Baby Scout

This picture speaks for itself. It also speaks for how the rest of us felt whenever we got our hands on baby Scout. She is so cute. We love the way she smells, looks, feels, and even burps. She is beautiful. And she is a perfect addition to Deborah and Vinnie's family. Reese and I loved waking up at Deborah's to a house full of cousins and fun. Doing laundry was pretty cool too, in that it made me appreciate how much less I have to do at my own house. Good luck staying on top of that one Deborah.

Reese was happy to stay with Grandma Patsy on the night we flew in while I attended a Timpview High School football game. I went to watch spunky Lexee cheer during the first half of the game and then perform at halftime. She was the most talented and coordinated dancer there, really she was--when she wanted to be. :) And correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Timpview one of the more privileged schools in the valley? Well, you certainly wouldn't have known it by the quality of their mascots getup! Pretty sure some local ladies must have whipped this costume up at an Enrichment where I'm also pretty sure that Napoleon Dynamite was a guest.

Gardner Village was a treat. Lots of very well made-up witches. Pretty sure my sisters were annoyed with all the stops I continued to make so that I could snap a pic or stops just to take in the crispy fall moment. Living in south Texas leaves me longing for fall weather. I can definitely do without long winters but there is nothing that I miss more than fall. From left to right: Davis, Lexee, Kylee, Mia and Reese.

When I arrived in Utah Deborah was ill with numerous things I will not mention. So we played it close to home mostly. She felt much better towards the end of my stay and wanted nothing more than to go out with her sisters minus 5 children. So we did. Sarah picked a fine restaurant in Salt Lake just down from the Capitol called Eva. It was delicious. Among many other dishes we had that night Deborah and I felt we must order ratatouille pizza in honor of our kids. It was good too.

Also on this night we were on the 10:00 o'clock news. But you probably didn't notice us in the background walking aimlessly around or jumping up and down behind the anchor man's desk. He did though. Hind sight I hope that no one noticed us. We probably looked like we were one of two things: intoxicated or really hard up for a night out with no children. Or maybe a little of both? Who knows. We had the best time.

A couple of views from my run. And, yes, I had time to take these shots while my lungs were catching a break. I couldn't pass it up. Utah is beautiful.

We loved seeing all of you.

Ty is tardy

And for that matter so was Jaden. While it didn't phase her, it was proving detrimental to Ty guy.

We've only occasionally cut it close in our efforts to make it to school on time. Ty unnecessarily worries about being late for school throughout the getting-ready-morning-minutes. It might have a little bit to do with his sister's nonchalant demeanor as it applies to being prompt for school. She's typically the last one in the car. That's one difference between a 1st and 5th grader. So you can imagine Ty's panic last week when I was the first to wake at 10 minutes to 8:00 (that's another story). Mind you school starts at 8:00. Ty was irrational from the minute I woke him. Being labeled tardy was more than Ty could fathom. And I mean labeled in the literal sense. The secretary prints out a label that reads TARDY. After which, the sticker is slapped to their chest and worn on their shirt for the seemingly extra long walk to class.

So picture Ty in tears, frantically rummaging through his basket for school clothes. Then picture Jaden, as cool as a cucumber as she leisurely bellies up to the bar for breakfast. Classic. This is where I decide to turn this thing on its head. So I tell the kids, "well, if we were going to be late than we might as well be really late and what better than donuts to help us do it." To this they responded, "yeah right mom" because this is so uncharacteristic of me. Really it is. For two reasons: 1. I never (rarely) break from routine and 2. what a horrible, unhealthy breakfast. Something I am usually against. Don't you fret, I made them pound a bowl of oatmeal before we left for the donut shop.

After donuts we arrived at the school by 9:00. Protective big sis hurried in before the rest of us to prep the secretary of Ty's concern. The secretary was kind and proceeded to tell Ty that even teachers are late to school. That information seemed to do the trick. He responsibly took his tardy sticker from her and asked if he could carry it instead of apply it to his shirt.

Grandpa Lynn and his iPad make a visit

Grandpa Lynn flew in for a three day visit. The kids were thrilled. Reese especially benefitted from his trip by getting to know him. If you were to ask her about her grandpa Lynn she'd say that he has a mustache and he's going to take her favorite pink blanket. Jaden and Ty were on pins and needles for his arrival. They already know him well enough to know that they could count on some over-the-top teasing, a visit to the donut shop and some genuine interrogation about their lives and well being.

We dined at Sakura, Rain Forest and Gringo's where Lynn claimed his dish was the best Mexican food he'd ever had. And that's saying something because this guy eats out more than anyone I know. However, he is extremely easy to please. We had a great day at the beach. The kids got to go un-birthday shopping. We fished at a nearby lake but came up empty handed. And my personal favorite was taking him to both Jaden and Ty's soccer games. I enjoy watching Kyle coach the kids but I particularly got a kick out of both Lynn and Kyle coaching the kids that day.

The pic of the weekend, in my opinion.