found fall in the mountains

A couple of weeks ago we went for a Saturday adventure fall drive. It was a total flop. I was so sad and totally let down. A week later, after church and dinner, we drove up to the place we should have gone the first time. I guess it just made this trip all the sweeter. 

My camera did not do it justice (I should have adjusted the settings better because it did not capture the colors like they really were) But it did capture plenty of happy moments along the trail.

The boys ran around like the adventurers they are exploring the trail and finding plenty of sticks. We collected leaves to make a fall banner (they are currently drying in between book pages). Adeline loved standing on the trail picking up leaves, we (and the camera) couldn't get enough of her. In the end, it started to get quite chili, so we left with a big handful of leaves and plenty of sticks to last until the next time we head to the mountains.

conference weekend

Why is it that Conference keeps getting better and better! It seems like there has been more persecution and disrespect for our church in recent years and so hearing from our church leaders brings me so much peace and reassurance. I am grateful for their love and faith and kindness. I needed that boost so much and feel extremely grateful for the joy I felt this past weekend.

Bonus: fall m&ms that Adeline couldn't get enough of (she would climb mountains and cross rivers to get to those), kind big brothers, cinnamon rolls + scones + breakfast casserole + dips, cousins + girl time with some of my favorites, pizza + ice cream, and fresh air in between sessions.

Not a bonus: the mess on Sunday afternoon

crazy storm and cozy home

What a crazy afternoon yesterday! Story time! Well, my car wouldn't start in the parking lot while I was at the store so I had to wait for someone to come jump the car for me (after a silent prayer, a kind lady who was parked right by me came to help) unfortunately the car still wouldn't start so she was even kinder and drove me and my babies home just before the boys got home from school.

The wind started to pick up a little when we got inside and by the time we got a few things put away the wind was blowing harder. So I ran down the street to make sure Taylor and Levi were safe the rest of the way home. While running along, the wind was even crazier. Garbage and recyle cans were tipping over, garbage was flying all over the neighborhood, trampolines were jumping over fences, tree branches were breaking, fences were coming apart, and kids were running home terrified and crying. Once Levi spotted me, the tears came. He was so scared and it broke my heart. I grabbed his bike and we all ran home. Into the safety of those four walls. 

That afternoon we cuddled on the couch, watched the storm pass, and ate chicken noodle soup that had been simmering all day. So in the end, it was a pretty nice, cozy, kind of a day. 

And Justin was able to come to the rescue and fix the van no problem :)

weekend recap 9.16-9.18

This weekend was a good one, but way too short. I think we need three day weekends every week.

I washed the sheets on Friday, which is always my favorite. Something about climbing into clean sheets for the weekend makes me so happy. The boys also had friend day, we celebrated a family friends birthday and had cake at their house, then we watched The Incredibles for movie night.

Saturday was full of soccer games, but I was looking forward to our Saturday adventure up in the mountains the most. We were deciding between two different areas to go, and I chose the wrong one. It ended up being a huge flop. The drive we took was long, there were no beautiful changing leaves, and some of the boys were way past ornery.  We turned around to go back to the other place, but we missed the exit. At that point, we decided it just wasn't worth it :( So we'll try again this week. But all was not lost, we went to Walmart to look at Halloween stuff, buy diapers, and the boys finally got to buy the legos they have been saving up for.

Can I just say, I LOVE 9:00 church. We came home and had a quick lunch of sandwiches then spent the afternoon reading, taking a Sunday nap, and just being together. Then we grilled pork and spent the evening outside soaking up the warm sun and admiring the yard before the cold comes.

 :: my mom always taught me to have a colorful plate of food ::

Yup, I really think we need three day weekends.