Merry Christmas!

We hope all of you had a very merry Christmas! We had a great holiday, and are looking forward to an awesome new year. Here are a few pictures we took on Christmas eve and Christmas day:

Isabelle wrote a note to leave for Santa, just in case she fell asleep on the way home from Fred and Kelly's. We thought both kids would be fast asleep and we'd just carry them into bed, but no such luck. They were wired the entire day. There were a couple times that we were quite sure Dylan was going to spontaneously combust.

We always get together with Fred and Kelly on Christmas eve for dinner, and with my parents the week before Christmas. We love both of these traditions, because it gives us quality time with everyone, as well as leaving Christmas day open for us to just relax and enjoy. Before we could open gifts, the horses needed fed, so the kids went out to the barn to help out.

Jake and Emily gave Dylan these darling chaps. I told him to pose for a picture, and he threw his leg up on the table and gave me his best 'real live cowboy' look. I almost peed my pants!

Here's Izzy and Dylan with Uncle Jake and Aunt Em and their awesome presents!

My favorite Christmas tradition so far (I'm sure we'll add more as time goes on) is our fire. Luke gets to go out to the family room and check to see if Santa came, as well as start a fire so everything gets warm and cozy. This year, while Luke got the family room ready, the kids snuggled into bed with me and we read Luke 2:1-20. It was a really nice way to start the day.

Isabelle got a new jacket that says "TAC Dance" on the back and has her name on the front. She said it was the best Christmas gift ever. Santa does nice work, if I do say so myself.

Dylan got the spiderman robe he was hoping for, but he hasn't worn it yet. I think he has been too busy playing with all the games he got from his Grandma Ruthie and Grandpa Erv. His favorite so far is the "Flippin Frogs". Notice Izzy's frantic face in the background--you can just see her looking for something else to open.

We gave Dylan and Isabelle pajama pants, and had t-shirts made with their nicknames printed on them. It was a really fun gift, and I think the kids have enjoyed them. I hope Dylan likes his, because at the rate he is growing, he might be wearing his to Junior High!

Thank you to everyone who made our Christmas wonderful. We have such an incredible family, as well as great friends surrounding us, and we know we are truly blessed!

Happy birthday, Dylan!

Friday was Dylan's birthday. It's hard to believe he is four years old. He opened his presents from Izzy, Luke, and I as soon as he got up. Isabelle got him a Webkin, and it's just the one he had been hoping for. It's a darling little chihuahua that he named Lucky. Luke and I made him a treasure hunt, and at the end was a new red bike. Next, he went to visit to Dr. Lei's office. He had his eyes checked, and he got weighed and measured. He has gained 3 lbs. since his last visit, so he is up to 28 lbs! I have a feeling he's going to be a lot like his Grandpa Erv! In the afternoon, he went to Fat Cat's with two of his very best friends for pizza and bowling. His friend Ashton gave him a dinosaur that he has been wanting really bad. He has been telling every Santa he has seen that he wants this particular dinosaur, but I had a crazy feeling that Santa just wasn't going to come through. So, my awesome friend Amy saved the day and let Ashton give it to him--thanks, Am! His friend Cooper gave him an electric guitar. This was a perfect gift, because he has somehow gotten it into his head that he is a rock star. You can see by the picture that he has the rocker look perfected! He had such a great time with his friends, and by the end of the day, he was spent! It ended up being a great day for a great little boy.

Happy birthday, Dylan! We love you!

Inspiration

Here's a little inspiration for your Wednesday morning. It doesn't matter how many times I watch this video. I tear up every time!

Surprise!

Last night, right before dinner, the doorbell rang. The kids ran for the door yelling- "I'll get it! I'll get it!" This usually ends up with someone running into a wall, or tripping over the dog. Luckily for us, there weren't any casualties. Isabelle got to the door first, and when she opened it, she jumped about five feet up and back. Dylan's mouth dropped open, and then all he could do was smile. What a special visitor!

