Oh autumn, how I have missed you

One of the many wonderful perks of living in Utah again is to experience the Fall. I had all but forgotten how magnificent the changing seasons really are! Fall has always been my most favorite time of year. When we lived in Arizona I always longed for REAL autumn leaves every Fall, and many times my heart would ache for canyon drives to witness the beautiful Autumn colors.

For the last month we have loved getting cozy by the fire pit, drinking hot apple cider or roasting s'mores. We have loved having the kids play night games with huge groups of friends. We have loved watching Nicholas' football games in the early evening and feeling the cool canyon breeze. We have loved driving up the canyon on Sunday afternoons to soak in all the fall colors. Wow, it's good to be back.

September Birthdays

Nicholas (11 years old) and Nate (5 years old) had birthdays this month!
We were lucky to spend both birthdays with Grandparents and Uncle Peter.

Nicholas received his Arrow of Light award and is now a Boy Scout! He is also on a flag football team, and he is in the school musical Peter Pan as part of the Pirate Crew.

Nate started pre-school this month and LOVES it!

First Day of School

Clark is a Sophomore, Lauren is a Freshman, Nicholas is in 5th grade and Jack is in 1st grade. I love that they all are happy with their teachers, and have friends! It makes it easier to have them gone all day knowing that they are happy.

Pioneer Trek

This morning when I dropped Clark and Lauren off for Pioneer Trek, my heart was full. Ever since we moved to Salt Lake City, I have had numerous occasions where I've felt such reverence for this sacred ground. Our pioneer ancestors had a true desire for Zion and their testimonies burned with knowledge of this true Gospel, and their desire to live it. We had the opportunity to watch 17 Miracles before they left for Trek (sidenote: Dave's Aunt, MaryJane played Mrs. Loader in this movie!) and it was amazing! I think it was a perfect way for them to start their Trek.

Ava turned one!

Ava had a wonderful birthday! She squealed in delight the whole evening! Grandma and Grandpa Manwaring and Uncle Peter came over to help her celebrate.

Nate gets stitches

Our sweet little guy was kneeling on the arm of the couch and slipped and hit the desk right next to it! Nate was SO brave when we went to get his stitches! He held completely still for the shot of numbing medicine and stitches. The nurse was so impressed and said she had never seen a braver child! She grabbed a dollar bill out of her own wallet so he could get a sweet treat for being so brave. Of course, he didn't want to spend it and I got him a Bob's Brainfreeze(Best shaved Ice ever!). He thinks he looks pretty tough with the stitches!

Bonnets

With our Stake Pioneer Trek coming up, and with Ava's Birthday on Pioneer day, I had way too much fun making bonnets for my girls!