Pumpkin Patch!

We went to the pumpkin patch a couple of weeks ago before the weather got too cold. We tried a different one this year just because it was cheaper than the one we went to last year. Honestly, last year's was quite a bit better but the kids didn't remember and they had a blast. All they cared about was the slide, which they must have spent an hour playing on.

We went through the corn maze and took turns letting Addison & Urban lead. They weren't very interested. Jared & I knew where we were the whole time but he was trying to get the kids lost and hide behind corn stalks to jump out and scare them. All they cared about was getting out of there as soon as possible so they could go back to their precious slide.

The funny thing is that both of them look absolutely terrified while sliding down, but once they got to the bottom they would get a huge smile and start laughing and run back up the stairs to go again. Urban threw quite the fit when it was time to leave!

This top picture of Addison cracks me up only because of the memory associated with it. She decided to go down on her tummy because she saw other kids doing it but she didn't realize she needed to lift her hands up. They were screeching down the slide the entire time making an awful sound and totally slowing her down. I think a snail may have passed her up! You can't really see the people at the top of the slide, but everyone was laughing at her. We kept yelling for her to lift her hands but she didn't quite get the concept. Oh well, she still had fun. =)

Dear John,

I am writing this letter to inform you that I think it's time we call things quits. Trust me, it's not you, it's me! You haven't changed a bit, I just have different needs at the moment. I'm sure you've noticed that my visits to you lately have been far less frequent. In the first several months I used to come to you many times a day, even many times an hour some days, but now it's just a couple of times a week. In the beginning you were the only one who could truly understand me. No one else would welcome me with all of my "baggage" into their bowl at any time of day or night no questions asked. I spent many nights curled up on the floor next to your strong, supportive base knowing that it was pointless returning to bed only to run back to you with hardly a moment's notice. The truth is that I'm finally able to venture back into the real world. At last I can give my children and husband hugs & kisses again. I can handle most smells and tastes without feeling the need to run back into your cool, porcelain embrace. I will always remember our time together, however I can't say that they will be fond memories. Again, not because of anything you did wrong, just because of the circumstances surrounding our time together. I'm sure I'll be back for visits every now and again, but for the most part we are over. Please don't try to stop me as I am very excited about this new stage in my life. I wish you well and promise to come back once a week to keep you sparkling clean (I know how important this is to you) so you can perform at your best. Good luck in your future encounters.


Sincerely,
Hollie

Family Outings

Here's a couple of things our family has been up to lately. I am so behind on blogging but I have got so much else going on right now. I like to try to post these things just so I remember them. I have such a terrible memory and unfortunately I'm not great at journaling (is that even a word?) either.

When the kids and I first got back from Arizona we decided to go to Chuck E Cheese to have fun and spend some time together as a family. It was a rainy day so we had to think of an indoor activity. The kids had a blast. Mason actually slept most of the time but he woke up for a little while towards the end so we could get some pictures with him.

About 2 weeks ago was supposed to be one of our last really nice weekends so we decided to go to the zoo. The weather was beautiful, it was just perfect for a trip to the zoo. But man was it crowded! I guess we weren't the only ones who listened to the weather report. =) The kids loved seeing all of the animals, especially the brand new baby elephant. They also liked the train ride and carousel. Well Addison liked the carousel, any type of motion ride kind of freaks Urban out a bit but he did ok.

The Perfect Morning!

We had a wonderful morning.

We all woke up and cuddled in bed together for about an hour.

Then we made muffins, eggs & fruit for breakfast and ate while watching the rain out our front window.

The weather was beautiful. It was cloudy and rainy and windy, but oh so comfy cozy. I normally don't like weather like this, but I have been welcoming it with open arms this fall. It's been a nice change and feels so homey.

I sat watching the raindrops fall onto the window while sipping my first hot chocolate of the season. I LOVE hot chocolate. You can't feel bad while drinking it. It's warm and comforting and reminiscent of holidays, family togetherness & traditions.

We finished up with breakfast just in time for conference to begin. Conference is kind of like hot chocolate; you can't feel bad while watching it. It's full of so much spiritual goodness & "warm-fuzzies" (I loved that part...too cute)!

I felt very full of the spirit this morning and so blessed to be with my family. I wish every morning could be so peaceful and full of love.

I suppose it can be, I just have to work harder to fill my life with some daily "hot chocolate".