Thanksgiving 2019

Thanksgiving 2019 included

Kaleb and kysa

Endless games of candyland

Three pies 

Snowman

Smoked turkey 

A stove fire

Christmas music

Matching necklace’s 

And Peter Pan 

This year I’m feeling especially grateful my children. They are each different, and so special to me. Finnley For adding fun and energy to our family. The fun games she makes up. Aven for her funny faces, and making sure everyone is doing ok. Her kisses. Ev for his little toothy smile and soft cheeks. 

Weekend Trip

The weekend trip to Vernal was filled with Grandpa’s special milkshakes and quality grandparents.

A few of my favorite memories 

• ‘Halloween Church’ with Grandma at the care center. It was neat to watch her ministering to the people there, and fun to see the Halloween decorations around the room. 
• Petroglyphs at McMonkie Ranch. Though every single one of the kids cried on the way back, I was in absolute awe at the ancient artwork. 
• Ev learned to crawl! I laugh because it was probably all the new and interesting things to see at grandmas house. 

‘Gratitude to our Heavenly Father broadens our perceptions and clears our vision.’ Elder Uchtdorf

Aven Turns 3

Aven Louise Palmer

How is she already three?? 

Here are a few of my favorite things about Aven.

How she says “I love you Mama” all the time.

Afternoon naps together with a big blanket. 

The BEST babysitter for Everett. 

Loves to give hugs and kisses.

She love rainbows, babies and Bobby (the blanket).

Quesadillas are her absolute favorite food.

The classic Aven glare in pictures.

Watching her speed along in her little red car.

Quick to apologize.

Always willing to try new foods.

Eagerness to say nighttime prayer.

How she says ’Finwey’

Checking in throughout the day to make sure everyone is ok. 

She is just what our family needed.

Just what I needed,

Heaven sent.

My angel.

The Grotto

It has been so nice to jump back into exploring the mountains with the cool air and fall leaves. I want to remember all the trail blazer tiffs, PB&Js, scuffed knees, dirty hands, fairy homes, and pink crunchy leaves. 

Lessons from this jumping picture 

1. Never do a jumping picture first. The girls would not stop jumping for the normal picture.

 2. Never jump with a baby attached.  I’m pretty sure Everett’s head almost broke my nose.

Pumpkin patch

Pumpkin patch visit tonight included petting zoo, a giant slide, bonfire, sunset, watching the moon coming over the mountains and hot chocolate. Oh yeah and 

PUMPKINS! 

We are all excited for fall.

I love how Aven points out every time she sees a leaf fall. 

Finnley brought home a paper plate painted orange like a pumpkin from preschool. 

She was so proud to put it in the window. 

 

Martin Luther King

We woke up this morning to a blizzard. White angry flakes hurrying every which way. We quickly loaded up the car to get groceries only to realize the battery was dead. After a quick jump we headed on our way.. Until we hit a red light and the car died mid traffic. Thankfully there was a car behind us that was able to jump us again. We continued along until we stopped at a stop sign where the car died yet again. Another kind person, another jump. Finally we made it to Walmart where Spencer got a new car battery and the girls and I picked out chocolate bars. We happily munched while Spencer quickly changed the battery. 

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?” -Martin Luther King

This weekend was tough.

It’s been hard jumping back into the daily grind. 

Today was a breath of fresh air. Finnley started joy school, and Aven and I had some special and rare one on one time.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Halloween

Halloween was so anticipated in our home this year. Each spooky decorated house was noticed with excitement. The girls had their costumes picked out since September. 

Finnley: princesss

Aven: also a princess (from the bee costume)

 

Tricker treating was so fun! And cold. When it was dark we headed back to the car, then drank hot chocolate and ate candy in our trunk.

Once the girls where in bed Spencer pulled out a bored game and I grabbed the candy and milk. Happy Halloween to us!

Salamander Flats

Early this morning I open my eyes,

Two excited smiling faces peered down at me.


After dinner last night those two smiling pals packed up and drove away on their first father daughter backpacking trip.  


They told of all their overnight adventures; peeing in the woods, the spider in the tent, and the moons soft bright light. 

Lagoon

After a few days of going back and forth we decided to brave Lagoon with our girls. I was more than a little anxious that there wouldn’t be enough kid rides, and that Aven wouldn’t be able to go on any. 

We arrived at 11:20 with high hopes.

 After the first ride the girls went on, I knew it was worth it. 

Wind blown hair, squeals and wide eyes. The warmth of the sun and cool breeze made for the perfect day. 

Favorite rides:

Finnley- the air plane

Aven- boats

Oatmeal cookies

I love that song from Enchanted, ‘How do you know?’

 It brings cherished memories of that first semester at BYU Idaho. Heidi and I would quote the movie at every opportunity. 

Tonight the lyrics and tune play on repeat in my mind. “How do you know?  (She) loves you? How do you know it’s true?!”

Oatmeal cookies. 

That’s how you know!

Spencer picked the treat we made as our Sunday family activity. He picked 

Oatmeal cookies. 

So we made them,

Because I love him. 

Swim lessons

Swim lessons 2018 has begun.

Finnley in preschool 1, learning to float, movement in the water and to submerge. 

Aven in the parent and tot with Spencer. Learning to be comfortable in the water.

Watching them brings back memories of lifeguarding in high school. I will forever love the smell of sunscreen. 

“There is no limit to your potential. If you will take control of your lives the future is filled with opportunity and gladness.” Gordon B. Hinckley 

Battle Creek on Cinco de Mayo

I may never get used to the powerful snow capped Utah mountains. Spencer and I are always pointing them out to each other throughout the day.

For Cinco De Mayo we enjoyed a short hike to a waterfall. Hiking with our babies is going to be a learning curve, but I think hiking can be something we enjoy as a family this summer. 

I enjoyed pointing out the little details to Finnley to keep her walking. The yellow dandelion just up ahead, the tiny cave or the giant rock to climb. The promise of an ice cream cone also help speed us along the trail.