Finally!

So one of the best parts of our trip to Maine was that while we were there we truly had an answer to our prayers! Yes, we finally sold our house. Of course as they say it isn't official til the money is in the bank, we are pretty sure this will go through. It was a bitter-sweet reality, we are definitely ready to be with our dad, but not quite sure we are ready to leave everyone we have grown so close to. But either way, I definitely know that Heavenly Father was watching over our little family and knew that it was time to be together again. Hopefully we (I) have learned the lessons that we were meant to learn from this whole experience. I can definitely say that nothing is worth the stress on a family when you are apart and the the idea that families are forever has so much more meaning to us. Anyways, so off to Indiana we go!

Mainly Maine

My sister and her family moved to Maine so her hubby could complete his residency for his master's degree in health administration. So, for our fall break the kids and I wanted to go up to visit. We heard that the fall colors in Maine are amazing and we had a great opportunity to see them AND get to play with cousins too.

On Columbus Day we actually got to go sailing on a schooner. Let's just say it was a once in a lifetime experience. We called ahead and the sailors said that we could bring donuts and hot chocolate on board as a little snack during our sail, which we thought would be perfect because it was freezing cold. Well, little did we know that when you sail on a schooner you are hanging on for dear life because the boat is literally sailing on it's side the whole time. Needless to say, none of the adults got any donut time but the kids managed a few while they were scrunched down in the cracks. Luckily, no one ended up overboard and we all made it back to land safely.

Playing games with Grandma is one of our favorite activities.

We went on a "hike" which I always feel funny saying because the hike wasn't really like what I consider a hike to be because I grew up around mountains. But, it was a little hike up to the top of a pretty big hill, but it was definitely worth it at the top. It was gorgeous! The trees are so dense and the colors are so bright and vivid, breath taking! I know Maine isn't really on anybody's list of places they hope to visit, but it is definitely worth giving it a chance.

We got to see Carter play one of his soccer games. He did awesome!

No fall trip is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch and a little pumpkin painting. We got an extra special treat and had delicious homemade apple cider donuts---and they were delish.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Isn't it just beautiful! I can't remember the name of this lighthouse, but it was so incredible to see one in real life. The concept of the lighthouse is so amazing and to think that before electricity the light house keepers kept them lit on stormy nights all by themselves is such an incredible thing. They are such a symbol of safety that you can't help but compare them to our gospel and the strength and safety it brings to our lives.

Grandpa and Grandma flew into Maine on Grandpa's birthday, so we decided to surprise him and pick him up at the airport in a black limo. The kids thought it was so fun and it definitely was a surprise for him. We drove right past him and he didn't even see us until Tara got out and brought him over to the limo. We had a yummy dinner at the Sea Dog restaurant, and some yummy dessert at home. We were so glad we got to celebrate his birthday with him.

We went to the the beach twice and both times we were just going to play in the sand, but the kids couldn't resist and ended up getting soaked. This was the first time my kids had seen the Atlantic Ocean and they just wanted to dive right in. But, it was FREEZING cold! Grandpa helped them build a sandcastle, but half way through it turned into a turtle. Also, both times we went a couple of hours before sunset, and ended up getting to see some amazing sunsets as well.

The Talent Fair

The kids wanted to participate in the primary talent fair. Brandon did a lego creation with a couple of friends from the neighborhood. They worked on the display every day after school until they had everything just right. Emma and Caitlyn did a cheer routine. They practiced everyday after school and did such a great job. (I don't know what I was thinking, and I thought I had a digital video clip of it, but I didn't.)

Back to School

I think this day comes faster every year. Caitlyn was sooo excited to get on that bus with everyone else in the neighborhood and loves Kindergarten, she only wishes it would be all day.

No, Parker isn't in school, but he really wants to be.

Finally! The bus!

Goin' for the sling backpack this year.

This actually wasn't the first day of school, but is was literally pouring rain on the first day, so we didn't get any pictures. Emma is sportin the shoulder bag this year, which I have been informed is not called a book bag, it is still a back pack.

Turnin' Two

Happy Birthday Parks! Parker's birthday was on Saturday this year and Grandma and Grandpa were able to come for a visit but had to leave in the afternoon, so we had a morning celebration. Which actually worked out quite nice because Parker wanted donuts instead of cake. Plus I am sure he appreciated getting to open presents first thing in the morning instead of having to wait until after dinner. He was/is totally obsessed with Diego this year and loved his rescue pack and Diego train. He also loves his shiny new red wagon, which already has been used on many a walks to the bus.

Potowatomi Zoo (say that 3 times)

While Matt was finishing up some of his orientation stuff I took the kids to the local zoo, which wasn't really a zoo, more like an animal park. But it was fun and the kids loved seeing the animals they had up close.

