Oh, Jaxson!

Here is the perfect reason why I find it critical to check my children's projects BEFORE they turn them in to their teachers......

Stringtown Nightmare Express

One resourceful task I do everyday is pick up garbage off of my classroom floor before the janitors come in to vacuum.  It was through such trash that I found Taylor's voice teacher and where I found little flyers announcing the Stringtown Express would be running before Halloween.  I took a picture and sent it to my friends who all responded they were interested in going but we needed to see what the weather was going to be like. 

I agreed.

A few days later, at the end of one of my classes, I overheard several students talking about how awesome the train ride was at the Stringtown Nightmare Express.  I inserted myself into the conversation and became quickly convinced we would go that evening!  I messaged my friends and told them to meet me there at 4:30 if they wanted to go as a group.

To say we were pleasantly surprised was an understatement!  WE LOVED IT!  The train ride was perfect for our kids!  There was "scary" things like dragons, witches and mummies!  

 Look kids!  It's Mary Poppins!

I think we have found a new tradition!

Girls' Night Out at Molly's House!

 It's a tradition rich in flavor, fun and brown sugar!  We met at Molly's house for some girl talk and homemade caramel apples.  These apples were to DIE for!  The apples were crispy and perfect.  The caramel was rich and cooked to perfection!  There were toppings galore!  But best of all was the company!  I love my friends!!!!!!

Jumping Over The Bushes! Just Like In The Days Of Yore

 When I was a little girl, I loved to go to Grandma's house in Centerfield, Utah.  She lived in a small, brick home which was charming.  Grandma worked tirelessly on her yard.  Her flowers were always pretty, her lawn was green and her bushes were trimmed to perfection.

The cousins and I had a ritual that we looked forward to each visit:  jumping over the bushes from the front porch.  It was no easy task!  The porch was quite high and the bushes were thick and wide.  Being the 3rd oldest cousin, I took pride in my ability to jump far and high, without even a foot skimming the bush!

The other day, while working outdoors on our yard, I heard the boys yelling for me to go see what they were doing.  And there they were, jumping over the bushes from the top of our driveway!  My memories were immediately flooded with warm, happy memories of Grandma's house.  I grabbed my camera so I could capture the moment!

Fall Break...and a quick get-away to Idaho!

 We needed to visit Grandpa and Grandma Hatch before the cold hit in south-eastern Idaho.  And the weather warmed up for just a bit for us to enjoy the outdoors.

Our children have been blessed with 2 sets of amazing grandparents.  We are grateful for the Hatches and Lindsays.

I love spending time with my parents.  Just do.  I appreciate so much how they go out of their way to create experiences and memories with us.  Ginger and her darling kids came up too.  We were able to play with their children and get to know them better.

Some of the highlights included exciting games of tetherball, riding horses, yummy soups, horse-back riding, Rook, Rummikub, visiting with former coach Leon Rindlisbaker and homecoming parades. And a hot dog roast.  Can't forget that fun!

(I die every time I watch my children try to mount a horse! What must my dad think?)

Thanks for a fun time, mom and dad.  Love you so much!