Well, it’s time again for carving pumpkins – lots if fun for the kids but a lot of work for the adults. Thankfully Davis and Thane are old enough to handle a knife and can carve their own or help the little kids with theirs.
This year the pumpkins were extra special because the kids got to pick their very own from Grandma Smith’s garden! The little kids were amazed that pumpkins actually “grow” rather than just appear at the grocery store.
I have a lot of great memories from UEA trips of years past. One memorable trip was when I was in high school and some friends and I went camping on Skyline Drive in the mountains above Centerville. It was cold and snowy but we had a blast sitting by the fire, eating pizza delivered from the valley by one friend, and shooting Roman candles at each other.
This year we enjoyed wonderful weather and the company of good friends in Moab, UT. We stayed at an awesome place called the Moab Wilderness House. It is an eco-friendly home located in a remote canyon about 10 miles southwest of Moab. Reaching the home requires an SUV as you travel moderately rough dirt roads and cross two streams. Â The setting was spectacular and the remote location provided a real getaway.
During our trip we rode ATVs (thank you Olpins and Tolds), went mountain biking and did some hikes. The kids also enjoyed the brisk water in the pool and alternated between the pool and the hot tub to stay warm.
For me, the best part of the trip was just getting away to a remote location that was peaceful and so scenic. Each evening the sun would set the canyon ablaze with brilliant orange, red and yellow colors. The changing aspens were a nice contrast to the beautiful red cliffs. From the patio we had a spectacular view of the entire canyon.
One funny part of the trip was when the kids were playing music from their iPods and Porter decided he would show us his dance moves — can’t really describe it, you just need to watch. Â Pretty good for a 4-year-old!
Well, we officially have another teenager – wow, can’t belive Thane is 13 now. Â It seems to be more difficult to surprise the kids the older they get… so, it was a lot of fun this year as we planned and got things put into place while Thane was away; then, we sent him downstairs during our present opening time to find a present we “forgot” — that’s when he found the drum set. Â It will be fun to see him progress and hopefully he now can try for a spot on the jazz band at school. Â Now… where are my earplugs?
This past week has been very difficult. Â Some friends in our neighborhood lost their 17-year-old son, Tyler. Â We’ve spent the week grieving with them and trying to lend help where possible. Â Yesterday we attended the wonderful, uplifting and inspiring funeral. Â Our hearts go out to Traci and Rob during this difficult time.
Reflecting on the week we realized just how little we’ve been together as a family and how worn out we were (mostly Natalie). Â We decided our family needed a low-key outing so we could reconnect a little bit. Â So, we headed up American Fork Canyon for a picnic dinner and then we made s’mores over a fire. Â The canyon was beautiful with the autum leaves changing and a few fallen leaves swirling across the road. Â The temperature was just perfect too; just a hint of crisp, cool air letting us know that Fall has begun and Summer is definitely over. Â We were the only people in the camping/picnic area and it was good for everybody to forget about scool, work, church, etc. and just relax. Â I’m just thankful for wonderful kids and the good memories we made today.