Isabelle told Santa she wants a Teeniest Tiniest Littlest Pet Shop toy, and Dylan asked for some Polly Pocket dogs. Luke was proud.

Monkey Bread (A post for Hope and Sam. Ha ha!)

This recipe is the perfect thing to have for Christmas breakfast (besides my mom's danish). It is warm, sticky, sweet...like I said, perfect. You can make it the night before Christmas, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and throw it in the oven before the present-opening frenzy begins. It only bakes for 30 minutes, so by the time everything is unwrapped, breakfast will be ready! I got this recipe from Kelly (my mother-in-law), and it is the best!

You'll need:
20 frozen rhodes rolls
1 (3 oz.) package vanilla instant pudding
1 C butter
1 C brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
nuts

Cut all the rolls in half (sometimes I cut mine into thirds--it just depends on how big you want the pieces to be). Grease a bundt pan and put half of the rolls in the bottom. Sprinkle half of the instant pudding (powder) on the rolls. Melt the butter on the stove and mix in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle half of this mixture over the rolls and pudding mix. Sprinkle with your choice of nuts. Add the second half of the rolls, the rest of the pudding mix, the rest of the butter mixture, and finish with another layer of nuts. Let it rise in the fridge overnight. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Yummy!

Obuba!

I got together with some of my girlfriends for lunch today. Some of us haven't seen each other for a while, so it was great to catch up! I found out my friend, Mary, has a blog. Wahoo! So, you know me...I started stalking as soon as I got home. I found out that she and her husband started a business making stylish cover-ups for nursing moms. And since I swear everyone I know is expecting a baby, I thought I'd pass on the info. Click here to check them out. They are really great!
I also added a link to her darling blog on my list of 'good places to visit'. It was great to see you today, Mary!

Let It Snow!

It's been too long since I last posted! I promise I won't go so long next time. I'm sure all five of you who read my blog are breathing a sigh of relief...
Anyway, here are some pictures of the kids enjoying the big snowstorm:

Top Three

Top three movies to see during the holidays:

"In America"
This is a passionate, simple story about a family who moves from their home in Ireland in hopes of finding a better life in America (they end up in Hell's Kitchen). It's a tear jerker--one that will really make you appreciate how blessed we are. And how precious life is. And that it is possible to run out of tears. If you have already seen it, watch it again.

"One Day in September"
This is hands down the best documentary I've ever seen. It's about the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany. It covers the story of the Palestinian terrorists taking the Israeli athletes hostage. Michael Douglas narrates, and there is great music (who doesn't love a little Led Zeppelin?).

"Pieces of April"
You'll have to trust me on this one. I know, I know. Katie Holmes? But I promise--this is way before the whole Tom-Kat nonsense. April is a black sheep who invites her estranged family (most importantly, her dying mother--who is awful) to her apartment for Thanksgiving dinner. You will be glad you watched it. Really.

Thanksgiving

Kevin Carter received the pulitzer prize in 1994 for this photo which was first published in the New York Times. The picture depicts a Sudanese girl who collapsed on her way to a feeding center during the Sudan famine.

This image has not left my mind since the first time I saw it. I have thought about it a lot during the last few days, especially. I hope that tomorrow, as I surround myself with family, food, and warmth, I take a moment to truly thank God. I have so much to be grateful for.

Happy birthday, Alex!

I told Izzy and Dylan to sing for you and blow kisses when they were done. I also told Dylan to smile. Happy birthday!

Chicken, Pasta, and Chickpea Stew

This recipe is easy (I mean really easy), Luke-approved (which means it's really good), and good for you! We had it at Mike and Lori's cabin, and then I made it for dinner club. The recipe and nutritional information can be found here, but I've typed it in this post for convenience.

