A Mean Dragon...

Me: "Garrett, what are you going to be for Halloween?"
Garrett: "A dragon."
Me: "Are you going to be a nice dragon or a mean dragon?"
Garrett: "A mean dragon."
Me: "What does a mean dragon say?" (I was expecting a spectacular, fire-breathing roar.)
Garrett: "Trick or treat."

I think it's safe to say the little fellar is ready for his big Halloween debut tomorrow. Per his request, he's been "practicing" almost every day. His practice consists of him putting on his costume, knocking on the inside of our front door, and asking his imaginary friend (whose name is usually Jenna), "Can I have some candy, please?" We've been trying to get him to say, "Trick or treat," and it looks he's got it down and is ready to rock. Bring on the sweet stuff!

Of course, I will take a billion pictures of the Dragon and his little Tinkerbell working their magic tomorrow and post them very soon for long-lost aunts and uncles who have moved far, far away. (And anybody else who may care.)

Happy haunting to all of you!

Long Live RSL, Deer Camp, and the Pumpkin Walk

My faithful readers (I love saying that) may remember back in July when I posted about being really ticked off at Real Salt Lake for not letting us switch tickets when Greg was sick/I had a broken leg. Thanks to the help of Greg's sweetest cousin ever, Dani (and her family), that story now has a happy ending!

James and Dani called a few weeks ago and told us to choose a date, because they wanted to get us tickets to go to a game with them. (They are like MEGA Real fans and felt really bad about our negative experience with Real Salt Lake.) We felt a bit silly about taking their extra tickets, but they insisted and we had an absolute blast. It seriously was one of the funnest things we've done in a long time! We enjoyed an absolutely amazing dinner at their house--Dani's carnitas are better than any restaurant--and then headed off to the game.

Dani was like a little kid waiting for Santa Claus and was actually giddy about going to the game. It was awesome. We had no idea she was such a huge fan, but as she rattled off everything you would ever need to know about the team and the history of RSL, we knew we were in for a fun night!

Awesome self-pic of Yours Truly, Gregory Boy, and our Amigo Ruben.


Whatever they said to each other during this pep talk worked, because we totally dominated the whole game! (Notice how I said, "we." Yes, we're fans now and I'm getting over the bad feelings I had in my heart for RSL. ) :)

Aren't Dani, Kaylee and James just the cutest? We love them!

I had to sneak this picture in of Abby snoozing in her high chair. There's nothing quite as sweet as a sleeping baby!

For many folks, October means fall, changing leaves, football, Halloween, apple cider, corn mazes, you know the drill. For the men in my family, October means only one thing: DEER HUNTING. (Okay, they like also like football, but it usually takes the back-burner during hunting season.)

I ventured up with the kids for a few days to visit Greg and the guys. Greg had actually taken Garrett up to camp the night before and they "enjoyed" a nice night in the tent before Abby and I arrived. I didn't feel quite like roughing it in a tent full of mountain men because I didn't know how the kids would sleep, so we ventured over to Bear Lake and slept in the cabin and spent the days at camp. Definitely a good choice! It got a bit chilly at night, but the days were BEAUTIFUL!

The only good thing about the cold is looking at this little gal in her hat and gloves. There's something about little kids all bundled up in their winter clothes that makes me happy. (I think it makes me think of Ralphie and I have to laugh. If you don't know who Ralphie is, you were seriously deprived as a child and should be mad at your parents.)

As could be imagined, Garrett was totally in his element and loved every second of his deer hunting experience. He ran around camp "fixing things" with his hammer.

We enjoyed a couple of lovely horse rides. The weather was perfect and the fall leaves were absolutely beautiful. Garrett was so overcome with the splendor of it all that he fell asleep multiple times along the trail. Good thing daddy has a strong shoulder for tired little heads!

Here's Little G catching a few more ZZZZ's. (Notice how simply stunning I am looking in the background in my hunter orange cap and vest.)

