Fall Family Photos

A few weeks ago went went to the Union Station where my dad took our annual family photos. We had a great time and got some awesome pictures (although it was a bit more challenging with two kids). Thanks dad for all of your hard work!!

Finally caught a smile

Fall Fun

I love Fall. I love the smell of falling leaves and the crispness in the air. This October seems to have been full of fun activities. The Pumpkimaze in West Haven has been a favorite for us. We've gone twice and everyone but Jonas has braved and loved the giant slide. Also, last Saturday we went to the local Pumpkin Walk and enjoyed seeing the glowing pumpkins and thousands of luminaries made by the local elementary school children.

Cora and Gracie being brave and entering the corn maze

Cora dressed up as what she calls a "Happy Witch" and cousin Gracie as "Tinker Bell"

Cora, Wellyn, Gracie and I on the Giant Slide

All of us freezing at the Pumpkin Walk:)

We all can't wait for this Halloween. Cora has been excited for and talking about Halloween for months now. It's so fun for us now that she is a little older. Seeing the excitement and wonder in her eyes reminds me of fond Halloween memories from my childhood.

You will survive

One thing I really like about having two kids is that they can interact and entertain each other. Cora cracks me up as a big sister. Whenever Jonas starts crying she usually looks for ways to help him out (sometimes she resorts to yelling, "STOP CRYING!" but that's usually only in the car). These are a few pictures of how I've come back to find Jonas after Cora has been helping out. To his credit, Jonas takes things pretty well. He does occasionally give me a look that seems to say: "Are you sure you know what you're doing as a mom? Cause I'm not sure I'm going to survive into adulthood."

Jonas, as big sister Cora would say--- "Don't Worry."

Summer Re-Cap

It seems as though our lives have been in a fast-forward time warp since Jonas joined our family almost four months ago. I honestly can't belive it's October and nearing Halloween. I thought I'd better post some highlights from our summer before it's Christmastime:)

We had a family Reunion at the Heber Valley Camp. It was a blast and great to see everyone. The Challenge Course was really fun. Cris Walking the high wire

Cora Getting ready to swing

<-super attractive rappelling gear->

Yellowstone 2009

We went to Yellowstone with the Fam and stayed in a cabin at Island Park. The cabin was amazing and a huge help with a two month old, but we were lame and didn't get any pictures of the cabin. Here are a few other highlights:

Cora's favorite part was swimming in the Fire Hole River

Cris and Jonas enjoying one of our favorite hot pot spots. This is how Jonas experienced Yellowstone. We think he really liked it and will probably become quite the Yellowstoner as he grows up.

We were able to visit Quake Lake which is somewhere we had never been before. It was an amazing sight to see.

Back to school night

We feel like we have entered a new stage of "old." Last night we attended a back-to-school night as parents for the first time. Yes, Cora is going to preschool this year.

She is so excited and can't wait until Monday--her first day of preschool. We're excited for her. The preschool seems great and we're slowly getting used to the idea that our little girl is going out into the big world ; ).

Some Summer Fun

Now that Jonas is getting a bigger--he's growing like a weed--we've been able to enjoy the warm weather a little more. Here's what we've been up to:

We took a trip to Lava Hot Springs with family. Cora braved the river, and Jonas braved the giant tub in our room. Here is Cora with her cousin Gracie getting ready for some hobo dinners.

Cora has been to the water park a few times this summer. Fun and free.

Jonas enjoys the water park and just about anything else that is outside. Don't let his grumpy-face fool you, he loves it.

After a family reunion, Cora did some fish 'n behind great grandma and great grandpa's house. This is one of our favorite places to escape the valley heat.

Cora and her cousin Wellyn ran a kids K. She had a lot of fun. Cora is following the family tradition--we don't run to win, we run to finish ; ). This is pre race.

This is mid race. Nice stride for a 3-year-old.

And this is post race.

We hope everyone has been enjoying the summer as much as we have.

Happy Birthday Cora

A few highlights from Cora's birthday party at the park:

Cousins at the park

Jonas looks confused. "Why am I not the center of attention?"

Cora loved her Barbie cake made by Grandma Sunny

Wellyn loved his chocolate ice cream.

Pre birthday party swim.

We can't believe how fast our little girl is growing up.