A Morning Walk

 The littles woke up a bit grumpy this morning, so I knew it was a day where I needed to keep everyone busy and happy. We made up some colored goop with cornstarch and water, which turned out to be super fun for quite a long time. The science of that stuff still amazes me. Once the sun came out and warmed everything up, we went out for a walk down the trail to our favorite little bridge. 

The Fall colors were amazing, the bright blue sky, the golden glow of the sun and the bright leaves.

 

 The littles love looking at the reflection in the water and throwing rocks over the edge.

My sister was around for the day and made sure to join us! It was great to visit as we walked, and have the extra help with everyone.

 Hyrum is a pretty handsome little man. I adore his big blue eyes and blonde hair. We frequently get stopped on the trail and receive many compliments on his hair. He has such a quiet, pensive personality. He just likes to observe and think. 

 Joe is super close to walking and has even taken a few steps on his own! Lately he is a giggly ball of energy. It makes me want to squeeze him tight and kiss his cheeks all day long. He has become pro at going to sleep on his own which has made both nap and bedtime that much easier for everyone involved. I adore that ball of boy.

 Auntie Emma was great at multi-tasking, holding hands and pushing strollers. I was also super impressed with Camilla's little legs. She peddled a long ways!

In order to walk up to speed I had to lift Hyrum up like this sometimes or else he would end up peddling his legs off to keep up with the speed I was walking. He thought it was hilarious though and compared it to being on a motor bike. The sound effects this boy produces are priceless. We are hanging onto days like these and jumping on opportunities to get outside and have fun!

The Corn Maze

Today we ventured out and got lost in the corn maze! We started our day pretty early when the morning was still brisk and nippy. Even though it was chilly, it was nice to beat the crowds and enjoy the maze. Our first stop was the race track. Camilla hopped right on and started peddling. It surprised me! She made it all the way around twice on her own.

When she rounded the last bend on her final lap she pretended to be super tired and let her arms hang by her side as she peddled. I had to smile.

Hyrum wasn't quite big enough to peddle on his own, so Daddy kindly pushed him around for a lap.

After the kids had their fill of racing, we made our way towards the maze for some exploring. Just outside the maze was a cute little wagon filled with hay and pumpkins. It was the perfect photo-op. The only problem was that my boys' smiles were no where to be found.

Daddy offered to carry Joseph for the morning and they were the best of friends. Joe loved bouncing up and down as Daddy walked and smiled everytime he got me in his sights. I think Daddy enjoyed the extra snuggles.

Hyrum was scared, and cold, but mostly scared. I piggy-backed him majority of our time in the corn. I put him down for a few minutes and he pretty much looked like this the entire time.

But when he was up on my shoulders, he was in heaven! He loved trying to look over the corn and help us find our way.

It wasn't until near the end that Hyrum enjoyed getting down and running around the maze, leading the way. Camilla was pro at answering the questions at the different posts and saying "left" or "right". I love her energy and enthusiasm. 

 

At one point she had a fallen stick of corn and she was holding it as high as she could in the air so that the people on the other trails would be able to see it and laugh at the corn moving through the field. She cracks me up!

When we finally exited the maze we made our way over to the animals. The kids watched the pigs and goats for a while. 

I couldn't help but snap a shot of my handsome husband holding his little man. 

Those two melt my heart.

The kids absolutely loved this bouncing pillow. Camilla helped her brother up by pushing his bee-hind and then she would take a running start from all the way back at the fence to get enough speed to make it to the top. 

Just before we left we checked out the giant mountain of hay bails. Camilla loved climbing and jumping off. Man that girl is a looker! I adore her.

All in all a morning well spent! We came home to hot turkey sandwiches and afternoon naps for ALL! It was wonderful to spend a chill day together as a family. It's nice to be able to enjoy each others company and really be able to listen to the children. They have such sweet and special spirits. I ended my day feeling very thankful and blessed for all that I have. I couldn't have asked for better kids, or a better husband. Mike is so patient with everyone and works so hard to provide for us. I am so glad for this time of year and the way it fills me with gratitude.

A Homegrown Thanksgiving

We held our first official Thanksgiving in our new home. Since today was such a busy day, I did a lot of my cooking yesterday. I made up the dressing and pies in the morning and whipped up a batch of buns after the kids were in bed. After I got the turkey in the oven this morning we all got ourselves ready for church. I had to give a talk and teach young women's. Camilla saw me curling my hair and decided she might like some too. My goodness it made her look so grown up! She and Hyrum looked adorable and I had to take a picture of the two of them before we left.

Nana and Auntie Faith came up to enjoy the Holiday with us. Nana came to church with us this morning to help Mike out with the littles while I was speaking. It was great to spend the day with them.

