Its That Time Of Year...Picture Time

We had the most amazing experience with a lovely photographer the other day....Aunt Heather!  She graciously accepted the daunting task of taking our family photos and did a wonderful job.  Here's a little peak!

Bastille

This year our ENTIRE family went to see a real - live - concert event.  It was FANTASTIC (but not for everyone).  One of the bands that our whole family loves is, Bastille, so when we heard that they were coming in concert we jumped on it.  From Alex to Brett, everyone knows all of the songs, can sing along with the most dedicated fans and of course our thinking was that everyone loves a good concert, right?  Well the night was mostly successful...We had all of our gear (snacks, noise cancelling headphones, etc...) and arrived at the venue excited to see the performance...However, we were soon to learn that the band would not be performing for another hour + (and that would be the opener)...by the time Bastille came on stage, our little buddy lasted a few songs and then he looked like this...

 But our big kids looked like this!

 We had amazing seats and the big kids had an amazing experience!

However, we learned that our little is not quite ready for the all night, loud, manic fan concert experience...and know is half that battle, right?

Halloween Fun-Hee Haw Farms

Sometimes it's just Brett, Alex and mom.  Colton was gone for the weekend, and McKaleigh was working - so we decided to check out a local pumpkin farm and corn maze.  It was pretty fun for kiddos just about Alex's age and younger.  Sometimes we let Alex bring along a friend - because lets face it, as thrilling as it might be to spend time at a place like this with mom and dad - bringing along a friend is way better!

 Alex and his buddy getting ready to go down the big, bumpy potato sack slide.

 Of course we had to get the "picture with the tractor" at a place like this.

 This farm had a huge pit filled with corn kernels.  The boys could have spent forever in.  They buried each other, dug huge holes, and had a great time!

 Dad challenged Alex to a game of ring around the milk can - Alex was pretty excited - he won!

 Another slide.  this one is bigger and longer and dark inside.  You have to pay a dollar extra, but the boys loved it.  Can't you tell?!

 Brett and I...looking pretty cozy.

 My favorite activity was the corn cob cannons - Free!  you stick a corn cob in the cannon and fire it at a bunch of different obstacles that they have.  The compressed air cannon shoots out the cob.  It was fun.

At the end of the day - after quite a few hours we were filthy (petting zoo, pig wrangling (that we only watched), goat obstacle course, corn maze, tractor rides and all manner of fun - it was time to head back home.  Another First !

Antelope Island

We had a family first...and it was probably a last too.  We decided to go out to Antelope Island.  None of us had been out there, and I had been wanting too see what it was all about for a long time.  As we crossed the small road leading onto the island, I began to have second thoughts about this family adventure. I'm just glad we ONLY made a day of it.  The kids were really excited at first...As we drove along, they were able to get pretty close to the wild buffalo herd, which was pretty active - and I have to admit it was pretty fun to watch these huge animals lumber along...

 After spending some time watching these great beasts wander along, it was time to get started on our hike. I had done all kinds of research about the hikes on the island and chose one that I thought our whole family could do.  It was one that took you about 3 and a half miles to the top of the island "with stunning views of the lake, SLC, and the whole island itself."  Wow, right?  So we began...we've hike 3 miles before - just not STRAIGHT UP HILL THE WHOLE TIME!  We made it about half way, and after quite a few falls, blood, and the need for more drinks (we took alot to begin with), we decided to call it a day and go down to the lake.

 Sounds nice and refreshing, right?  Ah, the lake...after a long day of hiking.  Alex and Colton were the only ones brave enough to go in. 

 And i'll tell you why.  There was literally a carpet/swarm (like the one in those Mummy movies) of bugs.  They are called Brine Flies, and it is one of the creepiest things i've ever seen.  They move along like a carpet of bugs, swarming around your legs...McKaleigh, Brett and I stayed off in the distance - away from the lake.  It was a first experience for all of us - not one like to be repeated anytime soon!

The rest of the Summer

After all of the family gatherings, camping trips and reunions....we made time for family fun during the last few days before school started.  It was a whirlwind of a Summer, just as it always is, but hopefully the memories will last for a lifetime.

One Saturday evening we decided to go on an impromptu fishing night.  We drove up the canyon, to Silverlake (Colton was gone and McKaleigh was working) and found a great spot.  It was beautiful, the fish were jumping but the weather way much colder than we anticipated!

 We all went downtown to catch a FREE concert...even better - the band was Train!  It was really fun to be at a street party and listen to great music!

 We've made this an annual family event.  I'm not sure how much the kids like the jogging/walking part - but they love the chalk/street party part! We hope to, one day, be able to jog the entire event - wishful thinking?

 Grandma and McKaleigh had a Summer date to see Wicked. I know that this was one moment that she was thankful that grandpa is not into that type of entertainment!  He gave up his seat so that she could go!  Thanks Grandpa Rod!

 Our last hurrah before summer was over...a family trip to Lagoon.  It was a very long day, but we had so much fun, ate way to much before going on rides, got sick, got wet at the water park and had good times!

The Palisades, Utah

 This year we met up with our friends - the Geddes- at Palisades State Park.  It was a new adventure for all of us and we'd do it again in a second.  We had a blast (other than Alex's near drowning incident)! It was so much fun to spend time in an environment like this getting to spend quality time and making memories.

Here are the kids outside of our little cabin.  they were a great retreat - without any whistles and bells.  Bunk beds that squeaked, a bathroom with shower, fridge and microwave.  All of the cooking had to be done outside campfire style - but it was nice to have the microwave to warm things up!

 Alex, Max and Marley looking for little fish in the weeds.

 Luke giving everyone a fishing lesson.  We bought a pole and license - and the kids LOVED it!  They all caught fish during the vacation.  We fished most mornings and most evenings - the kids couldn't get enough! When we got home, we bought another pole, tackle box and are ready to go out again!

 Almost everyday was spent out on the lake.  The kids swam, played lake wiffle ball, peddled around on the paddle boat, tried to catch minnows and had a great time.

  Anna and I caught up with everything that has been going on in our lives, with our kids and husbands.  She is such a great pal!

 Alex really enjoyed Luke's boys...as you can see.

 One of the mornings Luke and Brett got up early and went golfing -They have a course right next to our cabin, and then took the kiddos on a ride on the cart down to the restaurant for lunch.

 Our last morning, with the sun peaking over the cabin.  I can't wait to do this again!