Loving Fall!

I have been wanting to head up into the canyon for a while, but between it getting dark early and Saturday football games we just haven't made it. Since it was SO gorgeous this week I put my foot down and told the family we were going today, no matter what. I am so glad we did. We went up by Bridal Veil Falls and had a blast just being out in nature. Greg and I both realize that we don't do this enough and could both use the calming effect nature had on us today. The changing colors, the crazy mountains, the rushing river/stream. It was all so wonderful. I hope we can make it up there again before it gets too cold.

Scarecrow Festival '09

We decided to spend the day at the Scarecrow Festival, just like last year's Fall break. And, just like last year, we were a little worried about the weather but it was BEAUTIFUL! This is why I love Fall, and why I wish Fall would last a bit longer.
The boys are getting really independent lately. They would just run off and go from one bounce house to the next. It was a little crazy, but I tried to let them have fun without freaking out too much. I love that Annabelle will still just walk around holding my hand.
We enjoyed carnival games, go-karts, bouncy houses (I tried one, and that was enough), and the boys went through the haunter house at least 10 times-at least they weren't scared. Last year I remembered spending a lot on food so I brought lunches for the kids and just got myself a Navajo taco, YUM!

Ryan

Now Ryan is my boy of two very different personalities. He can be so sweet and loving one moment and then a screaming terror the next. For example:
Scenario #1: It was the day my dad was coming. I was really tired and not feeling the best but desperately needed to go to the store for the basics. Ryan could tell I wasn't at my best and insisted that I go lay down and sleep, "We don't need to go to the store right now, mom, you should go and take a nap." How thoughtful. However I did pull myself together and we got what we needed (though I will never let 2 kids have small shopping carts again!).
Scenario #2: Last week we got a note from Ry's school saying we needed to finish up shots or he couldn't come back. I knew there was 1 or 2 more that he needed (we had to wait 6 months since I got the first set in March), but had been putting it off because Ryan had mentioned more than once that he didn't want to get any more shots. Well, this morning I warned him, and then after school reminded him again that we had to go and get a couple shots so he could keep going to Kindergarten. Of course he didn't want to go, and made a bunch of protests, but they were all while he was under control of his emotions and he got in the car and then walked into the office without too much of a complaint. While we waited he cuddled up with me and read books. Once in the back office we found out it was only 1 shot and we were both happy. But then the nurse came back with said shot and Ryan lost it all. He SCREAMED, he PUNCHED, he KICKED, he was yelling things like, "I am going to kill you!" I couldn't help laughing but I was also crying. I felt so bad that he was SO worked up over a little shot. The poor nurse and I had to smother him as he pushed and yelled at us both. It was horrible. I was a mixture of embarrassed and mortified. He was so red in the face and shaking as he tried to push me away. As soon as it was over he face calmed a bit and he said, "It's over?" I wish I could have had that video taped. We would all laugh at it someday, not today though...his words are still echoing through my mind, and his poor face. Oh, Ryan.

Nathan

While we watched conference on Saturday Nathan and Ryan went to work decorating our house with Halloween pictures. When I went to look there were pictures all around the house, outside, with more tape then you could imagine. There was also this sign:

It says: "Read this now befor you open the door. You only git candy if you don't laf (laugh) at the pikers (pictures). Have a good Halloween. Boo!" I love my kids pictures, but as you can see, I wouldn't laugh at them if you want any candy from us this year.

This is the BEAUTIFUL ring Nathan got me at the nickelcade yesterday. He went there for a birthday party and brought home something for me, Annie and Ryan. What a thoughtful kid, huh? Too bad it scratches my finger.

Enjoying Grumpy

My dad is here visiting and we are all having a lot of fun. The kids were so excited for his arrival that they each made a bunch of pictures to welcome him. Ryan even found an eagle book mark (no idea where) and has been saving it for a month because he knows it is Grumpy's favorite animal. It has been fun for me to have an adult to talk to, though when he gets into politics my mind goes a little fuzzy. The kids are always wanting to help him or play with him. Annabelle ran upstairs the other day during a games of chase, she is still learning that Grumpy's legs are "broken." I have tried to explain MS to the kids but broken legs is easier for them to understand. We have another week, I hope he can make it.