Brooke│She is Part of Our Family.

The other night we were all in the family room reading scriptures.  I was reading.  Scott was laying on the floor with three children on top of him.  Scott then comes to a realization, 'Brooke is part of our family'.  

I said, 'yes, she really is!' 

Sometimes, we go through days of routine and unremarkable days.  

Not much excitement, except for the every day things that we do. 

But every once in a while, 

quiet remarkable moments happen when we realize 

our capacity to love and

that our family wouldn't be complete without each other. 

Facebook and I Broke Up.

Just like breaking up with a boyfriend, 

Facebook and I broke up.  

I can't say it was a sad day, 

it was more like the moment when you realize that

life with that boyfriend wasn't going to work out...

so you better get the guts to just let it go.  

I'm glad it is over Facebook.

Life is much better without you.  

I figured the people that really matter will

call me,

text me, 

email me, 

send me a letter,

or check this blog.

Mischief.

No explanation needed.

Mischief never looked cuter.

Labor Day│Salt Lake Bee's Game

On Labor Day, we headed to a Bee's game with the Friel's and Penny.  

We were disappointed that Scott had to go to work that day...but it was such a nice surprise when he came home right when we were heading to the game and he was able to join us.

I was ecstatic.

It was such a beautiful day and the perfect way to end the summer. 

We loved the company and the excitement of being there cheering for the Salt Lake Bee's minor baseball league. 

We ate some hot dogs and treats and watched the game for a while. 

I must admit that I am a much better soccer fan...

I think it is because I understand more of what's going on...

But, there were some exciting moments watching the Bee's play. 

Brielle and Macie get along so well and it's fun that they get to play together.  

Brookie makes the funniest faces when she's excited. 

I can't believe how much that little munchkin is growing. 

The kids started to get a bit anxious so we went to a spot where they could run. 

They had a blast spraying each other and running around.  

Children have so much energy. 

I'm glad they get to be active and create memories. 

I often wonder what things they will remember about our family life.

I hope it is the good parts and not the times when I get mad at them for being careless children. 

I wish I could live my life more like a child without a care in the world. 

It is a wonderful time for them.

Brooke has become so active and has a little spunky personality.  

She has been throwing tantrums lately when she doesn't get what she wants. 

You wouldn't know it, with such an angelic little face in this picture. 

We had such a great time together. 

Our next door neighbor Zoe joined us, too. 

She is wonderful and we are so lucky to know her.  

She is so good with our children and always willing to help when I need her. 

The boys and Brooklyn. 

The game was fun and the Bee's won. 

It was a fun day for us all and Brookie was exhausted!

Perfect way to end the summer.

Braden Goes to Kindergarten.

Mr. Braden not so patiently waited for his turn to go to school.

He started a whole week after Brielle did and this killed him.

He wanted it to be him too and he became quite frustrated that he 'always gets to do everything second!' 

It can be hard being the second child. 

But his day finally arrived and he was beyond excited! 

  

I have to say that this child melts my heart. 

I love this boy. 

He can be quite the little stinker sometimes, but I am filled with so much love for him. 

He was so ready for his first day of Kindergarten. 

I love watching how excited and happy he was to go to school and become a big boy.

I always remind Brielle and Braden how important it is to love each other and be kind to each other.

 Friends are great and a wonderful blessing in our lives but when you're really in trouble, it is your family, that will be there for you (this is my little spill that they know by hard now...) 

There are definite moments of sibling rivalry between them but there are so many tender, loving moments as well. 

It often makes my heart so full, it brings me to tears.  

Braden ADORES his big sister. 

Can't you tell? 

...and Brielle is good to him most of them time. 

Those two definitely have a special bond...and I'm glad because that's how it should be. 

My Mr. Braden is growing up. 

He is learning so much already and we couldn't be more proud of him! 

August 2012│Cecret Lake

The last weekend in August, we headed up to Little Cottonwood Canyon with the Clarke's.

We chose Cecret Lake Trail  (yes, cecret with a c) as our hiking trail.

Scott and I love being able to take our kids to the outdoors. 

There's something extraordinary about being in nature, with no distractions (i.e. tv, computer, ipods).

We have been so blessed to meet such great people here in Utah. 

Heidi and Kyle are great and fun to be around.

I'm glad they were able to join us.

Braden was demanding that I take photos of him. 

He is such a little poser!:)

The hike proved to be a little bit more challenging than described online. 

But despite the challenging terrain, we made it to the lake.

It was beautiful.

I am always deeply amazed at the beauty of this earth.

How is it possible to find this random lake up in the middle of a mountain? 

The chipmunks were 'extremely' friendly, as in a little 'too' friend...almost scary friendly.

They were so close to us, we were afraid we were going to get bitten.

But they seem so inoffensive don't they?

Braden loves to climb on Scott, it's one of his favorite things to do when Scott is around.  

Braden thinks his dad is a jumgle gym. 

One of my favorite things about hiking in the canyons is how much cooler it feels up there. 

It is so refreshing and I know it sounds cheesy but I feel closer to heaven. :)

This guy was a brave one. 

He had no one belaying him. 

Scary if you ask me. 

I think it is time to invest on a good baby carrier for Brooke...something with a little more padding for the shoulders. 

Any recommendations?

Peaches.

We have loved having a peach tree in our little backyard.  

What a great experience it is to eat a fruit picked right from a tree. 

I have such fond memories of picking ripe fruit from my grandparent's fruit trees in Caraz. 

They had avocado, apples, fig, oranges and other fruits native to Perú.  

I'm so glad I got to experience that again here.  

Those peaches were AMAZING. 

They were so sweet and juicy.

We had peaches for days and days and days...

It's hard to get sick of such a delicious fruit. 

I made peach cobbler, peach pie, made smoothies with them and just ate them plain.

I had never in my life made a pie of any sort before...I take that back I had made chicken pot pie a couple times a few years ago, but never a fruit pie.  

So don't judge my crappy looking crust...

If I'm allowed to compliment myself...it may not look perfect but it tasted so, so good. 

I made a couple of these, I should have made more.  

I think I might be able to perfect my pie making skills in the next 3 years...

Brielle and our neighbor girls decided to sell some peaches...they are quite excellent little entrepreneurs.   

They made $10 total! 

Can't wait for more peaches next year! 

August 2012│Wheeler Farm

Towards the end of August, we met up with Jana and her kiddos at Wheeler Farm.  

It's always nice to see those guys and hang out. 

Scott had the day off that day and it was nice to have him join us, even though there is no evidence of him in these pictures!:) 

Macie was quite disappointed that Brielle wasn't with us, since she had already started school. 

Bummer! Sorry Macie! 

Brooke and Brooklyn were becoming acquainted.  

I'm thinking there's definite potential of a good friendship here.  

Brookie and Brookie. 

Cute girls. 

I'm glad we had Scottie there to take a picture of us moms.  

It always seems like there are never enough pictures taken of us moms.  

We do exist you know? :)

Jana is wonderful.  She is witty and makes me laugh. 

...and these two? they are hilarious together! 

Glad we got to hang out Jana.  

Can't wait for our fall outings!:)