Chicken, Pasta, and Chickpea Stew (from Cooking Light)

Cooking Spray
1 C thinly sliced celery
3/4 C diced carrot
1/2 C chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 C chicken broth
3 C basic marinara
1 C canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
3/4 C ditalini (very short, tube-shaped macaroni)
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
8 oz. chicken, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
6 T shaved parmesan cheese

Heat a pan over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Add celery, carrot, and onion. Cook 12 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add broth and next 4 ingredients (through pepper); bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 12 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Add chicken (raw) to pan and cook for 3 minutes or until chicken is done. Sprinkle with cheese to serve.
This makes six 1 1/2 C servings, each only 237 calories. Let me know if you try this one--it is a keeper!

Have You Seen Me?

Grass!

Luke finished his project yesterday--we finally have a front yard! He did a really great job. Thanks to everyone who helped. John, we appreciate your help with the sprinklers, and thanks to Fred and Jake for helping lay sod yesterday. Also, a big thanks to my awesome friend Amy who brought pizza and homemade cookies yesterday--what a lifesaver!

Green River

We just got the pictures of Luke's river trip back yesterday. The scouts went on an 80 mile run down Desolation Canyon this summer. They saw black hawk helicopters fly through the canyon, as well as bears on the banks and naked hippies bathing in the river (something a few of the scouts will never forget)! I think all the boys had a great time, and I'm pretty sure Luke wants to be a river guide when he grows up.

Happy Halloween!

Izzy

On the way home from school one day last week, Isabelle said "I told my teacher I have pink eye today".
*Long pause while I stopped the car and turned around to look at her.*
"You did what?"
"I told Mrs. Chase I have pink eye."
"But you don't have pink eye."
"I know."
"Then why would you tell her that?"
"I don't know."
*Another long pause while I turned the car around to go back to school and tell Izzy's teacher that she does not have pink eye.*
I was horrified. Even more so when I talked to her teacher and found out that she had been saying it for three days. Three days! Her teacher kept telling her that Luke and I shouldn't be sending her to school...how embarrassing.

What could top that? Leave it to Izzy to try. I bought the kids silly putty the other day (Remember silly putty? So much fun! I had forgotten that it bounces--and now it even comes in colors). Anyway, this morning Isabelle came into my room to tell me that her silly putty was stuck in her hair.
"Um, mom. My silly putty is stuck in my hair."
"Why did you put silly putty in your hair?"
"Um, well, I was trying to make ear puffs."
"Ear puffs?"
"Um, ear muffs?"
"Oh. Ear muffs. Why would you want ear muffs made out of silly putty?"
"So I couldn't hear anything in the night."
*Pause. I was just waking up and it took a minute to realize that the silly putty had been in her hair all night. Getting good and twisted up.*
"You made ear muffs last night??"
"Um, ya."

Sprinklers

Luke is putting a sprinkling system in our front yard, so this is what it looks like right now:

It is so nice to be married to someone who can do these projects! He is amazing. He had been working really hard, and I hope he knows how much we appreciate all his time and effort. Izzy and Dylan helped by picking up rocks and tree roots. After about five minutes, they decided they were done and took a lunch break beneath the trees. They love playing under the snowball bushes (they think there is a way into Narnia somewhere under there).

It has been a huge project, and it will be nice when it is done. I can't wait until I can post a picture of our new and improved front yard!

Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie

My friend Brooke gave me this recipe, and it was really good! The instructions say to top it with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Luke and I weren't buying into the caramel sauce, because it just didn't seem to go together. What was I thinking? I just ate a piece with the caramel (purely for research), and it was awesome! I just love this pumpkin-y time of year!

Boil
1/4 C brown sugar
3/4 C canned pumpkin
3/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt
Let cool. Mix with 1 quart (two pints) of softened butter pecan ice cream and pour into a graham cracker pie crust. Freeze for 3 hours before cutting. You can use vanilla ice cream if you'd rather. Enjoy!

Scary!

