Ward Halloween Party

This year our ward Halloween Party was really early. Okay maybe not to terribly early, but still not the weekend of Halloween. Anyway, our ward has a tradition of soups and desserts for this event. So, being a little exuberant this year I decided to make both a dessert and a soup. It was quite the undertaking considering I would be the sole caretaker of 5 children until 5 and then I had to have both ready to go, kids dressed in costumes, and stuff like that by 6:20. I did accomplish everything, but we were slightly late, but its okay we all survived.

I talked about the party with the girls and Kylee really wanted cupcakes. I not a huge cupcake person, but since I wasn't really out for a prize anyway I agreed. However, I decided that if she was going to decided what we should have then the girls could also make them. So instead of reading a story before nap time we just made cupcakes and stuck them in the oven. It was a little tricky for me to figure out how to get 3 kids to help with just one cake mix, but we did it and I think everyone had a good time. I do have to say I am really glad I put Trent down for his nap before the baking started because I totally think that would have been more than I could handle. Anyway, the cupcakes baked and cooled during nap time. I also made frosting and separated it into baggies with different colors during that time. So, when they woke up I had them frost cupcakes. It was pretty funny to watch those girls just pour on the frosting. They looked a little scary to me, but you know we didn't have that many left over and my girls have loved them which was the main thing.

Tori, Kylee and Tia decorating cupcakes.

Another action shot for you.

The finished ones. We didn't frost some of them because Kylee doesn't like frosting so we left them plain.

For soup, I decided to make corn chowder. I did make it gluten-free because we have several ward members who are, but I didn't remember till late that most of those that are off gluten are also of dairy and this is a cream soup, so some what fail. However, it is not a complete fail because now I know I can and it is really tasty, so it is something I can make for Kitt when she is here. In order to make this soup happen close to on time, I cooked the bacon during nap, thus my home had a very interesting aroma of chocolate cake and bacon most of the afternoon. I started cooking the soup shortly after Tori and Trents' mom came to pick them up, but I used real potatoes and of so of course those took longer to cook then I thought. Also, I ran out of corn. I know kind of hard to make CORN chowder without the corn. Luckily Gaupo was able to run by the store and get me some after helping setup for the party. So, luckily the potatoes cooked, Gaupo bought me corn, and the soup tasted good.

While I was trying to fix the soup the girls kept begging to get their costumes on and I kept telling them they had to wait until I got to a certain point in the soup and then I could help them. Seriously these kids were more excited to get in costumes than they are sometimes for Santa to come on Christmas. Oh well, they survived until I could help them. Kylee was going to go as Elsa, but we could find a dress she liked and it just wasn't coming together the way she thought it should, so she settled for being a kitty again. Tia got to be the witch this year. She has been in love with our witch's hat since Kylee used it last year, so even though Kylee also said she wanted to be a witch (she changes ideas often) I told her it was Tia's turn. While I was getting them ready, I had a stroke of creativity and thought of a costume for me as well. I decided that since I was a wearing a black shirt and jeans, and doing costumes already then I could just throw a measuring tape around my neck and be a designer type person, but I sometimes think a little too hard, so I decided that I would be Edna Modes (the designer from Incredibles) daughter. Gaupo said "I don't know who that is," I said I know she doesn't really exist, but if she did this is what she would look like. Anyway, I went as that and Gaupo was wearing a t-shirt that had a sheriff's star on it, so it wore that and brought a Nerf gun. Sadly. we were in such a rush when we left I didn't get pictures. It is a total shame because we were all dressed up and looking so cute, but oh well.

The party itself was great. We gave a ride to Susan, who is an investigator. We ate dinner with Sela who has three kids that are close to Tia's age. One is older and two are younger. She came by herself, so we sat by her just in case she needed any help. She is a super mom and didn't really need any, but I don't know how she does it. Three kids three and under all by herself most of the time. Wow. Anyway, we ate with her and then the kids ran around in the gym and played for awhile. They both participated in the costume parade and contest. They didn't win, but if they had gone with most creative they would have. Oh well, we didn't really set out to win things. There was a costume contest for adults too and the oldest guy in the ward won it. He dressed up as Sherlock Holmes. It was so fun because before it all started he wandered around talking to everyone in an English accent and then when he left he would say 'I think I will go catch a game of cricket.' It was pretty clever I thought. Anyway, it was a fun filled night. We finally called it a night at 8:00. We took Susan home and got our munchkins all tucked in and then just relaxed. It was a crazy evening, but it was so fun. I love my kids being this age. They are still fun and into pretending, but they are old enough that we don't have to do everything with them.I don't know it is just really a great age and time right now.

