The perfect pumpkin

So, on Monday we headed out to find our pumpkins at the nearest patch. I didn't really think about going because Grandpa McFarland always provides the kids with pumpkins. But, then I remembered how much fun we have had going, so we changed our minds and had a lot of pumpkins this year. (The ones from Grandpa McF were really fun for Ethan because he helped plant the seeds. Every time we would go to their house, he would check in on his stash) The weather couldn't have been more beautiful. I can't believe that it is almost November and I feel like I could dress my kids in shorts. We had a great time...here are some pictures!

They had a great time in the cart

Cute little ghost

Silly boys

They had fun at the hay maze. Ethan was really nice to Aiden and helped him through the whole thing by keeping his hand on his shoulder and guiding him. One of those rare moments that they like each other. So I had to document it for the future!

Sweet face

Ethan's pumpkin that we later carved Spongebob into.

Aiden and his catch

Dad scoping out the scene...

Speed...I am speed!

Today we went to Little Sahara and played in the sand. It was so nice to get away and not be at home doing the same things (like yard work or laundry to be more specific!) Ethan was in HEAVEN! That boy did not stop all day long. As long as there was a machine going, he was too. I am glad that my boys got the chance to play out there and I really hope that one day we can create lots of memories of the dunes together. When I was younger, my family went out there all the time. I have a love/hate relationship with this place. I love it, but hate it because nine times out of ten I hurt myself. To be more specific, when Scott and I were dating, I had completely sworn off this place and vowed I would never ride another 4-wheeler again in my life. Until he told me that he loved the sand dunes and that we should go sometime. So what do I do? "Hey Scott, look at me I'm tough... I can ride no problem"...until I rolled a machine and the handlebars got me right in the back. Chipped vertebrae. Way to impress the guy. (Actually, I think it really did work. I know for sure he felt bad for a few weeks that I got hurt.) Aiden wasn't feeling totally up to par...he is still trying to get over the last of the stomach flu he had over a week ago. He was a trooper and had a good time. I would have to say he was a little leary of the machines and didn't really care to have lots of rides, but when he did, he loved it. Camden was a trooper for sure. He put on his best smile and talked and cooed as best as he could. That kid is amazing. I don't think I have ever seen such a happy baby before. Great day, great company, great memories!!!

He has the best smile...it melts your heart instantly!

Chaser doing what he does best...(I hate this habit of his! But in his defense, his stomach wasn't being nice to him... )

My mom, dad and sister in law Lyndsey chillin' around the table.

My little adrenalin junkie ready for more!

Scott and Ethan

Crusin' around a bowl...

Ethan had a Dad only preference on the pilot...smart boy. He probably would have been hurt with me!

Playin with the big boys

I came across this picture from my brothers facebook page. Ethan can't wait to grow up and be just like the big boys!!!

My Chaser...

This is my Aiden. He and I have come a long way in the past few weeks...and in a good way. We have been doing speech therapy for a little while now, and it is so nice to see improvement and be able to report about it. He's still a little monkey, don't get me wrong, but I am seeing a different kid all of a sudden. Yesterday, I came down the stairs and he looked at me and said, "Ma, woo woo." (We say that to eachother and to the kids when we want to comb their hair...a little vanity never hurt anyone!) He also loves to help me unload the dishwasher. But, on the downside, he won't keep shoes and socks on, and really doesn't love pants either. It makes it a lot of fun when I try to run errands. So far, no shoes lost. Just give me time...

I love you Chase!

For my hubby...

Today was an awful day at our house. One of Scott's dear friends passed away after battling cancer for the last year. JD was an amazing person. He had a great laugh that somehow always got you to chuckle too. He was a true friend, a movie buff, and a great father. I only knew him for a few years, but he will always stay in my heart. I am so grateful that he is not suffering anymore, and is free of the pain he experienced. Take care, JD, and know that it won't be the same without you.

He's amazing!

Three months ago today, this sweet little boy was placed in my arms, and I fell in love instantly. I can't believe how fast the time goes, especially when you want to enjoy it slowly. He is so fun right now, talking and giggling for the first time last night. He is a very easy going baby...which I am sure he promised me in heaven. I can't imagine my life without him, and I love him more and more each day. Thank you for coming to our house, Cam. You are amazing!!!

Road Trip!!!

We got invited to Bear Lake this weekend with Scott's brother Garrett and the rest of the family. We had so much fun, and it was nice to not be at home for a change. (We've been feeling cooped up since July...but for a good reason) Garrett is the graphic designer for a new development going in up in Bear Lake and had access to the company "cabin". (Really, it's a castle) I have never seen such a place before. It was so big that you could literally feel like you were lost. It was awesome. My kids had a great time...Ethan learned how to play ping pong and loved it. The best part about that was the fact that he couldn't stop giggling when he played. Aiden had fun too with ping pong, but more fun turning on the pin ball machine. I was really proud of him for no major tantrums either. And Camden was pretty chill too. We still have to work on the middle of the night parties with him. Saturday it was really rainy, so we just parked it on the couch and tried to listen to conference. (Really, I am lucky to hear 5 talks with 3 little kids right now...) And then that night we went and grabbed dinner and met up with Natalie and Marsha. I missed out on a girls shopping trip, but when I saw that it was going to rain, I decided that I didn't want to haul a baby in the rain to shop. Sunday, we listened to more conference and then the boys found the 4-wheeler and motorcycle. My boys had so much fun riding them on the beach. We even spotted a moose running in the back of the house. In the end, this weekend is just what our family needed...thanks Garrett and Natalie!!!





The whole group




Scott and the boys on the 4-wheeler after riding on the beach.




That black dot was the moose...it was pretty cool!




Scott and Ethan after getting stuck in the mud. Ethan was really upset because his new red jacket got dirty.




Me and Aiden after our ride on the beach.



This is the back of the house that we stayed in.




This is the front of the house.




Ethan and his pirate tatoo. He got it when we bribed him to eat his dinner the night before!




A self portrait of Scott and Ethan.

Oops!

So, the garbage comes on Thursdays at our house, and Ethan likes to watch the garbage truck in action. Last week in preschool, they made cars out of fruit boxes and I paid attention to the fact that Ethan didn't give it a second thought after he brought it home. Well, I guess I was wrong. As he was watching the garbage truck dump our junk, he noticed his box in the bottom of the can. He came to me and said, "Mom, why did the garbage man take my box?" I didn't have a good answer, so I played stupid, which backfired even more.

Dad, I guess I can start my own book now about how I messed up my kids because I threw away my kids box....will you write the preface?