Labor Day Weekend :)

We had such a great Labor Day weekend! After a quick trip to SLC last week to go to the temple and to see some friends we didn't feel much like going too far to celebrate our three day weekend. So we enjoyed some close to home attractions and really had a great time as a family!

Dad is the champion reader-- since Preston started school he has been pretty insistent that we get his daily reading done-- and Dad has stepped up big time in getting this task handled! Here he and the kids were piled in Preston's bed reading a book called, "Those Amazing Ants" !

On Saturday we went to Kidzplex. It was super fun-- Burke and I were worn out WAY before our children-- and I had swollen bruised up knees for a few days afterward from crawling through the mass of tunnels. We had lots of laughs and got super sweaty (gross)!

On Sunday we went to church (not much different there huh?) Preston was a little disappointed. "I thought we were having 3 family days in a row! Church is not a family Day!"

On Monday we went to Glenwood Springs and did this hike. It was beautiful-- and wAy above our children's skill level. I felt bad when I realized how overwhelming it might be to look up at a steep mountain of boulders strewn through a very narrow pathway that were all as high as your waist. I think I would have given up! They hung in there and we were all rewarded with the beautiful view at the top and satisfaction of having overcome in the end. Preston walked every step!

Getting ready to start up the trail :)

Back down to the bottom of the trailhead
-- I think we were all pretty relieved when it was over!

Trail Stats: 2.4 miles round trip and 1000 foot elevation gain. Time spent on trail 3.5 hours. 2 potty breaks and one pair of peed pants (not mine!) We took one longish break for lunch about 3/4 of the way to the top.

Would I do this again? Yes with these changes: This would be a lot more fun for our children in a few years. A good portion of the trail is too dangerous to carry a child in your arms or even in a backpack (balance). We were really blessed that none of us were hurt. This trail was immensely popular on this holiday weekend--so before I sound like I don't like to share, I need to defend my position--the trail was really narrow and since up and back is the same trail the flow of traffic was really obnoxious. There were not places to "pull over" because of the steepness and rockiness of the terrain. Because we were slower hikers there was a lot of pressure from behind and ahead to move on or move out. I found that bothersome. If I did it again I would probably go on a weekday in the summer to hopefully improve that aspect of the trip.

The First of Preschool!

The first day of school :) Can I love this boy too much? :) He came home with the biggest smile and lots of excitement--- just bubbling over telling me about how much fun he had --So darling! He went on and on about the activities they did and what he liked . . . and he completely neglected to mention that he spent the last 15 minutes of the day in the "naughty seat"--so I was a bit surprised when his teacher called to chat about that. Overall I would say he is loving it and transiting fairly well :) I can't believe how fast he is growing up! What a smart boy, I am so proud of you big guy!

All ready to go inside-- giving me two thumbs up that he was ready to give it a whirl :)

Preston chose the menu and got to eat on our special red plate for dinner that night :)

Standing here by "the most giant enormous cookie I've ever ever seen" that Mommy made to celebrate Day One. Other than being a little undercooked, it was a success, next year I will do it again and be sure I bake it a little longer :) Recipe found here.

Andrus Family Reunion!

I might be biased, but I think we have the best family reunions-- I love them with my family-- and I also love getting together with Burke's family. Always so fun! We had a great time at my family reunion this year-- it was so nice to see everyone as always-- this year as an extra bonus all of my siblings were in attendance-- it just doesn't happen too often and it was so fun to be together. As per my usual, I took way too few pictures-- most of those posted here were from the talent show that Sheldon took for me-- and my batteries died halfway through so we were missing some key events! We enjoyed the quiet mountain setting in Hanna, Utah-- the temperature was perfect, we weren't bothered by bugs so that made it really fun!
Our ghetto-fabulous bike rack solution-- since we got rid of the SUV we still had the rack we had bought a few years ago but not a way to attach it to our little car without spending more $$ than I wanted to spend on that particular thing --so Burke & I together engineered a rather pathetic, but effective means for transport! I was SO glad we did it-- so worth it to have our bikes along--even if we did get some funny looks along the way! Good thing our kids don't care about stuff like this yet right?

Preston stopping to pose while he and the kids were swimming in the kiddie pool

Rebekah taking a dip in the good old washtub!

The Pack Crew's rendition of the Fast Food Song --So glad my kids have been introduced that amazing piece of music! Then they acted out this cute Snowman song with lots of the cousins-- fun and energetic!

The audience!

I think this went with the snowman song.

Sheldon and Becki revisiting their synchronized swimming act. So hilarious!

more snowman? I don't know how I got these so mixed up!

Other memorable acts included, Greg and Matt's song about Backseat Driver's, Rachel Brittney and Michelle rewriting "Waking up is Hard to Do" Madison showed us her fabulous Belly Dancing act and Tim told some really great stories about his trip to Israel and other urban legends that he knows because he works for the church. I know I am forgetting others-- I love the talent night-- there are always some good laughs and it is fun to see some real talents too :)


We enjoyed bike rides, chasing little kiddies, reading, visiting, crafting, games, and good food! It was so nice to relax and enjoy some time together. Also loved getting to sing with my girls again-- we seriously need to video chat practice or something-- we just don't have it together anymore!!

Wishing we could swing more time off to attend Burke's extended Family Reunion in a few weeks-- maybe we can plan better next time!

Arches National Park

We had a great time camping in Arches National Park :) We only went one night which was perfect as we had not ever been camping with all four of us before. It was so fun! We can't wait to try it again :) We took a few hikes to see some of the arches and the kids did so well. Rebekah needed plenty of lifts , but still did super. Preston only asked to be carried a few times on the way down. The views were breathtaking. I am not sure I would have taken the kids on the delicate arch hike if I had really known what we were in for, but it was doable (they just have no fear!!) there were a few heart stopping moments for me as I watched them slip and fall on the sleep slick rocks. It was so windy on the top of the viewpoint that I was having a hard time not getting blown over. I hardly even took the time to look at the arch because I was hanging on to my kids too tight and trying to keep us safe! It was so beautiful though, I am so glad we did it. It was also such a good feeling for me to see how much my physical body is improving in health and strength. My muscles are responding positively to the treatments I have been using and I feel so thankful. It is so easy to take our health and strength for granted-- I am feeling like I am being given so much to be feeling so wonderful :) Talk about blessings! I am hopeful that we can keep this up! I know the Lord is blessing me so much and I am so grateful. We are loving summer and keeping busy, and learning and growing together.


r

For Camille

Dear Camille,
Here is the picture you have been requesting. "Two" much fun :) Rebekah loves her little necklace. Thanks for thinking of us!

New Tricycle

Rebekah has been saying for weeks that she needs a pink bike. I mean almost everyday she has said to me, "Mom today we go store buy me pink bike? Okay!" Her enthusiasm has not wavered. She loves Preston's bike and even though she can't operate the pedals because they are a bit too long she was not discouraged. Knowing how short lived the size of bike she was needing would be useful I must admit I have been hesitant to buy her a bike of her own. Last week though when I saw this on Craigslist for $2 just across town I was so thrilled. I asked her if we should paint it pink (I am a lover of spray paint these days) but she said no. She likes her pretty red bike :)

Preston likes to "help". He is finally pretty good at maneuvering his own little bike, but this week he has been a little jealous of this new cool tricycle. We have taken a few family bike rides around the block and everyone is getting better :) I can't believe how big these little kiddos are getting!