Tiaat the end of the parade. She is that cute witch in the purple hat. 

Kylee at the parade. She is quite a cute kitty.

So, this week is the week before Halloween and don't worry the Halloween meals and adventures are underway. I am so excited to share them with you soon.

Ft. Collins Temple Dedication

Today was the Ft. Collins Temple dedication. It has seemed like it has taken a long time to get this temple here, but I am so excited. I am also jealous of all the youth that were able to participate in the cultural celebration. I have always wanted to be a part of one and maybe one day I will, but not today. However, I am so glad that so many of the youth in my area got that special and unique opportunity. I really wanted to watch it last night, but decided that it was more important to go out with the missionaries last night. The meeting with the investigator went so much better than expected. We were able to actually teach part of a lesson and the Spirit was actually there were at our last meeting when we were done I just felt crummy and no lesson was able to be taught. So, I am glad that I went that way I could have a good experience with this investigator. That said I still kind of long to have been at my home with my family joining in the celebration of the Ft. Collins temple. Gaupo let the girls stay up for the whole thing and they seemed to really like it. Kylee even showed me a few of the dance moves that they did. I am so glad that they got to see it.

Anyway, today was the actual dedication and Pres. Uchdorf urged the youth to journal about this special experience. Well I am youthful and so I decided I would take his advice and write about it. I loved the dedication. We were able to leave the girls at their friend Jensen's house so Gaupo and I could go together. I am so glad we got to go together. I thought I would be fine if I had to go alone and true I would have been and I would have probably sat by friends, but it was so good to go with Gaupo and be with him in that extension of the temple. It was great to hear about the history of Ft. Collins. My favorite snipit was Elder Runland's caution which was "The closer the temple gets to us the harder it seems to get there. When the temple is far away we plan weeks or months in advance. We schedule around it and make sure nothing gets in the way. However, as it moves close we get derailed by smaller things with the thought 'oh, I will just go tomorrow.' Don't fall for it. Don't fall into that trap." I think that is inspired council because it is so true. There is always an excuse of why we can't go, but we need to make it so we can and do go. 

I also really liked participating in the Hosanna Shout because it reminded me so much of the dedications of the Palmyra, Winter Quarters, and Nauvoo temple dedications. Those were the first ones I had ever been to and I remember feeling so excited to be able to go and participate in it. I remember thinking how cool it looked with all those white handkerchiefs. I remember the feelings of the spirit that I felt at those dedications. I really don't remember much from them, but I do remember how I felt, so it was so cool to do that again and this time with a temple near me. This will be my temple. It is the temple my girls have been able to go inside of and it is one they will be able to go in and do baptisms there. This is my new temple and I am so excited. I am so excited I don't have to go through Denver traffic to get there. I still might just so the girls can go to Aunt Kitt's house, but I don't have to. I can get to the temple in 45 minutes. It is such a blessing to have one so close to me. I loved hearing the prayer dedicating the temple to the Lord and His will and purposes. It truly reminded me of the reason we have temples, why we go, and our purpose here on earth.

I am so grateful for temples. The power that comes from the covenants we make in those holy houses brings so much peace and strength into my life. Knowing that the sealing power is real has helped me find joy in the loss of Derek. To be able to learn and gain a testimony of the Plan of Salvation when my Grandma died. It saved my marriage and has brought me my family which is truly one of the greatest gifts that has ever been given me. The temples are a House of God and as we live true to the covenants we make there we are blessed with power from on high. I am so grateful for the wonderful experience I had to go to the temple dedication today and the blessing I know have of having a temple north of Denver only 45 minutes away. Truly so blessed.

The Pumpkin Ranch

Today Kylee's preschool had a field trip to Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch. Because it was Tuesday, Jason didn't have work and I was able to reschedule presidency meeting we made it a family outing. It also helped that we only had to pay for Tia to go, but it was fun to see what it was and we may even go back because Tia really wanted to ride the roller coaster, but it wasn't open. However, it will totally depend on how much it costs, but we will see.

