Welcome Autumn

I know for most of you, Summer is over when school starts. But, my life is yet to be dictated by the school schedule, so I've been holding on to summer time, refusing to let go. We had such a great time!! We went camping & horse riding. We love playing in the backyard, and hanging out with Casey. We love all the celebrations around towns, and after discovering our love for the swimming pool, I think we are taking up residence there next summer. But, I cannot deny the inevitable any more. I must say good by to summer. I eagerly await all the fun you have in store for us next year! Now that I have been able to "grieve" and move on, I find myself surprisingly excited for Autumn. My fondest memories of fall are from the year that I lived in Virginia as a nanny. Part of that was because of the beauty of the area, but most of it came from the kids. There is nothing like seeing something familiar through the new, eager eyes of a child. I loved all the activities that we were able to enjoy during that time. Now that I have a child of my own, I am looking forward to this season with anticipation, as I remember how much fun I had those 5 years ago. I can't wait to take Leah to a pumpkin patch, and let her play out side in the leaves. Gardner Village is a favorite place to go during October. I love the changing colors. My mountains, always strong, and beautiful, are now covered with the hues of the season. I love driving up tiny loafer canyon, being enveloped in the thick orange and red trees. Elk Ridge, my hometown,  takes on a whole new tranquility, as it gets slowly transformed into a rustic wonderland. I love walking out the door, taking a deep breath and being able to feel the crisp, clean, air. Even the smells and tastes are special in the fall. Pumpkins, and apples make great treats on cool Autumn evening. Fall also brings with it the hunting season. We had the chance to go hiking in the mountains to call in Bull Elk. It was amazing, and frightening to see these huge, majestic creatures stand just feet away from me! Going up to our cabins is a favorite past time of mine. I sleep in while the boys go out to hunt in the freezing cold morning, then they come back and we spend the day eating, relaxing and enjoying our selves. As I get deeper into the season, I also find my self missing the East Coast and my family there. I have been able to go back every fall since I moved home. Until you spend time on the east coast in the fall, you won't understand fully what the season can offer you! I miss it so much this year, and I hope that I can get back there some time soon. 

Yes, Autumn is an amazing time of year, and I plan on taking full advantage of it!! 

Keynan & Sara's Wedding

My adorable little brother (did I say little???) Got married on September 27th! I was so excited for him. We are so excited for the new addition to our family! We love Sara! We had so much fun! Leah loved the wedding, and she had so much fun! 

I love these family pictures! I can't believe that we got the girls to smile so cute! 

How funny. I swear that I had the entirety of Keynan's weight. I look like I'm the only one struggling! 
Leah loved the dancing!! She ran all over, twirled and jumped!! She was hilarious! 


The boys looked so great in their Tuxedos

What a great smile Leah has in these pictures! 
Papa and his girls! 
Ok, this is the only real picture of the bride and groom I have. We rained birdseed down on them. Sara said that when she took her dress off bird seed fell all over the floor! I'll post some more pictures when I get them from the photographers. 

It was such a wonderful wedding! I am so glad that Keynan has found such a wonderful girl! I'm happy for my new sister in law!!

Leah's Amazing Hair Do!!

Ok, here are my hair pointers. First of all...I can't take credit for this...I got it from the Girly Dos Blog, (which is linked on my side bar.)

Leah was good for me. It took a total of about 2 hours. I would do a section, then give her a break for a while, then bring her back. She was such a trooper.  After turning on her like a crazed manic (which by about that time in the day, I was!!) she learned very quickly not to touch her hair!! (Don't make Mama go crazy!!!!) So, I was so proud of my work!!! 

I start with six pony tails on the bottom of her head, then six pony tails on the crown of her head. Then I weaved them together. (Go to the web site for more detailed instructions) So, I ended up with six pony tails on the top of her head. I put those in curlers, (let her take a nap) then took them out into gorgeous  ringlets. I bought small bobby pins (great for little girl hair) then I twisted and pinned the ringlets all over, added the flowers and....

Whaa-laa!!!