Grotto Get-away

A couple weeks ago we took a quick trip to the Grotto up Payson canyon. This hike is about 25 minutes tops off the main road. I never knew such a cool place existed so near and I've lived here 15 years. We need to do more adventuring to find these neat places.

The hike was uphill toward the end of the trail and crossed a stream a few times. There were narrow wooden bridges that gave access to the other side. Ginger helped pull the stroller up the trail. We took the stroller over one and then ditched it as the trail got harder to maneuver.

The is a water fall that comes over the edge into a cavern. The water was icy. Night was falling quickly, so picture taking was limited.

We had a little picnic of peanut butter and raspberry-peach jam. We walked back to the van in the twilight. It was a fun little jaunt.

A few more noteworthy moments

When we went to the cabin this summer, I took this picture while the babies were taking a bath.

Another cute twin moment. The boys follow each other around, show concern if the other is crying by patting their back and mimic each other's noises.

Isaac turned seven a few weeks ago. He enjoyed the swords but they lasted about 10 mins.

We took a trip to Southridge Farms to pick out pumpkins. It was an amazingly beautiful and pleasant day. We took a hay ride to the patch, picked out pumpkins and bought some yummy apple juice and fudge.

Soccer Fall 2008

Michaela, Trey, Bryce and Isaac all participated in city league soccer this fall. A great time was had by all. Michaela and Trey were on the same team. They were coached by Steve Sorenson and were able to play with kids from our old ward. They played well, both scoring goals and going to the tournament. It was tough because the top two teams had some VERY good players. The teams seemed a little too stacked. They really need to have the coaches pick their teams at a try-out. Trey improved greatly this year with some amazing foot work. Michaela shined by becoming much more aggressive. Bryce had a great time. It is funny to think not a few years ago, Bryce had more fun playing with the grass than playing soccer. No longer is this the case. He made a goal this year!!
Grandma came to spectate on Isaac's b-day
Isaac actually got out on the field this year. He improved greatly as the season progressed. He even almost had a goal or two.

Promised Pictures

When we left Springlake, the animals stayed on our land there. We are in the process of sub-dividing the land into two parcels and are trying to sell the home. I sold all our chickens to a happy woman in Lakeshore. I actually miss them. If Elk Ridge passes an ordinance to allow chickens, I will get some more. There is nothing like farm fresh eggs and a flock of birds that follow you around, cheerily waiting for hand-outs. The goats get fed every day still and some how one has always escaped the confines of their luxary pen.
The horses are growing their winter coats, now. Somehow they already get a flake of hay a day. Their whinny's of greeting are such great persuasion. I miss having them in the backyard.

Ronnie got into Michaela's lip gloss and had a great time painting himself while he was supposed to be napping. Evidence of his crime will always be remembered on his pillow case. He had a runny nose and his throat clogged up from whatever was in it. He ended up barfing on Sarah's front porch because he had junk in his throat from the reaction. He is all fine now. But it makes me wonder what they put in that stuff.
Here is a few pictures of the amazing view we get to enjoy daily.
The day finally came when I decided it was time for the baby curls to go. It might have been the nursery lady mistaking Alex for a girl. . .Anyhow, Grandma was very sad, but I was glad they looked more like little men.
before - Alex and Danny
after - Danny and Alex

This doe had twins. I think it amazing. And that we share this great gift. They come eat the plums and peaches here at our house. We probably see deer every day.

Back in Business

We are back!! We decided to get Cricket internet. It is only $40 and no contract. It seems fast enough so I am attempting to upload some pictures. It will take a bit to get caught up on our goings on.

We went to a ward swimming party at the new Payson pool. It was chilly. The boys weren't quite sure about the whole getting wet and feeling cold thing. The other kids had a blast and they were kicking Paul and the older boys out so they could finish closing up-lol.

Here is a picture of Bryce and Isaac's first day of school. Isaac is in first grade so he gets to spend the entire day at school. He thinks it is great to eat lunch at school and transitioned into a full day quite easily. Bryce is a great example for Isaac. I drove the kids to school for the first week to their new school in Elk Ridge.

We moved over to Elk Ridge on the 23rd of August. We had many helpers and it was amazing how fast things went. When we moved our water barrels we counted five black widows. They no longer grace this planet. . .


It is INCREDIBLE that I sent my 5th child off to Kindergarten this year. Tessa was so excited. She was very brave and was helped by her big brothers to navigate to her classroom. She did a great job riding the bus and is a pro at it now.
We went to a fun get-together at Seth and Brooke's. We ate yummy food, enjoyed good company and played a little football. It was definitely feeling like fall with the crisp air.

Mike tossing up his girlie.
Isaac the ever daring soul.

Let's play ball, Dad!

Smelling the Black-eyed's