Despite the roller coaster being closed and most of the other 'rides' we had a blast. We met up with Teacher Wilson at the front of the ranch and gave ourselves a self-guided tour of the all the squash. They had the typical winter squashes, but they also had some crazy ones you see and wonder if it had to be cross pollination because they are just so weird. However, it was still pretty fun to see all of the different kinds.

After the squash, we went and painted a pumpkin. The girls each got to choose out a small pumpkin and paint it. When we asked Tia what her favorite part was she said painting, but that is interesting because she really only painted for maybe like 2 minutes. Kylee lasted a lot long painting. Both girls turned out with fun pumpkins that they got to take home. To be honest it looked pretty fun to paint a pumpkin, so I had kind of hard time letting the girls just do it however they wanted.

Tia and Kylee pumpkin painting.

While waiting for pumpkins to dry, we went over to the straw maze. It was fun to watch the girls try to figure it out. The went in a little ways and then turned around and came back out, so Gaupo went in with them and kept them in the maze. It was fun to watch them try all the different ways to go and finally end up finishing it. They did such a good job and I really think they had fun trying it out.

Tia and Kylee in the maze.

Dadd, Alyssa, Tia, and Kylee at the end of the maze.

Then we went to look at and sort of pet the goats and walk through a corn path. It wasn't a maze because there was only one trail, but it was still fun to go through. The girls loved trying to pet the goats. We couldn't actually go into the pen, but they had fun getting as close to them as they could.

Kylee and Dad in the corn walk.

Me and Tia on the corn walk.

On our way up to the last activity I gave the girls a ride in one of the many red wagons they had around. However, the final thing was probably the  most fun. Kylee said it was definitely her favorite thing. It was a bounce house type thing, but instead of just jumping, it was more like an obstacle course they went though and then climbed up something to get to a giant slide and the slid down. The girls did that over and over again. They had a blast going through, zipping down the slide, and then running around to do it over again. At last though, it was time to leave so we could get Gaupo to work. It was fun to be together and check out something new. I had always been curious about what they did there, and now I know.

Kylee on the slide.

Tia on the slide.

Tia doing some hard work pulling Kylee around.

At home with our pumpkins.

A couple other fun pictures from the day.

The combine group of preschool kids plus Tia. Kylee and Tia are to the left and the other two kids in Kylee's class are on the right behind the kid in the green shirt. They are Ryker and Alyssa.

Tia  and the pumpkins.

Happy Fall.

First Day of No School

Last Friday was a day I have been needing and I didn't even know it. Kylee didn't have school. We didn't have swim lessons, visiting teaching, or anything like that. Like always I did have stuff I should do like finish cleaning, and do grocery shopping. However, I decided that unlike it use to be these days don't happen very often, so we were going to play.

We got up in the morning and sent Gaupo off to work. Then we had breakfast and got ready to go to the Rec Center. I took the girls to babysitting and was able to sneak into the pool for about 20 min. They started narrowing down the lanes to two lanes when I was finishing up, so it was perfect. After getting out of the pool, I went and got the girls from babysitting and we went swimming. It has been a long time coming, but Kylee loves swimming, and it is enjoyable to swim with her. Tia is actually kind of now the one who is a little bit more gun shy because Kylee wants to play in deeper water (3ft). However, as you know Tia she just does what she is good at and is super fun. Anyway, we had a great time in the water.

 Kylee worked on her front glide, front float, and even experimented with back glides and roll-overs. Since jumping in when Oma is here she is super confident in doing it now and will jump in over and over again. She sometimes even attempts to dive in which I always have to remind her is not allowed in the shallow end. She will even jump into the shallow end and get rings off the bottom. I can not believe the swimmer she is right now. It is true she still is at the Alligator Level, but she is nearer the top than she has ever been before.

Tia loved going down the slides and jumping in with us. She practiced her front and back floats when I asked her to. She also got rings off the bottom of the pool, but doesn't like to go as deep. Tia loves 'gliding' in the shallow water. Her newest trick is splashing big splashes. She loves it. She loves splashing and is pretty good at getting you if you are anywhere close. She is doing super good for only being 2.5 years old.

