Fall Break in Utah

October 11-15, 2012, was all three children's fall break.  Since this was a perfect time to get away, we took full advantage!  We started by heading to Goblin Valley

Sweet Sisterly Love

This is how Jake felt every time I took pictures!

We had never been to Goblin Valley before so we were in for a treat.  We loved it!  It was like being on another planet.  We definitely want to return there again soon.

Sneaking a pic from behind

Sure Love this Man

Yes, there was snow on Fall Break!

 We drove through Escalante and hit some snow.  We broke out the Justin Beiber Christmas CD and rocked some Christmas music through the snow.  Poor Joe was white knuckling it through the slick mountain roads.

 We spent a day in Bryce Canyon.  Unfortunately, every time we've visited here, it's been freezing cold.  This trip was no different.  The scenery is unbelievable though.

 To finish off the trip, we visited Zions National Park and spent the night in St. George, UT.  We hiked to the top of Angel's landing and I thought I was going to die!  Jake and I were the only 2 in our family to make it to the very top.  Tammy, Randy and family went with us and they proved to have no fear.

Near the top, there is a chain attached to the mountain and you have to hold on to this chain for safety.  I haven't had many things scare me this much!  It didn't help that there is a sign down below stating how many fatalities occur each year.  Blah!  Once I actually made it to the top, it was easier coming down.  I was proud of Jake and we had a great time.

 Sure do love this crazy family of mine and our adventures.  Can't believe next year will be the last official fall break with all my children in school.  Morgan will be a senior and will graduate the next year.  Talk about scarey!

Donut Falls Hike

On September 23, 2012, we headed up for a Sunday evening hike to Donut Falls.  This is in Big Cottonwood Canyon near the Jordan Pines picnic area.

 The fall trees were bright and beautiful!

 Our niece, Brooke, joined us and we had a lot of fun hiking the short trail in and then climbing the rocks to the top.

Brooke and Jake dared to go in the cave and freeze in the water.

  It was an awesome way to spend a Sunday evening and we've decided it needs to be a yearly event.

Quiet and Sadness in our Home

TJ - Tucker Junior

Always full of energy, barked like a maniac when "outsiders" arrived to the house, and fun as can be!

Quite frankly, this post will be short and sweet.  My heart can't take anything more than that.

On August 19, 2012, we had to say goodbye to our sweet TJ.  TJ had been our family dog and best friend since 2007.  We thoroughly loved our time with him and he holds a very special place in our hearts.  It's almost a year since he's left our home and I still tear up talking about him.

We love you TJ.  Thanks for bringing such joy to our home!

Fall Leaves

 On September 8, 2012, we headed up Provo Canyon and Susie drove us over on the Squaw Peak Trail and all the way over the back roads of the mountains.  It was such a warm, lovely day and we enjoyed every second of it.

 Kelsey had prior plans, so she missed out on the fun but Jake and Morgan thoroughly loved it.

 One of our favorite parts was standing up, driving fast on the way down the canyon with the cool breeze in our hair!  What an awesome day.  Thanks Susie!

School Rocks

2012-2013 school year, here we come.  Morgan started her Junior year at UCAS on August 23, 2012.  Kelsey and Jake started later, on August 21st.  Kelsey is an 8th grader this year and Jake is now the BIG KID in elementary, in his 6th grade.  Ready or not, here we go.  (We can do this...we can do this...we can do this...)

Jakob - Another Year Older

 July 13, 2012, Jake turned 11 years old.  Let me give you a little history about Jake's birthdays.  Last year, 2011, the sisters and I were at Stake Girls' Camp on Jake's birthday.  None of us liked this one single bit.  I called him, very sad, from camp and promised that I wouldn't be missing his birthday in 2012.  Well, fast-forward, guess who had Stake Youth Conference this week?  Yep!!  SOOOOO, I wasn't going to let another year pass without seeing my boy on his birthday.

 We opened presents two days early and then on the actual BIG DAY, Joe and Jake drove all the way to Ephriam, UT, to be with us.  I took a short break from youth conference and we went out to lunch.  We ate pizza galore and Jake guzzled down root beer.  He loves the way it makes him burp.  Gotta love boys!

It wasn't perfect, but at least we spent time together.  We sure love this youngest guy in our family.  Can't believe he'll be 12 next year.