Play Time

(I got this post ready last week and didn't get all of the picture on before we went out of town. Enjoy the old news!)

Last week was extra busy and extra fun! Thursday we started out by going to the circus' Elephant Parade at the Gateway. The kids all loved it. Ruthie kept pointing out all of the pretty girls in their costumes. That afternoon I went with a bunch of friends to see "The Scarlet Pimpernel" at Hale Centre Theatre. It was amazing!! My cute friend Alexie was in it and did such a great job! It was slightly distracting when we noticed President Monson was there right across the room watching the play too. Friday night we had a lovely night out with some friends from Ryan's mission. Saturday morning I ran in a 5 mile charity run for the Christmas Box House. It went from the Oquirrh Mountain Temple to the Jordan River Temple. It was fun to do and a perfect day to do it. Ryan's Aunt and cousins did the temple steeplechase in the morning too and that evening we went to Women's Conference at the Conference Center together. I love hearing the uplifting talks. Sunday Tate had a crash in nursery and his eye hit a door hinge. We had another trip to Urgent Care. Luckily, his eye was fine, just a cut in the inside on his lower lid. Ouch! Sunday night we hosted Bevan family night for 22 people. It's a good life, I really can't complain about this kind of busy!

Even the Police officers got in the circus spirit

My clown

How cute is Alexie in character!

After the steeplechase

We clean up nice

Peach Days

Mmm, I love going up to Peach Days in Brigham City for so many reasons. The oh so delicious peaches are definitely one of them. We got to spend some quality time with Ryan's cousin Scott and his family for a couple of days. We even got to be in the parade handing out candy and fliers in our "Vote for Scott Ericson" t-shirts. Ruthie rode fair rides and attempted to have a sleep over in a tent in the living room. (She ended up on the floor in our room after an hour.) I am pleased to announce that I learned how to can! My friend Carissa came over and taught me how it's done. We made a huge mess and each ended up with almost 2 dozen pints to show for it!

Drum roll please....

Seven months and who knows how many saw cuts, nails, paint brushes and rags later, we are done with our cabinet remodel! Woo hoo! It was actually done over a month ago, I just haven't gotten around to taking and posting pictures until now. We are loving the change and it is worth all the effort for sure! The main reason it took so dang long was Ryan's work. His hours were horrible from February to September. The last thing he wanted to do after a 70 hour work week was more work. I am glad he is such a hard worker and handy man. We still have a long list of to do's for the house, but 'cabinets' are checked off. Can you believe these are the same cabinets!? Oh, what a little paint (crown molding, glaze, bead board and trim) will do!

My Big Girl

This cutie started preschool today! She has been counting down and telling everyone she has preschool 'tomorrow' for months. The backpack she picked out is almost bigger than she is, but is still her pride and joy!

Since her school is in the afternoon, Tate is napping and I have a little time to myself. And what am I doing with it? Blogging of course!

I should mention Tate started Joy School this morning. He brought home all kinds of 'A' things and had fun with his little friends.

Bear Lake 2009

We enjoyed the annual family trip to Bear Lake last weekend. Because of Ryan's busy project for work, we only went for 24 hours. But we sure crammed in a whole lot of fun!

Ruthie apparently liked the boat much more this time.

This is her on the same boat in the same life jacket 2 years ago.

On a side note, this little guy had a trip to instacare last Sunday for a dislocated elbow. Sadly, I knew exactly what it was since Ruthie had the same thing happen a year and a half ago. I swear we are fairly responsible parents. Stuff just happens!

Family Fun

I still am trying to catch up on the computerless month! Here are a few more of the fun things we have recently done.

We scoped out the county fair. Tate sat on the 4-wheeler forever and screamed when we had to go.

Ruthie claimed the pink tractor was hers.
Tate's face cracks me up. "Hi mom. I think I might like this."

I always get a good smile out of my girl.

I was cancelled from work 2 weeks ago for the evening. I told Ryan we had to make the most of it and do something fun. Tate had his first experience with mini golf. I love the tiny putter. He would wind up like he's playing baseball.

Let's take a more direct approach.

Roo was a pro by the end. And look, she's wearing tennis shoes! Major brake through!

A trip to the zoo with cousins. The bird show is really fun and funny!

This baby giraffe was just 3 or 4 days old and 6'2"! So cute!

Big girls.

Tate and Emma taking in the shade.

Swimmin

We don't get to swim in Utah quite as much as in AZ, but my kids both love the water! I took a class with Tate during Ruthie's lessons.

This is my favorite swimming picture of the summer! How can you not love these cheesers? They went swimming at Ryan's cousin's.

This is the local rec. center where Ruthie and Tate took swimming lessons. It is fun place!

Ruthie loved having her very own class to go to.

Brave girl jumping in.