So, we had been swimming for almost an hour and we were getting close to done and I checked the slide sign and saw that they opened at 10:00AM. Well we waited for them to turn on and when they did, I took the girls down them. Now in order to do this I had to leave one kid at the bottom and go down. I lifeguards I doubt appreciated it very much which is why I only did it like 3 times with each kid, but I still got to do that. I was really nervous to because Tia has a tenancy to wander and the deep-end of the pool is right across from where the slides are. However, I told her you have to stay right here, you can't move. If you move I can not take you on the slides we will have to go home. She stayed put. I mean she didn't stand up or anything I was so proud of her. Both girls loved the slides  (for like the first time), and I really wish that I had had Kitt or Gaupo there because then we could have just gone and gone and gone like 50 times because the girls were loving it. Alas, we had to go, so that we could be home to have Tori and Trent come over, but it was so fun.

The rest of the day was kind of normal, but it was so fun to have a morning to just play. Like I said I didn't realize how much I needed that, but it made the whole day better it was seriously so awesome I really can't even describe how liberating it was to just play. I love watching my girls grow. I love that Kylee loves school. I love that Tia is learning to talk and we are able to get in home therapy for her right now. I am so loving that my kids love the water and learning to swim. I feel so blessed to be able to have them learn that skill. All that said, I really miss summer when every morning I got to wake-up and we just were able to play all morning long and then nap in the afternoon. I apparently need to play just as much if not more than my kids and it was so nice to do it.

I love living life. Everyday may not be my favorite, but I am so grateful for everyday because I learn I grow. I get to watch my husband and kids grow and change and learn. I am so blessed to be able to live in a place with four seasons, and as much as I hate the cold--I love watching the fall colors come out. I feel so totally blessed to be at home with my kids and being able to have a couple extra ones on loan for a few hours everyday. Life is meant to be shared and I am so glad to have a family to share it with--my little family of four and my bigger families of Merrills and Bryces and all the family that those come with. I am so blessed.

When Oma Comes

When Oma comes it is a blast. Oma came last week and boy do I miss her. It was so nice to just have her around. I feel like my life is really busy, but it was fun to have someone to do it with and someone that just knew right when to jump in or how to help. I totally wish I had taken more pictures, but I didn't so the story and about one picture will have to do.

Oma arrived on the 17th. Kitt picked her up and the airport and then they came to my house. They got here around 10 and we made them breakfast and visited and let the kids play. To be honest that feels like what we did most of the day, just visit and watch the kids play. The girls loved having Oma here to read books and look at pictures with. Tia's favorite thing to do is ask you if she can look at pictures on your phone. I finally had to teach Oma how to lock her phone so that Tia could only look at pictures. Anyway, we had a pretty fun day just chillin'. We did have to go to Sams Club to get a few things, but we were pleasantly surprised with a free sample of an orange juice float. It was so good. We also got some good cheese and fruit samples. We got what we needed and few samples and then came home it was great. That night we visited for a bit and watched Despicable Me 2.

Sunday Kitt had to leave to go back home and go to church, but we got to go to Kylee's first primary program. We picked an awful place to sit because you couldn't see her sing or say her part. I thought it would be better to sit where we were but apparently not. Oh well, we learn and she did a great job with her part and it was fun to watch her interact with her class, sing, and say her part. She did great. Then I went to Sunday School with Oma and Gaupo, and RS after that with Oma. I love introducing my family. I just love to show them off when they are here. After church we had naps and snacks. Then when naps were over we went for a walk around the high school. The girls love jumping off of these stone 'blocks' they have and walking on some cement planter things they have. It is one of my favorite parts of Sunday. Then we came home and had dinner. Then we played Quiddler and taught my mom how to play Five Crowns. Then we decided to go to bed because the next day was Monday and the week would be on.

Monday I went for a run while Oma took the girls to 'Oma's Park' and a walk. They loved doing that and I met up with them at the end and we all walked home together. Then the girls rode their bikes for a bit, we had breakfast and then went to swim lessons. In Kylee's swim lesson she was so close to jumping in, but just couldn't get herself to do it. It was really funny. She would crouch down low and get all ready and then she would back away from the edge or get nervous. Oh she was so close. Anyway, after swim we came home and Trent and Tori came over. We just kind of let the kids play and my mom got to see first hand how much the girls can not leave Trent alone. It is incredible, but they can't. Anyway, we had lunch and during naps I had to get dinner made. My mom rested for a bit and it was just a relaxing time. Then the kids woke up and they played and did stuff while dinner cooked. Some of their favorite things to do are play with Trent, play outside, ride bikes, and play downstairs. For FHE on Monday, we did pick and object and find a scripture or scripture story about that object. Then after the kids were in bed we played Quiddler and taught my mom how to play Five Crowns. Then we watched Gidget and called it an evening.

