Nebo Loop - 9/14/16

Chase came up with the idea to go drive Nebo Loop to see the fall leaves. We drove down to Nephi (all three kids fell asleep) and drove the loop back up to Payson. We woke the kids up when we started seeing colorful leaves. We were still a week or two early before prime color change, but we didn't have any traffic, so it was worth it. We loved the drive and even got out of the car to do the "hike" to Devil's kitchen. Not really considered a hike if it is 1/4 mile of pavement. We overprepared with the hiking packpack, but oh well. The kids had fun and we saw lots of cattle, one even right next to a cattle guard in the road as if he wasn't sure what he should do. Good to get a little family and nature time. It was wonderful.

Juliet's 4th birthday - Sept 2016

I'm going to skip around for a while here because I'm having a hard time getting caught up. I don't want to keep falling further behind.

We celebrated Juliet's 4^th birthday this weekend. We started Saturday morning with Straw cousin pictures and birthdays. Chase was out of the house early doing inventory at work, so I was on my own to get the kids ready for pictures by 10:00. Everything went smooth and we made it out the door in time. I was shocked!!! We got to Draper park and Melissa took individuals of all the kids and then we were able to get a group shot of all 15 cousins. They are darling, but oh so busy! Chase joined us part way through the pictures and I was so relieved to see him.

We let the kids play on the playgrounds while all the adults tried to figure out what we were doing for lunch. Mike brought some pizza for the kids and Chase went to Del Taco for the adults. We did presents for 5 kids after that: Juliet, Benton, Kevin, Spencer, and Damien. There were a lot of presents, but it is always fun to see their excitement. We all enjoyed singing to the birthday kids and eating some cupcakes before we cleaned up and headed out.

I stopped by Chase's cousin Michelle's baby shower on the way home. It was nice to see her and the rest of the Straw side girls there. They all got to love on Blake before I had to leave to set up for Juliet's birthday party.

Juliet invited all her little friends over for a Peppa Pig birthday party. She had friends from Lehi and 2 Riverton neighborhoods, so when 11 kids showed up at 3:00, I wasn't too surprised, but it was hard to keep track of that many little bodies. We had a dance party, played with bubbles, did 'Pin the Tail on Peppa', a cupcake pinata, presents, and chocolate cupcakes with purple frosting. They all had a great time and left with their own fun little goodie bags. Luckily there was one left for Juliet since she didn't quite understand they were only for her guests. We were exhausted after they all left, but we were so glad Juliet had a fun party. She's already asking how long until her next birthday party.

I sure do love my sweet little girl. She can be sassy, and super bossy when it comes to playing with Colton, but she is also so sweet with her baby brother, Blake, and so compassionate when someone is sad or hurt. She tells me she loves her sweet baby, but she still wishes he was a girl. She hates to sleep and still struggles with bedtime every night. She loves to play with friends every day. If I ask her to quiet down at night, she always responds, “But mom, I just talk a lot.” It is so true. She never stops. Never. But I'm so glad she's my social little butterfly and that she's not afraid to ask questions so she can learn about everything that goes on around her. Sure do love my little girl who is my mini-me in every way!