Fall Break

Autumn in Utah this year has been spectacular.  It's such a festive season and we haven't wasted any time experiencing all of it.  Max had a field trip to Pumpkinland earlier this month.  We kept ourselves entertained by going through the corn maze, playing in the gardens, and visiting the animals. 

Max may have had more fun playing photographer at lunch.  He directed this photo entirely himself.  Maybe next time we'll just sit the field trip out and take pictures of ourselves instead.

 

The day before Fall Break was crazy hair day at Hank's school.  It may be his favorite day of the year.  He wanted me to draw the breast cancer awareness ribbon in his hair to support grandma.  Too bad my artistic ability couldn't accommodate his request...we just went with straight pink hair instead.

To kick off Fall Break, we decided to join the rest of Utah County at Cornbelly's.  It seemed like something we just had to do.  Sarah, Jack, Tucker, Kate, Lucy and Isabel all joined in on the fun.  There is plenty to do at Cornbelly's, yet I found myself frantically chasing Sam everywhere.  He has an eye for danger, that is for sure.

For example, he likes to chew on extension cords.  Totally safe.  The kids had a blast, I was exhausted, seems like a pretty typical day around here.

Randy and I were really wishing we had planned a vacation over the holiday weekend, so last minute we headed up to Park City for a few nights.

The kids looked especially adorable waiting for the bus to take us downtown.  Here is proof that not one of them looks like the other. 

After dinner the kids insisted on a late night sugar rush at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

The sugar high set in before they even got their chocolate!

When I made the hotel reservations, I was blinded by the insanely good deal I got and overlooked the fact that we would be staying in a studio.  That means Hank and Max were on the fold out couch, Randy and I were on a murphy bed, and that left barely enough room for a porta-crib for Sam.  It was close quarters indeed.  Sam was not feeling it at all.  That kids loves his crib, why on earth would we take that bliss away from him?  Let's just say it was a LONG night for all of us.  At one point I looked at Max and he had his ears covered with a pillow and he loudly exclaimed "Sam is being so annoying, I'm trying to sleep!".  Good thing we were all awake by 5:30 a.m., we had to be in Salt Lake that morning for a breast cancer walk with Jeri.  

The kids insisted on pink hair to match their pink "Walkers For Knockers" shirts. Even though we had a restless night of sleep, we quickly rallied to support Grandma Jeri.  She is such an incredible, beautiful woman.  The way she has fought this horrible disease with courage and strength has inspired me greatly.  

Sam and Lennon love their grandma so very much!

Jeri had such an amazing group of supporters.  You could feel the love.

Randy doesn't discuss his feeling very often but the love and respect he has for his mother is something I can only hope for from my boys one day.

After our walk we all went to lunch together and Sam was in fine form.

Some poor soul put their iphone in the hands of this crazy man.

"What mom, I'm not doing anything."  

After our sleepless night, Randy and I decided to cut our trip short.  We headed back to the hotel and had a much needed hot tub party.

It sort of made the entire trip worth it.  My boys are hilarious little creatures! I'm one lucky mom.

Poor Randy was left in the hotel room to wrangle Sam.  

It's a good thing he is so damn cute!  I guess I've forgotten what a handful a one year old can be.

We headed downtown one last time before heading home.

Sam enjoyed smacking Randy's head the entire walk.

The rest of the break was spent enjoying the beautiful weather...at home!

Randy just can't help himself when there is a neighborhood game going on.  He just has to participate, even if it means beating up on innocent kids.

My mom organized a caramel apple making session with all the grand kids.  They turned out adorable and delicious.  The kids had a blast.  They each made a special apple to give to their dad and their school teachers.

There is never a dull moment around here.  Randy and I had hopes of a relaxing vacation but I have a feeling that's not going to happen for at least 10 more years!