 

When we got home from church the house smelled amazing! Turkey-lurkey was cooking up fabulously and browned up really nice. The flavor was incredible! There is nothing better than a homegrown turkey. Thanks Mum and Dad for raising such deliciously huge Turkeys and sharing them!

Mr. Stannix carved it up for me while I put the finishing touches on dinner. It's kind of his thing and he's gotten really good at it! 

This is the first time we've had a kitchen this big to dine in. Usually we are crammed into our tiny pocket kitchens with our elbows touching as we visit and enjoy. The extra space sure was nice this year!

 

Joseph pretty well licked his bowl clean. He is a huge fan of dressing, potatoes and gravy!

 

This was also my first year making pie crust! Usually my mamma does it, or I just buy them and make my own filling. I used my Mum's recipe and it actually turned out okay. Next time I'll roll them out a little thinner and they will be perfect! I made one apple and one pumpkin.

 

When it was time for everyone to leave, Joseph gave the cutest waves. I love the new things he learns each day and I couldn't get over how sweet his chubby little hands were as they waved good-bye.

 

We've had a great time visiting with family this weekend and are looking forward to spending the day together with Daddy tomorrow! Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends and family.

Spot Lighting my Favorite Girl

 It's been a while since this little girls sweet face popped up on the blog. I thought it was time to do another update on my big girl. She is such a good kid and it's easy to forget to pay attention with two rambunctious little boys. But those moments when I sit still and snuggle her close and she talks my ear off... those are some of my favorite moments. 

Before I left to volleyball the other night she and I were sitting on the couch waiting for Auntie, Uncle and her favorite lady, Naomi to arrive. She sat close to me and talked pretty much non-stop for a good ten minutes. It made me realize how much she has grown up over the last little while. Her little mind moves quick and makes her seem four going on ten. I am torn between homeschooling and sending her to school. She talks about school all the time and how much she wants to go. I think she would thrive in a classroom environment and would love socializing and making new friends. But a part of me loves her being at home with me taking chances, getting messy, and making mistakes as we learn together.

When we went to pick up Daddy at the airport she started singing the "Green means Go" song at a red light. Her version went something like this...

"Green means Go, Yellow means Slow, and Red means FAST FAST FAST!"

Who taught her that I wonder? It made me laugh.

Back scratches are kind of our thing. I will often scratch her legs, arms, back, draw on her face with my finger tip and play with her hair while we visit. She loves it, and it makes her sleepy. Sometimes she will tell me, "If you want to do all of those tonight, I don't mind..."

Camilla has a contagious little belly laugh and a special love for life. I admire the sparkle in her eye and the energy in her step.

Lately, she has become such a big help with her brothers. The other night Hyrum got out of bed while I was feeding Joe his night time bottle. I asked if she wouldn't mind helping her brother back to bed and she gladly obliged. I listened from the other room as she said, "it's okay, Hyrum, go back to bed now". She tucked him in and kissed him good-night.

Her imagination is the best! The other day the trampoline transformed into a ball pit, only we couldn't touch the balls because they were poison. She and Hyrum also love to play "Garbage Man" where they pretend they are a garbage man and tackle the other one down. Seriously, where do they think up this stuff. I love the things she comes up with!

When we were driving in the car the other day she asked, "Did Heavenly Father make us with tools?"

Most mornings lately she has gotten into the habit of getting herself dressed and making her bed. Sometimes she even makes Hyrum's bed too!

I love this girl so so much!

A Pretty Cool Lady

Auntie Emma has been hanging out here quite a bit lately and we love it!

The kids sure enjoy playing with her.

This morning we had an impromptu photo shoot.

 Hyrum totally wears those glasses well. We need to get him some in his own size. I love how serious he is, and I adore his thumbs up!

Joe was all giggles today too! Can't wait to pick up Daddy tonight! Oh how we've missed him!

Hanson Concert

A few months ago a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go see Hanson with her. Of course I said yes! Monday night was the night! My awesome siblings came to watch the littles and a few of us carpooled to Festival Place to sing and dance along with the band. I loved the venue. Even though we were in the second last row, it still felt super close to the stage. The only concerts that I have been to were huge and at Rexall. It was nice to be in more of an "intimate" music enjoying environment. 

The opener was pretty good and had amazing voice range, but when Hanson came on everyone went crazy! I also discovered something about myself. I think I am more of the band geek concert going type just because I am super reserved and okay with sitting the whole time. Since the whole front row was standing and everyone in the very back, our group decided to join in. It was great to be there with such fun ladies who were able to help me get out of my comfort zone and rock out with them!

