halloween at our house

I think I'm ready.  It seems to me that since Halloween is on a Sunday this year we had to be ready earlier than usual because all the festivities are happening days if not weeks early. 

Well, our house is as decorated as it's going to get...

I finally made a Halloween wreath after eyeing up the tutorials for weeks...

I've bought all the candy I plan to purchase.  When we're out, we're out.

Emmy has her costume - and I'm still working on mine.  I'm a little sad I won't be sporting any wigs or false eyelashes this year (pic's of us in a day or so)

I've made the Halloween treats I've been wanting to make...actually there are a LOT of treats I'd like to make but I think I'd be the one eating them all!

And I made Emmy a Halloween skirt for Sunday!  Since we won't be sporting our costumes, I figured we needed to recognize the holiday somehow.  It's just out of scrap fabric I had so it isn't super Halloween, but it's the right colors -a-?

(not the best photo, but it's all I was able to get of her in it today.  i'll try again on Sunday.  and just a little side note...we were going to run errands this morning and take some halloween treats to friends.  i said, "Emmy lets get ready to go."  she started gathering all sorts of things to bring with us!  her bucket-with toys in it of course, her sippie, her purse, a necklace, a headband...she is so my daughter!)

Well, I think now all we have left to do is carve pumpkins and go trick-or-treating!  Can't wait!

Happy Halloween everyone!

fall picnic

I'm such a wimp.  But, we'll blame it on the pregnancy...just loading these pictures and thinking about all the fun fall memories I've made over the years, brings tears to my eyes! 

The canyon in the fall is such a special place for me and my family.  It all started long ago...

For as long as I can remember, it's been a tradition to have a picnic under the red, yellow and green leaves.  I have some of my mom's old albums at my house and of course in each one, each fall, there are photos of us up the canyon - most of which include my special Grandma Bernice.  Now and again we'd get my dad and my Grandpa Jim there but I think it's mostly been a grandma, daughter and grandkids thing.  We all LOVE spending time up the canyon in the fall. 

Spring Hollow and canned pork 'n beans.  Those two things say it all.

Over the years we've ventured out and tried different picnic sites and we've started picking up KFC, but that doesn't keep us from making more wonderful the memories!   

Now, we have another generation and I feel the tradition means much more.  It was just us girls this year, but no complaints there.  As we were sitting around the picnic table we all thought about gram and how she'd love to be there with us.  But, now we have Emmy...who I think will always carry a little of grams spirit with her. 

AND- now we GRANDMA Kathy...and the tradition will start to circle again. 

Looking at these pictures just reminds me how blessed I am to live where I do, have the memories I have and be surrounded by such amazing women.  One day, it would be neat to have a son.  But, I am without words as to how lucky I am to have sisters and for the relationships we have with one another.  Emmy has some Aunts who love her so much and it just makes my heart smile.  I love watching her play with Heather, Holly and my mom.  I love the bond she's created with all of them already and she is only 17 months old. 

I look forward to putting fall picnic photos in Emmy's albums each year.  It'll be interesting to see how our family grows and changes, while the tradition stays the same.

fall evening

This month has flown by!  Despite being busy, I've really enjoyed this October because the weather has been so beautiful!   Somehow I seemed to have missed the "reds" in the canyons around here but all the yellow and gold is now making up for it! 

I love this tree out my front window!  It provides fabulous shade in the summer, a beautiful snow canopy in the winter and look at the beautiful yellow I get to see in the fall!  This tree is the brightest on our block! 

(I want you to know I did not add any color enhancements to this...it's really that vibrant in the evening!)

Happy fall ya'll!

daddy's girl

Brian is a super-duper dad and loves his little girl!  Emmy is quite fond of her dad too.  I love it when I happen to have my camera handy to capture little moments like this.  Totally unposed and unplanned, life.

Brian was mapping out his latest hunt and Emmy pulled up the chair next to him, climbed up and decided to help him out.  And then there's Daisy at their feet, probably thinking "they're at the table so someone has to drop some food sometime soon." 

Love it.

Love them.

a treat for us

weeeee

We are just loving this extension of summer weather!  Emmy especially.  She is such a lover of the outdoors!  I don't know what I'll do when winter is here!  Guess I better start shopping for boots and gloves. 

Brian's sweet sister and her family recently gave us their swing set and this is just another reason Emmy loves playing outside!  When I get her out of bed in the morning she goes to the door and wants to go outside.  Recently she's started pointing at the door and saying, "wee."  I think it's safe to say that means swing.  I think she could spend hours out there at a time if I'd let her. 

THANKS FOR THE SWING SET HOTH FAMILY!

Happy 80th

I sure married into a great family.  Not only did I gain wonderful sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, mom and dad-in-law and lots of cousins, nieces and nephews...I got grandma and grandpa D!

Grandma D turned 80th just recently and we had a surprise party for her.  Kids and grandkids and relatives from as far as St. George came up for the celebration.  It was so fun to see all these wonderful people I am blessed to call family.

Grandma D was super surprised and grateful for the get together.  She is the most loving, sweet and charitable person out there.  She is always knitting for those in need, cooking and sharing and serving others in so many ways. 

Since my darling grandparents have all passed on, it's nice to have a grandma to call if I have a question only a grandma would know. 

Thanks Grandma D for all your love and for your wonderful example.  You truly are an inspiration to all those around you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

P.S.  I hope I hands and skin as beautiful as yours when I turn 80!

(I just had to put this picture too.  Grandma D's face is priceless!)