Did you know Halloween is second only to Christmas in holiday spending? Consumers will spend over $2.5 billion on costumes, candy, decorations, and party goods. Yes, I said billion.

Confirmation

A few months ago, while blog-stalking, I read a quote that jumped out at me. I have written it down several places, and have even memorized it. I often find myself reciting it over and over in my head:

Now we see through a glass, darkly; then we will see face to face. Now I know in part; then I will know fully, even as I am fully known.

I have always contemplated what life is all about, but lately it has weighed heavily on my mind. We lost a good friend and neighbor recently. It's been almost a year since Grandma Kemp passed away. I worry constantly about my uncle who is alone, and not in good health. Why the sadness and suffering?

But as much sadness and suffering as there is, there is also great joy. I have dear friends that are awaiting a new baby. I see my own children learning and accomplishing things every day. And especially at this time of year, I am blown away by the awesome beauty of the world we live in.

So, where do these pieces fit? Will it all make sense one day? Am I getting any closer to knowing the answers to these questions? Do I strive to make the world a better place, to contribute to society, to truly celebrate all that I have been given? I understand that we must experience pain and loss to appreciate the good things in life, of that I am sure. But it's a lot more complicated than that. If I could just have the answers to my questions, it would be so much easier!

Which brings me to Saturday. I was listening to a talk given by a great man I have always loved and admired. This person does not know me, and this talk was given over the airways to millions of listeners. Which is why I sat in my car with my mouth gaping open when I heard him recite the quote that is so often on my mind. I was alone, but I still found myself looking to the right, and then to the left, as if someone would suddenly appear in my empty car and say--yes, I heard it, too! He quoted your quote! But, no one showed up, and I found myself alone with my thoughts. It was the answer I had been looking for, but it took hearing him speak the words for me to finally understand. Of course. Now, I see through a glass, darkly. I only know in part, but there will come a day when I will fully know.

Weekend Getaway

This weekend, we spent some time with Mike and Lori at thier cabin. It was beautiful up there, and so relaxing! The kids had so much fun. They colored, played foosball, and jumped off the pool table onto Luke. They built forts upstairs and played in the snow outside. And best of all, they were being so good, they didn't really need much supervision. Which left time for Mike and Luke to go fly fishing, and Lori and I to read our books. We ate great food while we were there, and enjoyed being with good friends. After Lori and I took turns reading bedtime stories on Saturday night, the adults settled in for a game of Scrabble. Then Mike and Lori taught us a fun new game called 'Take Two'. On Sunday, we went for a walk, and I grabbed my camera on the way out.

The kids outside the cabin:

The boys were full of hugs the entire weekend:

Izzy and Dylan:

We had a fabulous time, so thanks Mike and Lori! We couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend getaway!

The Cabin

I was thrilled when Luke told me that Grandpa Kemp's cabin is going to be fixed up and placed at Wheeler Historical Farm. Here's a picture of it now, and I'll make sure to post one when it gets to the Farm. I think both Grandma and Grandpa Kemp would be very honored.

Happy birthday, Isabelle!

Isabelle turned 6 on Saturday. I love birthdays! I had so much fun watching Izzy anticipate her big day. And I figured, why wait? Why squish all the fun into one day?
So, we started on Friday. Izzy, Dylan, and I went bowling. We ordered a pizza and some breadsticks. The breadsticks were nearly as big as the kids, so it's good we had a lot of root beer! Izzy bowled a 70, and Dylan finished with an impressive 66. We had a lot of fun, and started acting a little silly:

The fun didn't stop there. Saturday was Izzy's party. The tire swing was a big hit:

Each of her friends had a chance to ride the horses:

We played pin the tail on the donkey, and stopped long enough to take a picture:

To top off the afternoon, we had a zebra pinata full of surprises:

After all that, the kids settled down for pizza, watermelon, and cupcakes. What a day!

It's hard to believe that Isabelle is already six years old. It seems like not that long ago, she was just a baby. I still remember every detail of the day we brought her home from the hospital. And now she is six. Six! Crazy.