Tuesday we all woke up and had breakfast and then we all took Kylee to preschool. She thought it was so cool to have everyone in the van with her. It was a pretty wild deal, but really it was quite fun. After we dropped Kylee off Oma, Gaupo, Tia, and I went to Roosevelt Park and went for a Pokemon Walk. Tia rode her bike once around and then we put it in the car and went to the park and played. We had a great time watching her go down the slide, burying feet, playing chase, swinging, and just about anything else Tia wanted to do. Finally though, we had to leave so we could get home to have Trent come. He came and Guapo left for work. We kind of just hung out until Kylee got home and then it was lunch and naps again. I can't remember what we did during nap time, but I know it involved resting and chatting a bit and I probably had something I needed to do. I usually limit the stuff I have to do, but I just so couldn't get it all done before my mom came. I don't know why I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Anyway, naps ended and we had leftovers and Tequitos for dinner. Then we finished up a couple of things, went to the 'kids' park, took baths, and went and got Makenna the babysitter. Once Makenna was at our house, Oma and I left for RS meeting. The event was #shoesknowU. Everyone brought a shoes that represented them and so we all got to know each other a little better and have some fun. My mom took one of my girls sandals because the two most important things are her family and Christ. But also she loves teaching little kids-hence the little sandal. I took my new Frisbee cleat. It represented a new stage of being able to play Frisbee again, bright colors which I love and just is a cool shoe. My favorite shoe was a bag full of grass, which represented someone who doesn't like to where shoes. They preferred to be barefoot. Needless to say, it was a fun activity. After I took Makenna home, my mom and I chatted until Gaupo got home and he chatted with us and then it was time for bed.

Wednesday was crazy. I mean oh it felt nuts the whole day. It was one of the days that Tia wanted to do everything she wasn't suppose to do. Kylee did pretty well, but Tori wanted to do every thing that Tia did, so was also naughty and I felt so helpless. However, it was a good and fun day to. It started off with a run and getting a picnic put together. Then we went to swim lessons and Oma told Kylee if she would jump in all by herself she could have a treat. Well guess what? Kylee did it. It was awesome and she is still doing it. It was so fun to watch her do it because it was kind of a gradual thing. It started with just barely jumping, to jumping a little further, and finally a pretty decent jump. She is quite the girl. After swim we booked it home and waited for Tori and Trent so we could all go to Kylee's field trip. We went to Flander's park where her teacher had a Kayak and a canoe and so I took Tia in a Kayak and Tori and Kylee went in the canoe. It was fun and so nice. It was so peaceful to be out there on the lake. I came in and my mom went out on one too while I held Trent. After the boat rides we played at the park and had a picnic lunch. It was a great day for a picnic. Tia and Tori didn't want to eat lunch, so they just played. While at the park we met another Oma. She was actually from Germany and she told us Oma means more than Grandma. It also means that you know I love you and I know you love me. I thought it was pretty cool. When lunch was over we piled back into the car and had naps. This day not much napping happened because we talked a lot about what to do with Tia. She was SOOOO naughty that day. I can't even tell you that much about it because I can't remember, but it was bad. However, I was able to get some helpful advice and things have been going better I think. Anyway, after naps we went shopping at the dollar store for a birthday present for our friend Jensen. I also made a quick trip into Dick's Sporting Goods and Ulta. Ulta is the most confusing store ever. Seriously who decided make-up should be organized by brand. It should be by thing like all the eye-liner should be in one place and lipstick in another not all mixed. That store was too overwhelming for me. Anyway, after shopping we went home and got dinner made, played, ate and sent the girls to bed. Then we played Rivals of Catan and another game. Then we chatted and went to bed.

