An Excuse to Make Orange Cupcakes

I love this season!! It is my favorite by far. Why can't fall last all year?? We really enjoyed conference weekend. Kaity couldn't understand why we weren't going to church. I explained that we got to stay home and watch church on TV.... and make lots of treats. She was OK with that.

 

 

 Good times are on their way! Kaity turns 4 this month and Markham and I are getting away for a little anniversary trip....can't wait!! Did I mention I love October?!

1 man, 2 kiddos, 3 ladies and a baby

My brave, award-worthy parents invited me and the kiddos and my sister and her baby on an 800 mile road trip one way. Sounds totally insane doesn't it? Somehow the 800 miles coming home seemed a LOT longer.

Our poor husbands had to stay home and work, which was tough. Markham stayed busy though. I came home to some new shelves in the garage! I was really grateful he had the pup to keep him company. It was our longest separation...sniff, sniff.


Aside from missing the guys, we managed to have A LOT of fun! There were moments of distress, like in the car with all the kiddos melting down, but all things considered it was fantastic.  We spent a week in Sedona, AZ--a very beautiful and very unique place. Tons and tons of art. Statues, sculptures, paintings, etc. I am quite certain my vocabulary does not contain the appropriate words to accurately describe all said art. It just lines the streets. It's an experience.

 Jacks in his favorite place, his mommy's arms

My little poser

Downtown

We spent A LOT of time at the pool!

Dinner for Monte's birthday!

Fun Souvenirs

Kaity is rubbing this javelina's nose for good luck...after a crazy rainstorm.

 Not a very good pic, I know. Kaity looks like a zombie.

Kaity and cousin Linc

We stopped in St. George for a few days on the way home. We love St. George. Here is cute little Linc just after a meal.  My son is in the background chewing on a shoe....seriously gross.

 When in doubt, drum it out. I didn't take a lot of toys, so the kiddos had to be creative entertaining themselves...when we weren't at the pool.

                              

Pool time!!

 Jackson's first swimming lesson. 

He loved the water and would try and get away from me and then would just DIVE into the water.

 I would pull him out and he would smile and giggle and do it AGAIN!!

Yes, totally submerged! Again and again and again... a healthy fear of water would be nice.

He apparently likes soda, he must get that from Markham. wink, wink.

Cousin Brooke from Vegas came for a visit!

Kaity was excited to play with Carson.

   Jackson climbing the pool chairs....such a boy.

 Thanks for taking us on a super fun trip Mom and Monte!! It was great ;) We missed you Ash!!

Sound Familiar?

Me: What do you want for lunch today Kaitlyn? How about a grilled cheese?

Kaitlyn: I want popcorn and a Dora popsicle.

Me: You need lunch first, how about a turkey sandwich?

Kaitlyn:  I want JUST turkey mommy, in a bowl with some apple juice.

Me: Alright, but are you SURE you don't want a grilled cheese sandwich?

Kaitlyn: yes

20 minutes later....Lunch is over

Kaitlyn: Mommy, my tummy is starting to rumble. I want a grilled cheese and some oranges.

.....And it goes like this everyday. Meanwhile Jackson will eat his lunch + hers and then some.