UEA "Staycation"

Crafting at Aunt Tam's with Grant, Jane, Claire, and Liv

Kids out of school for a long weekend, where do you go? what do you do? We could drive hours to find a cheap motel and a new spot to explore, only knowing our kids they'd rather just stay at the motel and swim for the duration of the stay. Then there's meals out and gas money... so here's our plan: Drive to Orem and "stay" at Grandma's, fit in an hours worth of tokens at Chuck-E-Cheese, swimming at the Rec, crafting at Aunt Tam's, Barnyard Boo at Thxgiving Pt with Jen & Josh, Mini-golf at Trafalga (bummed that the batting cages were closed), and movie night with a pizza as usual, only on Grandma's big screen and really what more could you ask for.... these grins will tell you-- NOTHING :) Love you kids!

Wagon Ride

Who let the monkeys out

Happy 90th Grandma Bird!

To the loveliest lady I know, 90 and still looking amazing, go-go-go. Quilting, knitting, and traveling to family functions. We feel so lucky to live close and see our Dear Grandma "BOWD" as Reagan so endearingly calls her.... and who could complain about being a member of these Bird women, definitely good stock! Love you all! Thanks Grandma for starting this brood!

Family Pics

I'm sure everyone knows the stress of what to wear, where to go, who to have do it, what time of day, what time of year... all of this plays into why most of us put of family pictures for as long as we do. Even Aly taking a full head-on digger near the end of our pictures should have caused stress.... but I just have to say that this years family pictures were such a more pleasant experience. Our AMAZING photographer will remain un-named as to not solicit more work than she needs (because she has more than enough favors to fulfill) was soooo good with my kids. Calling them by name, pulling crazy pranks, keeping her eyes just on them to get a good smile, I mean who cares if Giegh and I are even looking, as long as the kids are happy. Even capturing the shenanigans in the river while she shoots the "parents" all so the pictures can go on and on.... so for those of you far and wide who may never be in my home to see the family photo above the mantle, here's a sneak peak at her amazing work!!! xoxox

Our favorite place on earth.... finally!

Sad when the favorite summer vacation spot, finally gets visited after summer has ended! It was such a busy summer that we didn't make it to the family cabin/trailer until the week school started. But when we finally got there the kids were thrilled! Reagan learned to ride the 4-wheeler and Bailey was expert at giving Ally rides by the time we left. Laps around the front yard, down to the lake, and all over the mountain. Most wont even know Accord Lakes is, but for us its a little piece of heaven. Phones wont work, kids cant ask for friends, and theres no TV, what more could you ask for :)

Back to School

I can't say much more about these sweet pictures than what they're faces say. Up before dawn... clothes on, backpacks ready, begging to leave for school. I know this will not always last, that in a few short years they'll be whining to wake up, dragging to be on time, and dreading going to school. So even though my eyes are a little sweaty knowing THREE of my four kids are in school this year (2nd, 1st, and PreSchool) I'm so glad they love to learn, and even more glad that their Dad works so hard so that I get to be home every day when they come through that door. Its a circus, but I make a pretty decent ring-leader :) As Chance pulled in the driveway and I asked how his first day was, his exact words: "IT WAS AWESOME!"

" A Crashing Derby"

In some places cars crashing into each other is something you wouldn't want to happen, as to avoid high insurance deductibles and expensive body work on your vehicle. But again, as luck would have it in rural Utah as the county fair winds down, cars are lined up around the rodeo arena and compete to be the last vehicle standing.... or running as the case might be. Its loud, its dirt-flying, noise-making, kid laughing fun, and for the life of me, I cant figure out why I have so much fun watching it :) I guess I really am a red-neck at heart, kind of always have been. My little Reagan has asked me every day since the "crashing dowby" as she calls it, if girls can drive? Like Kiz? (the 17 year old who won most agressive driver). Yes Reagan, girls can drive, and the very next day, the same conversation.

No matter that by 10:15 she was so wiped out even the noise level didn't bother her from passing out on my lap and falling sound asleep amid the destruction and noise of crashing cars. The kids all had a great time, the Dad wished he had the time and money to build one himself, and the Mom... well she's always just glad to tuck the kids in when we get home. :)

Happy 6th Birthday Chance!

If you can't tell the by the gifts, the cake, and the smile... this kid likes Lego's! He has them in his bed before his eyes are even open, he has them in his hands as he climbs back in at night. He has a hard time getting dressed, eating breakfast, doing homework or any chore like it when Lego's are within reach (and coincidentally they're way too close to his bedside so he's much too easily distracted). But he LOVES to build, loves to tear them apart and build them again and again. We had a great time with Chance on his birthday, spent the day at the Payson pool and then a few days later hit the Demolition Derby as a family. We love you Doobie!

Juab County Fair

Tricycle Toddler pull, bicycle Barrells, Scrapbook and Lego entry, Jiffy Muffin's, and animals galore.... not much to miss at this years county fair. The kids came home with 2 ribbons each and $7 to split, throw in the animals and this is an experience you have to participate in when you live in rural Utah. They had a ball and learned a thing or two while they were at it!