Thursday we took Kylee to preschool again. Only this time we couldn't go our normal way because they had the road blocked off by two police cars and the one had the cop outside of it with a rifle poised and ready to shoot. So scary. We found out the next day that someone had stolen a car and shot out some windows in that neighborhood. The did catch the people but apparently not till later. Anyway, so weird. So, we dropped Kylee off and went back home where we had speech Therapy and then occupational Therapy. It was a pretty good speech lesson, but I felt like the OT was even better. the OT brought some Tinker Toys and Tia played with those almost the whole time. She did a few blocks, but but mainly these and it was so fun to see her joy as she got the pieces together and built a very cool tower. Trent came about 3/4 of the way through, so it was good that Oma was there and could help with that otherwise I am pretty sure OT would have been a lost cause. Anyway after that we went and chilled outside while we waited for Kylee to come home and then we had lunch and naps. During naps I made bread and talked to my mom a bit. Then I got beans started for dinner and the kids played when they woke up and then I ate and we went to Frisbee. I loved having my mom there. I don't know why but I have always loved having 'fans' and most importantly family 'fans.' It was her first real Frisbee game and it was kind of funny to explain Frisbee to her. I think the funniest question was "Who were they calling Chilly?" It isn't a name mom it is what we say when we want them to be patient with the disk. Anyway, I loved having her there and it was a great evening for it. I felt like I played well. My team had pretty good spirit and it was quite a bit of fun. After Frisbee I came home and took a shower and then my mom and I stayed up talking until about 11 when Kitt got there. Then we of course talked some more and then went to be around midnight.

Friday dawned bright and early. We took Kylee to preschool again and then we came home and finished getting ready and cleaning up breakfast. Then Tia, Oma, and I played around for a bit and then I decided we needed some outside time. So, we walked down to what we call Rocky Mountain park. There Tia played and played. Then Tori and Trent came and we played some more. However, we had to hurry back, so that we could be home when they dropped Kylee off. I am so still trying to get use to this having something in the morning 3 times a week. However, we are getting there and I thoroughly enjoy when Kylee doesn't have school. When we got back the kids played out front for awhile. Tia really wanted the stroller on the front porch and so she was trying to get it up there but couldn't and recruited Kylee and Tori for help. They ended up pulling the hose up and around the stroller to see if they could do it that way. These kids are pretty dang smart.

Oma, Kylee, Tori, and Tia with the stroller and hose.

After playing outside we had lunch and naps. I really don't remember what we did during nap time, but something I am sure even though it might have been just getting ready for dinner. I can't remember. Anyway, that night after dinner and the girls were in bed we played games and talked. I think we all would have liked to stay up late, but we had to get my mom to the airport by like 6, so sleeping in was not an option.

Saturday we did get up and get my mom to the airport. I went with Kitt to take her and I am glad I did because it gave us time to chat and be together just that much longer. However, when we got home the girls were awake, but luckily Gaupo took them on a long walk and let us catch a little bit of sleep. It was good because we then had breakfast, went to an Elder's Quorum softball activity, the Jensen's birthday party, and then finally home for slight naps, and dinner. It was a crazy day but really fun. It has been a long time since I have played softball and so it was fun to catch and bat. It was also fun to play with my friends at the birthday party and watch the girls interact with their friends. It is so fun to watch Kylee actually play and it is fun to watch Tia kind of try to figure it all out.

It was a crazy fun filled week. It was kind of busy, so I don't know if Oma got as much us time as she hoped, but we were sure glad she came and had fun showing our life to her. It is fun to just show people what we do.

PS. Sorry this took so long to write. I might turn into a horrible bloggger. Lets hope not. 

Our Secret Life

We don't really have a secret life, but in some ways it felt like that this last week when Kylee was at preschool and Tia was home with me. Tia got royally spoiled last week while Kylee was at preschool, but maybe it will make up for this week where she doesn't as much. I sincerely doubt kids think like that (and to be honest not sure I do either), but either way last week we spoiled her and this week we kind of have to spend that time getting things done.

So we did some really fun things during our secret life last week. On Tuesday after I took Kylee to school, Gaupo and I loaded the bikes into the car and we took Tia for her very own bike ride. We put the tag-along bike on Gaupo's bike and let her ride that and she thought that it was so great.We went out to Golden Ponds, so it was pretty and peaceful and because Tia didn't have to focus on where she was going she didn't run anyone over while she was looking around at everything. Tia totally loves to observe the outdoors. Don't get me wrong she loves to experience it too, but she loves looking around at everything. That is why sometimes we almost run over or into others on bike trials.