Garrett did wake up often enough to cause a bit of trouble every now and again. Greg discovered that Garrett was happy as long as he had a stick in his hand to hit the trees with as we passed by.

We stopped for a rest/snack break.

Darn it...too bad Abby was back at camp with Grandpa or we would have a really classy family photo to send out with our Christmas cards this year.

This old champ is Norval, my grandpa's best friend. Grandpa Butch passed away a few years ago, but Norval still visits deer camp every year and is beloved by all. Especially Garrett, who followed him around like a lost puppy.

What good is a snack break without a little swig of DC?

Norval and Brett were resting on the rocks, so Garrett decided he needed to join them for a little cowboy power nap.

Abby didn't go on the long trail ride with us, but she did catch a few quick rides around camp.

As always, deer camp was a delight and we're already looking forward to next year!

We also enjoyed visiting the Pumpkin Walk this year. Abby took in the sights from her stroller. Isn't she just so festive?

Garrett was absolutely thrilled to run into "Mrs. Allen" at the Pumpkin Walk. (Mrs. Allen teaches kindergarten across the hall from my mom and Garrett LOVES her. He talks about Mrs. Allen all the time.) When Garrett saw her, he grabbed her hand and said, "Come on, Mrs. Allen. Let's go see the pumpkins." Such a sweet (and wild) boy!

Note to Self...

Please remember to log out of Blogger when using a computer that little brother may also choose to use.

(See previous post if you have no idea what I'm talking about.)

My Little Brother

I just really felt that it was time that I dedicate some of my precious blog space to my little brother Brett. For those of you who don't know him, he is definitely one of the neatest, kindest, humblest, and handsomest young man that I know; and believe me I know a lot of young men if you kow what I mean!!! For those of you who do know him, I know it won't be hard to deny any of the afore mentioned undeniable facts. Even though he is my younger brother and the yougest of our family, me and my siblings have all always looked up to him. As a kid he always set the example for use when we were acting up. In fact, on numerous occassions I have heard both of my parents say that they too have often looked to his example. My mom once told me "many times while you guys were kids and Craig and I didn't quite know what to do to raise you right and teach you proper principles, we would go to Brett. He always had the perfect solution and the most sound advice. Every good thing about you kids can be attributed to him." That is a direct quote. Well I don't want to take up too much of you blogging time, but felt that this needed to be done. Below is a picture that perfectly illustrates what I am talking about, Brett sacrifices so much time and energy each fall trying to provide meat for his family for the upcoming winter. What a great example, and true American hero. I love you Bretty Boy.

We're Back in the Game!

My laptop is fixed! HOORAY! There's only one small problem--it won't connect to the Internet now. :( Greg is tired of dealing with it and is turning it over to his brother to fix the next time we see them, but I did steal my mom's computer for a bit so I can catch up on my web-surfing/blogging.

As could be expected, this is a long post with lots of pictures. I'm doubting you'll really want to read it all unless you are a close family member in a far-away land, but here goes...

So it's been almost two years since I've reunited with my college roommates/best friends. Pathetic--especially since Jill, Megan, and I only live a few hours apart. After months of planning, we finally made it happen! We met at my house and had a wonderful day!

The boys couldn't get enough of the dirt mound in the backyard. (Okay, that dirt mound is all the "yard" we have right now, so I'm glad they enjoyed it.)

The Gang (minus Megan the photographer)

Jill, Jordan, Jarrett, and Jaycie (The cutest little family of "J's" you will ever meet.)

Megan, Tate, and Corey

Garrett is a typical two-year old boy--and I love it! He's so much fun. Notice he's sitting on a Tonka truck book while building a "hosibo" (hospital) with blocks. (He is still a little obsessed with hospitals/sicknesses/injuries.)

We enjoyed a delightful Labor Day in Wellsville with my sister's family. The highlight of the day would be attending the parade--it was extra great when I turned my head for two seconds and Garrett ran out in the road in front of a float. Awesome. Thank heavens it's a slow-moving parade and I had time to yank him away before he got run over. Proud parent moment.