This is a rare sight...this is an albino alligator...he was pure white, kinda cool.

Emma's favorite animal, the peacock.

Honestly, I think petting zoo's should be banned, anyone else?

ND Orientation

Notre Dame has a new student orientation and for some of the activities the families are invited, so we went over to South Bend to see what to expect. Not that it matters at this point because our house still hasn't sold, so we are staying and Matt will be commuting back and forth. So he will go to school during the week and come home on the weekend. He "gets" to stay in a old nunnery that has been converted into dorm rooms for graduate students...and that is exactly what they are....his room is 2 beds, a desk, and a sink and he has to walk down the hall to the community bathroom---gross---thank goodness for flip-flops. Anyways, on family day of the orientation we were able to go down to the ND football locker room and then get to go out onto the field. We got to have lunch in the VIP room/sky box, which the kids though was pretty cool.

The mural on the library has been nicknamed "Touchdown Jesus" because it can bee seen from the stadium inbetween the goalpost.

What?

Here is Parker obviously enjoying a little summer fudgcicle.

The End

This picture pretty much sums up the end of our summertime in Utah...exhaustion from fun. One night as we were pulling into the garage after one of our activities, Parker got out of the car and just laid down on the garage floor. He couldn't even make it into the house, he was soo tired. Is there such a thing as having too much fun? :)

I Scream, You Scream

There is nothing like a Farr's ice cream cone, and you don't really appreciate it until you move away and can't have one. Caitlyn's favorite is Lime Rickey, Emma love chocolate chip cookie dough, Brandon loves playdough, Parker is still in the boring chocolate or vanilla phase (all my kids go through it), and I love the butter pecan. Ice cream is definitely my weakness.

L-A-G-O-O-N

No summer is complete without a trip (or two) to Lagoon. Why do kids love this place so much?

PS...I know that you can't really see these pictures, but there were just too many, and let's face it, Lagoon pics not really that interesting.

Pretty, Pretty Princess

Ok, so it was the girls turn for their big shindig. Grandma and grandpa pulled out all of the stops. The party started off with pink lemonade and finger foods dinner, then grandma treated the girls to a pedicure and of course there had to be a little dancin (which Aunt Gyla totally rocks at!). And of course what is a princess party without some fashion down the runway. The girls loved this girly night! Thanks grandma and grandpa!

Happy 78th Birthday, Grandma Nanny!

We celebrated Grandma's birthday at the Timbermine Restaurant. Yummy food, great family, and good memories. My kids are pretty lucky to get to be able to know and have memories of their great-great grandmother. Even though Grandma can barely see or hear, she knows each of the kids by name and always makes them feel special. We love you Grandma!

Great-Great Grandma Nanny

Great Grandma Bonnie

Discovering

We normally don't dress up when going to the children's museum, but we met the Ashtons and Aunt Jen at the museum after the temple open house. It is always a classic and the kids really love getting to spend time with their cousins.

Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple Open House

We were so lucky that the Qquirrh Mountain Utah Temple open house was going on while we were in Utah. It is a rare opportunity to get to go to a temple open house and I was so glad my kids got the opportunity to go through the open house. They loved it and had lots of good questions about what takes place there. I just think it is so great because now when Matt and I say we are going to the temple they have a little bit of an idea of what that means and have a picture of what it looks like on the inside. Hopefully it has instilled in them a desire to want to go through and be married in the temple one day.

A Birthday Treat

We gathered to celebrate Grandpa and Grandma's birthday and Grandpa gave us all a little treat...he played a couple of songs on his harmonica, which is totally something he wold do. When I was growing up we would visit them on Sundays and Grandpa would often get out his Omnicord and sing "You Are My Sunshine" or "Babes In the Woods" to us. I love that my kids know their great-grandparents and they are able to make these great memories too. We love and miss you Grandma and Grandpa!

Click here for a link to the Babes in the Woods song.

Arrrgh! (It's a Real Pirate's Word)

I don't know where my mom gets her energy and I was definiely not blessed with the "party gene" considering my poor kids only get a friend birthday party every 4 years, but this summer she wanted to throw her grandkids a little party, just because it would be fun and they would definitely love it. She and my dad (her willing? helper) gave the boys a pirate party. They got to eat pirate pizza and peg leg pretzels, make their own goblets to drink from, dress-up in full pirate attire which included eye-patch, whiskers, and hook hand, walk the plank, and of course what pirate party would be complete without a treasure hunt? The boys LOVED it! Here are just a couple of pictures of the gazillion I took. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! ARRGGH!