There is nothing like the first snow.

There is just something special about it. Even if we did have a huge snow storm less than five months ago, and it’s only the first week of October. The exclamations we heard from the kids as they came rushing into out room while we were still in bed were priceless. “It’s snowing, it’s snowing, it’s snowing!” “ It’s Christmas day!” “Let’s decorate the Christmas tree!” “This is the best day ever!” and it went on. They had their snow clothes on and were outside before I could even find my shoes. It was a warm, beautiful day just the day before! But it’s funny because we went shopping at Costco and splurged on a bunch of new Christmas decorations, so the kids were already geared up for Christmas. Ruby even complained to me that she wanted Christmas first, then Halloween. Now I’m sure they're even more confused. Oh well, the house was more quiet and peaceful that morning than it had been in weeks. And how I needed it.

I’m not quite ready for cold weather yet, but I do love this glimpse into this coming winter. They can put on their snow clothes gear by themselves now, and we have a fenced in backyard for them to play in all they want without my constant supervision. It’s going to be so different than past winters where I had to endure the cold with them daily just to keep us sane. I think I’ll love sipping my hot chocolate as I watch them through the windows. Happy fall everyone!

Back in the Game!

With the move came a lot of changes. One was that my workout routine got all messed up. I finally found something that worked for me, and then it was no longer available. There were enough distractions when we first came to Colorado to not let it bother me too much, and I was running a lot to prepare for a half marathon. I took advantage of the apartment gym while we were there, but it still wasn’t the doing it for me. So when we finally moved into the house and got settled in and I had a little time to spare, I really started to miss my boot camp workouts. I didn’t want to get stuck in a rut, and running really wasn’t as fun for me as it used to be.

Just as I was trying to get back into the swing of things, my new ward friends started talking about a boot camp group (we have so many small groups that gather during the week/month: Cooking, freezer meal, running, walking, F.H.E., Park, temple, etc.), and since they knew I used to sub at my old class, they asked me to lead it. I was happy to oblige, since I really love having the group to work out with. A couple weeks later, we met early in the morning for our first work out, and we’ve been going strong for a little over a month now. I’ve loved getting to know people better, and really feel my body going back to the strength it once knew. We only get together a few days a week (it seems people shy away from Mondays and Fridays) but we always have a great time together and get a great work out.

I’m not used to teaching every class, since in MD I only subbed, but it’s been a fun little challenge to think up new, interesting routines. I love feeling that morning rush again. And we are so fortunate to witness the most amazing sunrises as a reward. It’s getting darker and colder now, but we are lucky to have the church gym available to us when the winter rolls around. I miss my boot camp buddies in Maryland, but it’s been great to get out with my new friends and feel the burn again!

End of Summer Sweep, Part Two

Phew! life has been busy! It’s embarrassing how long it takes me to even wipe my counters these days. But autumn is in full swing, so I want to get these summer happenings down so we can focus on fun fallish things.

One Saturday we went to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs just an hour away. They LOVED climbing all over the rocks and playing in the caves. Definitely going there again. We love exploring our new home!

Someone at Smaland made a little book for the kids out of paper and wrote “Bennett’s Book”  (or Alex’s, or Ruby’s) on the front. I saw this everywhere after that. I think Book was the first word Bennett wrote, besides his name.

Lo0ks like Alex got a hold of the camera. He got some great shots!

I was very grateful when they all learned to blow up balloons one day. Their favorite game was to blow them up and let them fly. I was getting very tired of blowing.

Eating lunch splash pad-side.

So proud of her artwork. She described it as rain, sun and the grass.

Sometimes when they don’t fight and act crazy, bath time can last a long time and be so fun. This time was about 45 minutes.

My little dare-devil.

Ruby’s picture of the triplets.

Lots of park picnics.

Lots of IKEA lunches. It’s amazing I got them to share a cart this day instead of each pushing their own. I’m sure it didn’t last long.

Free A&W float day. Delicious.

Acting like puppies, as usual.

Love our friends.

The sky is incredible everyday here.

I took Ruby to the Mall with me and we had a lovely time together. Making a wish before throwing her penny in.

Little pizza makers.

Even though they have each other, they are pretty bored at the park without a friend. Cute McKenna.

Ruby chose this as her first day of school outfit. I kind of love it.

School has been awesome with those couple hours to myself everyday, but the ride home usually looks like this for one reason or another. Ugh.

Cute.

I guess we need a taller stool. Loving the independence though.

They got dressed by themselves, so they needed to pose for a picture. I think Bennett told Ruby what to do here. Work it!

We took them out to Sweet Tomatoes the celebrate the first week of school. Didn’t go over so well. But the food was good.

This kid eats mangoes faster than I can cut them up!

S’mores brownies. Love these so much.

We loved hanging with the Charvats at their pool. Those Puddle Jumpers have been the best thing ever.

Summer.

This kept them happy for a long time, so I was all for it.

New writing style for Bennett.

Many trips to this place. It’s dengerous to have it a half a mile from school that lets out at happy hour.

She loves lying down in the bath these days. The boys wouldn’t dare.

She started Ballet! And she loves it. I can’t get enough of her in a leotard.

The boys weren’t so happy that they didn’t get to go to dance class.

But we try to do something fun together while she’s gone. I love my boy time.

A short moment of sweetness before the naughtiness set in again.

More swimming at Whitney’s. Even thought school had started, we were glad the pools were still open while the temperature was 100 degrees.

Puzzles have been so good to me. The kids are entertained for so long while they do these over and over. Love the dollar store!

A little fever, poor buddy.

Love the Shave Ice truck some friends of ours own. Alex loved that his matched his shirt!

Bennett had to stay home from school the day after his fever even though he was well. We had a blast together at Costco, and resting while we watched a show. He always says to “snuggle me up’ on the couch. This one on one time means the world to me.

Always eager to help in the kitchen.

Enjoying the fruits of his labors as he eats key lime pie for an after school snack.

Piper and Nicole slept over! That little girl is so precious.

Extreme sidewalk chalk

Their idea. I really love how it turned out. I’m trying to figure out a cute way to put it on the wall in the play room.

It may have been late in the season, but I finally made a peach pie! And turned a couple of the last pieces into ice cream, of course.

This summer had its ups and downs as we adjusted to our new life, but what I’ll remember the most is the wonderful time we had in our new home with our new friends, and the great times we had as a little family. We can’t wait to see what great memories the rest of the year will bring.