Happy birthday, Tiny!

Edward vs. Harry

After finishing the Harry Potter series, I was looking for something to read. I heard from several people that if I liked Harry, I would enjoy the Twilight series. There are three books in the series (soon to be four). So, long story short, I dove into it. Twilight was a charming book. It was full of romance, which I don't usually read. It's just not my thing. The main character, Bella, was from Arizona, but her mom remarried and planned to travel with her new husband. So Bella decided to go live with her dad in a small town in Washington. The plot came out quite early in the book, and it was a fun, easy read. There was the usual teenage angst that comes with moving to a new town during high school, as well as the classic crush. The main characters, Edward and Bella, had a true red/blue relationship, which I think several of us can identify with. It was a story filled with loyalty, love, and vampires. Definitely worth the read. Edward was a true gentleman, and very romantic, to say the least.

So, that brings me to Harry. What can I say? I don't know if I will ever be as enchanted by a series of books than I was (and still am) by Harry Potter. There is something to be said for J.K. Rowling. I didn't merely identify with her characters. They became real to me. There were so many layers to each person. So many good qualites, as well as little idiosyncracies. I know the profound love Molly Weasley put into each ghastly sweater she knitted for her boys at Christmas. I will always respect and love Dumbledore. I still struggle with Professor Snape; his actions as well as his true intentions. I laughed with these people, I cried with them, I felt their pain. In some weird way, they exist in my heart and mind. Each one of them taught me something about myself. I guess I walked away from Harry Potter wanting to be a better person. Harry went to Hogwarts a boy who didn't know who he was, or really where he came from at all. But he was surrounded by great people who loved him, and he was tested by trial after trial. Overcoming each challenge that he faced required strength, knowledge, and faith. Faith that good would ultimately win out over evil.

When all is said and done, Edward and Harry both have good qualities. Edward is probably better looking, and a much better date, but I think in the end I'd take Harry. There you have it. As far as I'm concerned, the boy who lived wins again.

Argh! Happy Birthday, Jory!

How cool is it to have yer birthday on International Talk Like a Pirate Day? Yes, there is such a thing. I wouldn't run a rig! For you skeptics out there, click here to read all about it. So, we hope ye get lots of booty for yer birthday, and that no one hornswaggles ye out of any fun! Shiver me timbers! We can't believe ye are already 15, ye scallywag!

I Heart Seattle

Luke and I love Seattle. We spent a bit of our honeymoon there, and fell in love with the city. We hiked, kayaked, and of course went to the top of the Space Needle. Pike Place Market is one of our favorite places on earth. I remember the first thing I saw at the market were sunflowers that had a diameter of at least 18 inches. Amazing. It was fun to watch the guys throw fish, and I made sure to kiss the golden pig. It's just a really cool city. It fits us.
Luke is in Seattle right now, and I am sitting at my desk. Posting on my blog. In Utah. Which means I'm not in Seattle. Bummer. It did get me thinking about our time there, and I started looking for pictures. Thank heaven for digital cameras! I have gone through at least one hundred (I'm not kidding) pictures looking for our honeymoon photos. What in the world am I going to do with the endless envelopes of prints we have collected over the years? I finally gave up and took a picture of a picture in our scrapbook. Really? I had time to scrapbook? Seriously? To quote the fabulous Bob Dylan, "things have changed". A lot.
Anyway, long story short, I am missing Seattle. I want to wear jeans and sweaters. I want to go to Pike Place to grab some halibut for dinner. Maybe some flowers to put in the kitchen. I want to play in the rain with Izzy and Dylan. And maybe all of these things would seem dreary and mundane after a while, but right now they sound wonderful.