On Thursday we have Speech and Occupational Therapy, but our speech person got sick and cancelled. I texted the OT to see if since we didn't have speech if she wanted to meet at a park. I also said we would really like to go to her farm, but I had to be back to my house by 11. Anyway, she texted back saying if we could come at like 9:30 then we could go to her farm. I said yes to that opportunity and we went to her farm. Tia for to hold a bunny, find eggs, look at chickens (she wanted to hold one, but Julie said the chickens didn't like that), scoop up pooped in hay and move it in a kids size wheelbarrow to like their compost-ish pile. Tia also got to jump on a big tramp which she LOVED. She got to do it all alone with no one else wanting a turn. She also got to go into their playroom where they had a giant swing they made into a 'horse' and while riding that she read a book. Then she got to stand and stomp in a barrel full of ball pit balls. Then she got to jump off a pretty high bench thing and land on a crash pad. Pretty much this all amounts to Tia heaven. Although, she didn't really like the scooping hay and pushing the wheelbarrow thing, but even that she didn't mind too much. However, she loved it and when we dropped Kylee off at preschool on Friday she asked if we could go to Julie's farm. It was a pretty fun place.

Friday, Kylee also has preschool and after we dropped her off we came home made a shopping list and then left Gaupo to homework, while we went grocery shopping. It was pretty nice to have just Tia. She still did some of her normal stuff like not staying in the cart and wandering around, but she was better and honestly it doesn't seem as bad with just one. However, Friday was the day after a Bronco's victory, so after all our shopping was done we went back to the store and got free donuts. Tia did not want to let those go. She held onto that bag all the way home, so she could share with her daddy. Those two thoroughly enjoyed their donuts. So not a huge adventure but free donuts is fun and she wanted to ride the pony, but then when we got up to the pony she didn't want anything to do with it. I did at least get her to pet it this time, but boy she remembers that feeling or maybe the event because once she gets close she wants nothing to do with the penny pony at King Soopers.

See it just simple stuff, and to be honest Kylee doesn't like Golden Ponds very much. She almost never wants to go. She gets board with Tia's OT because she has to wait her turn and that is pretty hard although she is really good at it. She also doesn't like donuts. However, when we told her what we did she still wanted to be there and to see things. Growing up is rough, but she loves preschool more and more every time she goes. I love hearing the new songs they learn. I love seeing the projects, and the skills they practiced that day. I love watching her love school and what she is learning and doing there. It is so fun to hear her talk about her 'secret life' that we don't get to see. Both my girls are growing and it is so amazing to watch them master new skills. It is truly amazing.

Newish Things

Lately I feel like we are doing a lot of new things. So far we have already started a new school year for Gaupo and a new job of watching kiddos for me, and now we have even more new things. This last Thursday I had my first Frisbee game in about 4 years. With some encouragement, I decided to sign-up for the Fall Ultimate Frisbee league here in Longmont. They play on Thursday nights and it is only through October. I was pretty hesitant about doing it, because it would take time away from my family, but I decided that I should. So, Thursday came and it was great. I had had kind of a rough couple of days, not that anything was different I just wasn't copping super well. Anyway, I went to Frisbee that night and it was so great to just let all of those things go away and play. It was fun to run for a purpose, be a bit competitive, meet new people, and know that my kids were having a great time with their dad. We lost both our games, but you know what I still came home feeling great. I can't explain it, but it was just really great to play again. It is definitely one of those things you don't realize how much you love it till you play again. Trust me I am pretty rusty. My throws aren't too bad, but the mental game of Frisbee is way rusty. I have a hard to reading cutters, knowing how to convince/fake-out my defenders, how to read strengths and weaknesses, etc. Oh well, what can I expect and really it went way better than I thought, so I think I will go back :)

Another new thing we have been up to is Preschool. We had Kylee's open house on Thursday morning. We went and met Teacher Wilson and her other classmates. We filled out paperwork and talked for a bit. Then we all got the tour and run down of how Preschool works and what happens there. It was so great and Kylee  was pretty excited about it. Then today was her first day. We started of the day with a great breakfast, then we made a sign so I would know this was her preschool picture. Then we took pictures. Finally, we came back inside and Gaupo gave her a Father's Blessing. It was so great to watch her get a blessing and then to watch her sister want one and actually manage to sit still till it was done. The Priesthood is real and I am so glad Gaupo holds it and can bless our children. After blessings, I got Kylee in the car and we went and picked up Ryker and went to school. You could kind of tell Kylee was nervous because she was quiet, but you know what she got there and when she came home she had crafts, and 'work' to show me. Plus she is excited to go back, so I call the day a success, especially since there were no breakdowns, not from Kylee or me.

