Cemetery stroll

Sometimes we still can't believe that we live so close to the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After living overseas, watching real-time general conference in our PJs and visiting temple square are real treats. Recently we took our family to the cemetery on a beautiful autumn afternoon to visit the graves of several prophets.

I'll always hold a special place in my heart for President Gordon B. Hinckley. He signed my mission call. He was the prophet when I got married and became a mother. His sense of humor and valuable council are treasures to me.

My great-grandparents' grave is near President Kimball's grave. It was great to be able to tell our kids about my Papa who died 16 years ago at nearly 95 years old. I remember listening to the stories he would tell with his Norwegian accent. We have been blessed with a rich heritage.

Time to gear up

It's been a while since our family has felt winter-like temps and even longer since we've seen snow. I think it's time to gear up on our winter apparel. The shorts and flip flops need to be replaced with warmer options for the next few months.

Luckily we still had a packet of Luke's favorite Aussie porridge with honey to warm him up. Unfortunately he doesn't like American oatmeal. Too bad I can't go to the store and buy more Uncle Tobys when I buy his winter gear.

Memory lane

One of the joys of being back in Utah is taking our kids on walks down memory lane. Recently we drove them to our old stompin grounds. Ah, the U in Autumn--what a flood of memories.

We stopped to introduce our kids to the couple that lined us up on our first date. Joyce quickly whipped up strawberry smoothies. T and Todd talked basketball. The kids played marbles. It was just as delightful as it has always been to visit with the Buehners.

We showed the kids the table at the Buehner's where we sat to play cards on our first date. Todd got me out every round. :) After cards we went for ice cream at Snelgroves. Too bad Snelgroves is no longer there-- that might have been our next stop on this walk down memory lane.

Autumn awesomeness

This tree in our backyard has become a family favorite already. 

Uniquely American

Every so often we experience something uniquely American and it becomes apparent that we have been out of the country for a while;

*Like the time I took the kids to the bank drive-up for the first time. They couldn't believe that we didn't have to get out of the car. All 5 kids plastered their faces to the windows and watched in awe as my check went through the tube and came out inside the bank. I couldn't hear the teller over my children's excitement over such an invention.

*Or the time Benjamin came home from school beside himself with delight over the delicious birthday treat that one of his friends brought to the class. He described it to me as a dark cupcake with white cream in the middle and a white swirl on the top. I said, "was it a ding-dong?" He looked at me in amazement, "you mean you've heard of them?"

*Then there was the time I had a low tire pressure warning light come on in my car. I stopped by the nearest car service center and they filled my low tire and checked the other 3 tires free of charge! AND the kids and I were able to stay in the car the whole time. Only in the good ol' U.S.A.

Seven

Happy Birthday to a super sweet, smart seven year old!

Favorite word: Unstoppable

Favorite food: Tomatoes and mom's cheesy noodles

Favorite things to do: play chess, ride bike, do monkey bars

Favorite book: Junie B. Jones

Favorite song: I love to see the temple

Favorite place: Disneyland

Favorite subject: music

Favorite sport: gymnastics
Favorite color: yellow

Unpacking boxes

Much of August and September 2012 was spent unpacking boxes.

Much like August and September 2011.

Truth be told, some of October 2012 will be spent unpacking boxes since I'm still not done. Only 15 boxes remaining after 4 were emptied this morning. We're getting there-- one box at a time!

Goodbye Summer

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the colorful leaves on the mountains. I love watching Sara crunch the leaves under her new little Nike shoes. I love the crisp cool air. I love wearing layers. I love soup. I love pumpkins. And I love the excitement of the upcoming holidays.

This year we are saying good-bye to a very LONG summer. We are gearing up for cold and snow like some of us have never seen before (or don't remember). It's going to be an adventure!

2 wheels

Luke asked his dad to take the training wheels off his bike last week. And just like that he was off! We couldn't believe our eyes. He is such a focused little guy. I admire his determination.