The Kel Kemp Memorial

Today was the annual Kel Kemp Memorial golf tournament. Kel is Luke's grandpa, and truly one of my favorite people in the world. The tournament was started in Grandpa Kemp's name the summer after he passed away. It always proves to be a fun (and tender) day. All the proceeds from the tournament go to the Huntsman Cancer Institute for research. I don't know a single person that hasn't been touched in some way by cancer. The disease doesn't discriminate, which became painfully clear to our family when we lost Grandpa Kemp. He was an incredible man, and is missed every day.
Grandpa had a couple of flags in his pasture; one at each end. He would practice hitting golf balls toward them every day before and after chores. He loved a good game of golf! One of the flags, though it has seen better days, waved proudly in the breeze today during the tournament. We snagged it for a quick picture of the Larsen clan:

Being at the tournament and reminiscing about Grandpa's life made me contemplate what my own legacy might be. Am I proud of the way I am living my life? What will people remember most about me when I'm gone? Is there anything I would regret doing? Or better yet, not doing? Anything I wish I would have said? You get the idea. Seriously, though. What would your legacy be?

Dylan Beckham?

Probably not. But he is very excited about his new soccer team, so it doesn't really matter. He is happy to have a uniform (that is gigantic on him) and new shin guards. If you ask him he'll tell you that if anyone kicks him in the leg, "it won't even hewt!"

God Bless America!

I hope none of us forget, especially on this anniversary of September 11th, what we are fighting for.

My "100"

Liz posted her "100", and it inspired me to try to think of 100 things about myself. This is harder than it looks, but well worth the time. I think everyone should challenge themselves and jot down their own "100". Here's mine:

1. I am terrified of spiders.
2. I hate scary movies.
3. I am proud to be an American.
4. I like to listen to Glenn Beck.
5. I've never left North America.
6. I grew up with three sisters and no brothers.
7. I was an NBA cheerleader.
8. I love getting dressed up.
9. I think most animals are stinky.
10. My hair is naturally curly.
11. I hate milk.
12. I cried when I read the 7th Harry Potter book.
13. I wish I laughed more.
14. Math is my worst subject.
15. I hate parades.
16. I don't mind the smell of skunks.
17. I love classical music.
18. My favorite ice cream is Ben and Jerry's Strawberry Cheesecake.
19. Ice cream makes my stomach hurt.
20. I love teaching dance, especially ballet.
21. I want to be a forensic scientist.
22. I have insomnia.
23. I love soda because of the bubbles.
24. Isabelle and Dylan are my favorite people in the world.
25. I love to read.
26. Autumn is my favorite season.
27. I don't like anything to touch my wrists.
28. I am spiritual.
29. I hate going to movies.
30. I always make chili on Halloween.
31. I hate Halloween.
32. Luke is my best friend.
33. I love clean sheets.
34. I like my pillow to be cold when I go to bed.
35. My favorite fabric softener is Melon and Lotus Flower Snuggle.
36. I love Cool Ranch Doritos.
37. My favorite candy is chocolate covered cinnamon bears.
38. I enjoy gardening.
39. My favorite flower is a gerbera daisy.
40. I have the coolest in-laws in the world.
41. I think the moon landing may have been a government hoax.
42. My favorite movie is The Princess Bride.
43. I lied about my weight on my driver's license.
44. I look up to and love my mom and dad very much.
45. I hate being wet.
46. I snort when I laugh.
47. I prefer drinking with a straw.
48. I love red meat.
49. I attended The International Air Academy (for about 2 weeks).
50. I have a Yorkshire Terrier named Ozzy and a Mini-Lop rabbit named Ruby.
51. My son is named after Bob Dylan.
52. I love James Taylor.
53. I met Anthony Kiedis.
54. I was on an episode of Touched by an Angel.
55. I hate drying dishes and grating cheese.
56. I don't iron.
57. I love mexican and chinese food.
58. I am a Chicago Bears fan.
59. I love hot dogs/corn dogs.
60. I like to snowboard.
61. I am a terrible golfer.
62. I've had plastic surgery (gasp!).
63. I love my ipod.
64. I like my eyes.
65. I love to go grocery shopping.
66. I love to cook.
67. I like watching the Food Network.
68. I am afraid of open water.
69. I don't know how to swim (probably one reason to explain #68).
70. I love hospital ice.
71. I enjoyed being pregnant.
72. I am good at keeping secrets.
73. I have a crush on Michael Buble (not really, but he is rather fabulous).
74. I believe in quality over quantity when it comes to friends.
75. I don't like to wear socks and shoes.
76. I hate the feel of grass under my bare feet.
77. I love my Outback.
78. I enjoy kayaking.
79. I support the war in Iraq.
80. I don't have a middle name.
81. I won't open my shutters unless my family room carpet has just been vacuumed.
82. I didn't know how to spell vacuum until I wrote #81.
83. I don't like seafood.
84. My pet peeve is when people chew with their mouth open or talk with it full.
85. I like to watch America's Next Top Model-even the marathons.
86. I like getting pedicures.
87. I love vegetables.
88. I am a good speller.
89. I think David Caruso is a terrible actor.
90. I hate watching people play cards on TV.
91. I am afraid of the dentist.
92. I hate to do my hair.
93. I've never donated blood.
94. I love it when I catch my kids looking at me out of the corner of their eye, just to make sure I am watching them.
95. I don't dare start our grill.
96. I like canning.
97. I had a tumor in my kidney.
98. I won't wear low-rise jeans.
99. I love everything about my house.
100. One of my favorite things to watch is summer lightening storms.