 

I didn't know many of their newer songs, but it was okay because they also mixed in a lot of their older stuff! Love their voices and their harmony. Music is so good for the soul and I definitely enjoyed listening and singing along!

 

After Bath Cuddles

Dear Mr. Stannix,

Today was a pretty good day. We miss you like crazy. The children each remember to bless you in their prayers and sometimes ask about you forgetting that your gone. We left the house just shortly after eight this morning for a grocery run. We were out of a lot of the essentials, like Milk and Eggs and things like that. The children were super good for me! They discovered the car carts which made things go quickly. Both Camilla and Hyrum "drove" the car and Joe happily bobbed up and down in the front carrier. I got lots of "Wow! Three kids!" comments while I was out. Camilla still likes to chat with everyone she sees and they enjoyed their free cookie from the bakery. 

My sister came over to keep me company for the day. We made the best pumpkin cookies ever and I loved that my house smelled like Fall. She kept teasing me while we put together the ingredients because instead of a teaspoon of this and a tablespoon of that it was a shake of this and a drizzle of that. I love baking and having fresh cookies on hand for the littles. 

Hyrum had a nice long afternoon nap and I got to play with Camilla. I got her giggling pretty good. We had a mini pillow fight and she kept trying to tickle me. The whole rest of the day she just wanted to have a pillow fight. She's so spunky and full of life that girl. I loved hearing her belly laugh and spending time with her. In the late afternoon we cranked some tunes and danced around the kitchen to pass the time. Hyrum is pretty good at grooving and I love watching his little body wiggle. Camilla shakes her hips and taps her feet pretty much to the beat. It's quite a talent. I can't wait to get her into a dance class of some sort. 

Dinner was easy peasy KD. Hyrum ate his plate clean and Camilla decided to save hers for tomorrow and forego her bedtime snack. I popped all three of 'em in the tub at the same time again. Joe was a total goof and kept standing up and giving me his scrunchy nosed smile. Whenever I would ask him to sit on his bum he would listen. It always amazes me how much they can understand at such a young age. Camilla loves helping me wash Joe's hair and back. Then we pulled the plug and I wrangled them all into their jammies and read them stories. I finally got Hyrum to sleep just after 8:30. 

Hope your days are going well and you are learning lots! We miss you and can't wait to pick you up on Thursday at the airport!

Crafting and Play

Though we are back to our regular routine, we are missing our Daddy again. He comes home on Thursday. He brought home a beautiful bouquet of pink roses Saturday night to thank me for all of my hard work and to remind me of him while he's gone. It was super sweet and made my week! 

This morning the air was brisk and cool. We stayed indoors and did a Thanksgiving craft. Thanks to Pinterest for the idea. I had the kids glue leaves and shapes to a piece of paper to make a turkey. Their favorite part is always using the glue!

After it had warmed up a bit we had to get outdoors and enjoy the blue sky and sunshine! With the rainy, dreary week we had last week, the kids really loved being able to go to the park to climb, slide, and swing!

 

I can't get over how much little Hyrum looks like his Daddy. The cheeks, the eyes and the white blonde hair all resemble a lot of Mike when he was that age. 

 

Camilla loved the tallest slide at the park and tried super hard to get her brother to go down with her. Each time he would get to the top, he would get scared and turn around. It made her so upset! She tried and tried to help him be brave. She certainly had a lot of fun on it though! I loved watching the brief second of fear as she neared the middle of the slide.

Hyrum just enjoyed monkeying around on the equipment and checking out how everything works. He is one brave little guy and sometimes I had a hard time watching him climb!

 

Camilla is growing up so fast! She was such a great helper and loves to spend time with Joe. While I was pushing her on this swing she asked if Joe could come on with her. He sat still and snuggled close to his sister while I gently pushed them.

And then later when I needed to help Hyrum with something, Camilla gladly volunteered to push Joseph in the swing. He giggled and giggled as she pushed him. 

 

We are desperately clinging onto the "warm" weather before the snow flies! Hopefully we can enjoy a few more days like this at the park before it gets too cold.

Even Heroes Sleep

Lately Hyrum has been running around the house being "SUPERRRRR HYMUM!!!!".

It's super cute.

He does stuff like save lost bunnies, rescue things for his sister and run super fast.

The other day I tucked him into bed for his nap

and came up to find him like this...

So I did what any Mother would do..

Snapped a picture and then took off that handsome little mask to let my baby sleep.

Sweet dreams bud!

Just Keep Swimming

I went to use the bathroom this morning and this is what I found...

Good thing I just cleaned that toilet earlier!

Hyrum was already long gone and shut the door when he left.

I couldn't even get mad, I just laughed, a lot.

Then called a friend to give her a laugh.