The G-Man showing off his candy.

Hitching a ride with Pops.

We ventured down to the town square and I told Garrett he could ride one ride. Of course, he chose the train.

My brother, Brian, rode in the LOTOJA bike for the 7th time. I missed the race last year because I was pregnant with the Little Missy and barfing my guts out, so I was glad to be back in attendance this year.

Here's the only picture I got of Brian on his bike. Definitely a keeper.

The house we stayed at in Jackson had a mini hot tub--a huge hit with the little swimmers.

Greg's little sister, Mal Pal, joined us for the weekend and acted as my nanny. She was a LIFESAVER and I will never take another road trip without her. Just a few days after we got home, that crazy girl accepted a job with Micron in Virginia and up and moved across the country. We already miss her so much! (I tried to convince her to just move in with us and be our servant, but no luck. She chose Micron--something about a salary with benefits and retirement. And a new state full of eligible bachelors. Knock 'em dead, girl!)

Garrett has a new, self-proclaimed "trick" that consists of him rolling his eyes in the back of his head while jerking his head around. It's a dandy and he laughs his head off every time. (The first time he showed me his "trick," I seriously thought he was having a seizure and about freaked out.)

Our little Abby is growing up so fast! She is totally over the oatmeal and rice cereal and wants the big girl stuff all the time. Here she is devouring a graham cracker.

Greg had a mid-life crisis and bought himself a new Harley. Okay, I'm just kidding. This little beauty actually belongs to our friend, Lea, but Big and Little G did feel pretty cool sitting on it.

Mal visited us again for a few days before she left and Garrett talked her into doing a little painting. Mal painted the picture, G painted Mal's face.

Garrett has a new love and "Mary Poppins" is her name. We watch her about 50 times a day and you haven't lived until you hear Garrett sing "Let's Go Fly a Kite." Something about the way he says "atmosphere" just gets me every time.

Greg celebrated his birthday in September. We jetted down to St. George for a quick trip and loved the sunshine and change of scenery. Feeding the birds is always a highlight...

...as is playing in the water.

The FUNNIEST thing happened at Mal's going-away party. Abby and I were sitting on the floor and Greg's uncle (who is like the nicest guy EVER) walked in holding a bowl of whipping cream to go along with the delightful dessert his sweet wife had made. To make a long story short, the bowl of cream ended up all over Abby and I...and Greg's poor uncle was mortified. The pictures don't do it justice, but it was hilarious. Abby thought the whole thing was great and shoveled in as much whipped cream as possible before she was cleaned up.

Another one of my college roommates, Christy, was visiting from Minnesota, so we assembled the crew again and spent a delightful day reminiscing in Provo.

Here's the one-shoe-wonder enjoying her very first ice cream cone from the BYU Creamery.

How I love these folks! We thought it was a little rude that Sarah didn't fly in from Japan to join us, but oh well. We'll forgive her just this one time.

Abby is becoming quite the little daddy's girl as of late. (I'm still numero uno in her book, but daddy is coming in at a very close second.) Here's the two of them watching a hunting show on TV. (Abby's a bit more interested in the remote, but Greg's working on her.)

The little pumpkin has hit a major milestone--CRAWLING--and she is everywhere. Normally, babies become much more difficult to care for once they are mobile, but with Abby, it has been the complete opposite. As previously mentioned, she is quite the momma's girl and wanted me to be holding her CONSTANTLY, which meant that I either did everything one-handed (or just didn't do it), or listened to her whine. Since she has learned to crawl, she is very content to just play on the floor and explore. Cleaning up her messes is a cakewalk compared to entertaining her every second!

Here she is caught in Garrett's airplane track...

...and in the saucer...

...and emptying out a whole container of wipes. Cute little stinker!

Greg went hunting for a few days, so we packed up and stayed at Grandma's house while he was gone. Garrett curled right up to Grandma for a little storytime. He's a wild one, but can be awfully sweet sometimes!

And there you have it--an update with pictures! Give yourself a pat on the back if you made it through.