Grrrr!

Final score: Chargers 14, Bears 3. Not cool. Do you know what else isn't cool Mr. Eric Weddle? Sacking Rex Grossman, that's what. It wasn't that long ago that we sat, basking in the spirit of the Cottonwood youth, eating scones together. Didn't that mean anything to you? Don't get me wrong. I am happy for you and your Chargers, but how soon we forget, Eric. How soon we forget.

Happy birthday, Angel!

For your birthday post, I have something I know you'll love. A coupon! (Only those who know and love Angel will understand.) OK, so this coupon is good for a free evening of babysitting, but it is only redeemable if you and Tyler go do something fun. Dinner, a movie, maybe a nice drive up to Silver Lake. Anything. However, it is not redeemable if you will be going to a doctor appointment, taking your car to the shop, or anything of that nature. So, let me know when you are ready to use this one-of-a-kind birthday coupon, and we'll figure out the details. Have a happy birthday; we love you!

Don't Cry...

My friend Brooke's mother-in-law told me to put a match between my teeth whenever I slice onions. Right. And if I pass this tip on to 17 people in my address book in the next 10 seconds, I'll become rich next Tuesday at 9:34am...not. Anyway, I just sliced up a bunch of onions for the pickles I am making. Before I had even finished half of them, I thought I was going to go blind. I was desperate, so I asked Luke to grab a match for me. Long story short, as soon as I put it in my mouth, my eyes stopped watering. Immediate relief. It was crazy! I don't know how or why this works, but it does. So there you go. Your random piece of information for the day.

Dylan's Big Day

Today was Dylan's first day of preschool. On the first day, moms and dads get to go to class, too. We had so much fun! His teacher read a story and he did three different art projects. He met new friends, and had a snack. He is excited to go again. So excited that he doesn't even care if Luke and I go with next time. Awesome! We are thrilled that he had such a great day.

Izzy's Big Week

It's only Wednesday, and Isabelle has already had a big week. Yesterday, she got her cast taken off.

Today was her first day of kindergarten. For some reason, she looked really grown up when we got ready to leave for school.

It's crazy how time flies.

