't ridden more than 30 minutes in his life before that long ride. At the end he said he never wanted to ride his bike again, but he has repented of that and rides around our cul-de-sac all the time. I was so proud of his determination to keep going even though he was working so hard and not with his cousins.
The little girls rode in the bike trailer behind Ryan until Ali kept upsetting Paige by taking her binkie. Then Paige rode on the bike seat behind Carmen. Aaron rode in the bike seat behind Grandpa, Peyton rode in a trailer behind Alan and the rest just biked away. It was a lot of fun.
The last night before we headed for home. We put the kids in their pajamas before loading them up in the van and then we went into the Sunshine Room and told stories, played "Who put the cookie in the cookie jar?", "going on a bear hunt," and sang songs. It was so fun for Nathan and Aaron to play and spend time with Dallin and Peyton.
Ali trying on some shoes. We squeezed her little feet in there and they looked cute. I don't know how comfortable they were. It's hard to get shoes on her because she curls her toes so much. Maybe when she starts walking it will get better.
My kids love books. They all can find some and just look at the pictures. They also love to be read to. One night just before bed they all gathered in Ali's room and chose the books they were going to read. I love it when they are like this - all together and peaceful and happy. It's rare. It's usually a lot more chaotic, but they do enjoy being together. I'm grateful for that. I hope they always love each other and enjoy being together.
Ali wants to walk. This video was over a month ago. She's pretty good when she is standing behind something pushing. She's even better now. It's so cute to watch her take those steps and be more mobile. 