Kylee on her first day.

Tia needed a sign and picture too.

These two sillies were worried about what or where the other one was while they were apart.

Finally, Labor Day weekend. I know that isn't a new thing. It happens every year, but we did try some new things. The weekend started of with Labor. The girls and I cleaned the house and Gaupo mowed the lawn. We got everything looking good, so that we didn't have to worry about it during the week. Then after lunch and naps we managed to sneak in the family bike ride that we missed when we had our shower mishap. The girls were troopers and enjoyed riding their bikes and playing at the different parks that we rode to. Then we came home and had a picnic dinner. We had hoggies with chips, cantaloupe, canned baked beans which are not very good in my opinion, applesauce, and special drinks. We had this picnic in our basement and the girls loved it. Then we came upstairs and did a little yoga. Yes, yoga. We have found that we all like doing yoga. We do kids versions of it and some are definitely better than others, but it helps everyone. Kylee and Tia focus and try really hard and I actually find it really relaxing. Gaupo when he does it, just does it to be with us, but hey it works. After yoga it was bed time. 

Sunday was pretty normal, but Kitt came to visit us and got up here in time for dessert and the family hangout. It was fun to do a family hangout on a pre-holiday Sunday because no one had to go to bed, so they could get up for work. So, we talked till almost 10. It was pretty fun to just talk and hangout. True it would be way better in person, but you know you can only do so much when you are all spread out. After the hangout; Kitt, Gaupo, and I talked till about 12:00AM. We talked about all kinds of stuff. It started out by talking about love languages. This stemmed from the book I have recently finished reading call "The 5 Love Languages." I really enjoyed the book and thought gave a lot of good insights into loving your spouse. Anyway, we talked about that, a smidge about boys, some about family, and then who knows what else but it was fun and late.

Taking pics with Daddy's phone while waiting for Aunt Kitt and/or dinner.

Monday morning came a little too soon, but not as bad as I thought it was going to be. We had breakfast pretty early for us and then we went on a walk/bike around Roosevelt Park. The girls rode their bikes while us adult followed on foot. We got to this park to do it, because of Pokemon Go. Gaupo and the girls play it and it is a great place to get a lot of stuff real quick. So, we did that for a bit, and then we went and played at the park. Then we went out in the field and played 'volleyball' and Frisbee for a little bit. We headed home about 10:15 and to be quite honest just kind of hung out the rest of the morning. We did play the Ogre game with the girls and had a piggy painting party, but other than that it was pretty darn chill. After painting piggies, we had lunch and then naps. During nap time I made crab dip and prepped the chicken for dinner. Kitt had to go to the store to get me some ingredients that I forgot, but it all worked out. The girls woke up kind of early, but Guapo took them for a walk in the stroller and let Kitt and I visit. That was so nice of him. When he got back we kind of lounged around some more and then the girls wanted to do some Yoga again, so we did. Then we started making dinner. We had dutch oven chicken, macaroni and cheese, and peach cobbler. Yes, Kitt is still gluten free, and yes it was all gluten free and delicious. Oh man, I was so stuffed after dinner. I didn't even want popcorn. Oh man it was so good. Gaupo cooked everything perfectly and the flavors were good, the breading stayed on the chicken. It was awesome. We finished off the night by having movie Family Home Evening. We watch the Incredibles as a family. It got a little intense for the girls, but they still enjoyed it and Tia found it in the movie cupboard this afternoon and wanted to watch it again. I was pretty amazed she really did sit through most of it and it was actually really enjoyable. So, true our celebrations were not new, but it was the only Labor Day we celebrated this year and I felt like we rocked it pretty well. Sure we could have done more stuff, but really I think everyone here need to just be here and have a little still time. Believe it or not still time is good for the soul and family.

Love my family. Love spending time with them. I love and am nervous about all the new adventures, but you know I wouldn't have it any other way. Life is an adventure that I am so glad I get to have.