Mt. Timpanogos

Yesterday we hiked to the Mt. Timpanogos caves. Here is your random information for the day: timpanogos is a Paiute word meaning 'river of rock'. You feel smarter, don't you? OK, anyway, we didn't think that there would be a lot of people there, but seeing as it was Labor Day weekend, we were wrong. We arrived at around 2pm, and we couldn't get on the trail until 4:30. We killed some time by grabbing a map from the ranger and going on a nature hike (apparently we aren't the only ones that have had to wait). We also looked at a lot of postcards and various rocks at the giftshop. Did you know you can buy yourself a blue ribbon for hiking to the caves? True story. After a while, Izzy and Dylan got hot (and bored), so we let them put their feet in the river for a bit. Finally, it was time to start hiking.This is a classic Luke photo. What you can't see is that he is standing on a big red stripe (read the sign). Anyone who knows him will appreciate this picture!

After hiking 1 1/2 miles, we made it to this sign. Isabelle walked the entire way by herself, so she was very excited that we were almost there--just a few short switchbacks left.

It was pretty cold in the cave. About 40-45 degrees, so we were glad we had sweatshirts. Well, everyone but Luke. He didn't think it would be "that cold", so he didn't grab one. When I asked him if he was chilly, he told me to put on a wet, sweaty t-shirt and get into the fridge, so I'm assuming he was. The kids thought the rock formations were really cool, and had a ball making their way through each of the three caves. Our guide pointed out two particular formations, and asked if anyone knew what they were. Isabelle piped up and informed everyone that the deposits hanging from the limestone are stalactites, and the ones on the floor are stalagmites. Good girl.

Soon enough, it was time to head back, so we got our gear and started down the mountain. Luke had Dylan in the backpack, which we are hoping he doesn't fit into next summer. Can you imagine packing around a five-year-old in that thing?

On the way down, the sun was starting to set. In the evening light, we noticed the maples that are turning red. They looked spectacular against the looming evergreens and steep cliffs. I was quickly reminded of why autumn is my very favorite time of the year.

Are you kidding me?

Just push play.

Horses

When I was young, I wanted a horse. Really bad. I think the request even made it onto a Christmas list or two. Santa never came through, but as an adult, I understand that he must have had issues with fitting a horse onto the sleigh. I can see clearly that it was a big request, and it would have caused all sorts of problems. Hindsight being 20/20, I see Santa was a really smart guy. So, I am glad that Fred and Kelly have horses for Isabelle and Dylan to love. They get so excited to help feed, and especially love riding them. What lucky kids! I'm sure Santa is relieved.

Camping

This weekend, we went camping in the Uintahs. This is a picture of Washington Lake, which is where we stayed. I kayaked to the middle of the lake early in the morning while the water was still glassy, and got a pretty good shot. I was listening to Bach's Cello Suite 1 on my ipod, which made this particular moment much more dramatic. Gotta love Johann.

Here's a picture of the kids hanging out by the campfire. Dylan is a big fan of Luke's headlight.

I happened to have my camera with me (he he) when Luke and Dylan decided to head down to the lake to take the kayak for a spin. They were on their way to the little island you can see in the top left hand corner of the water. The kids are convinced there is buried treasure there. We have a gold fishing lure that Isabelle is positive was once a pirate's earring.

Me and the kids hanging out in the tent. It's probably best you can't see Izzy's feet. They were black. Not just kind of dirty. Black.

This is my attempt at a dramatic photo while we hiked to some other lakes in the area.

Izzy and Dylan taking a break at Crystal Lake.

Dylan conquering the forest.

Isabelle and I had to prove that we could make it out to the little island, as well. She is sitting next to the tower that the pirates built.

On our way home, we stopped at Provo River Falls. It's a shame I didn't get a photo of the biker lady throwing back a Budweiser at 10am, but I didn't think the big men in leather surrounding her would think it was a nice thing to do. So I didn't. But the waterfall made for a great second choice. Beautiful, isn't it?

After we left the falls, we stopped in Kamas at a little diner called Dick's to get a shake. Luke said Grandpa Kemp used to take him there when he was young, so we couldn't pass it up. What a perfect way to end a perfect weekend.