Pet rocks rock

Jane's first day of preschool a couple weeks ago. 

She loves having her 'own thing'.  

She got a rock from soccer practice. Then came home and said she needed a 'spinach box'. She picked a bunch of grass, put it and the rock inside, and said it was her pet. I praised her idea telling her I love pets that you don't have to worry about feeding and that don't poop.

"Bike Rodeo" day at school. 

I wish we biked Siri to school more often! 

...I just remembered I need to change her flat tire :(

She is still in monkey bar phase. Every play ground, all the time. Monkey bars.

We enjoyed celebrating her birthday last week. She's in love with legos from the Grandmas. She has been asking all year for a real bow and arrow, which we got her. I just need to get some hay bales or bags of grass next time we mow to make a target.

Great Grandmother Thackeray. Took this pic of her on the girls when we visited her on her 98th birthday this past Monday!  I'm used to staying as long as the girls can stand (which is maybe 30 minutes), but this time I wish I could have stayed longer, just to chat and do little odds and ends for her around the house.

Right now I'm sitting at my computer, 9:45pm. I stink. Mark and I got to play indoor soccer tonight, the girls came to watch. I need to go shower so I can read some of my book, Boys in the Boat, before I get too tired.  I'm thankful I don't have to work to provide income. One day I hope I will because I want to, but now is not the season. I'm thankful to stay home, make granola, help in Siri's class, visit with the neighbor (which also means do dishes, laundry, etc...but I'm thankful for that too). I'm thankful for a husband who makes it a point to recognize when we don't have the Spirit between us as a family. He turned a very grumpy car ride home into a pleasant one by asking them about colors and numbers. He got a notebook and hat and pretended to be a detective to get them to really clean up their room. He made cookie dough with them and helped clean the kitchen. Life is good.

the good kind of spoiled

I am blessed. I am also sometimes spoiled. Like when my husband shoots a wedding near the city in California where my sister lives, I get to go, and have my other sister and mom watch the childrens while we're away. It was a great Labor Day weekend!

A trailer made out of skate decks. Stay cool Murray.

My happy place: High quality farmers market at the Ferry building!

If I ever find September Snow peaches again I'll buy some. 

Or better yet, find a tree I can plant in my yard so I don't have to pay $3.50 a pound for them.

View from the Coit Tower

the best

ok maybe this was the best

While we were away, Liz was holding down the fort

Pescadero Beach. 

They played while I snuggled in my layers of warm clothes and chatted with Jenn :)

Picnic among Redwoods. And hardly another person in sight!

Mosaic Stairs, the Wharf, and food at Mama's

Walking Kate and Max to school. I loved being able to see their everyday life.

The Memorial Church on the Stanford Campus is amazing. It is definitely worth taking time to visit.

Best people, best weather, best food.

Max's obsession: Monopoly Millionaire Deal. I sincerely tried to win. 

He beat me all 4 times I played him. He's 5 years old.

 \

this one to make me smile. Soccer sisters :) :) :)

                                       

And a shout out to our amazing Auntie Liz! 

Happy Birthday tomorrow, we are so thankful to have you in our lives!

All Squeeze In

Despite that having a nephew return home from a mission makes me feel old, we couldn't be more excited! Ruby and Jane didn't really know Noah since they were so young, but gave him hugs when he got back like they'd missed their best friend. 

Ruby wears a old jersey on game day so she can be one of them

And then we went on a trip. First time camping with our whole fam and we loved it! Yes, access to bathrooms, showers and pool enhanced our stay :) Thanks to our friends for planning and making it happen.

excuse the morning face

emerald pools

it was hot, like, melting my face off hot. 

I was so proud of Siri and Jane for their hiking and good attitudes.

I first met my friend Haylee in junior high when we started playing soccer together. 

Go avalanche!

we made dutch oven pasta

Ruby loved playing with Gordon

One of my favorite parts was when some asian tourists came and starting taking pictures of Haylee and Anna and Mark and Ruby when we stopped in Bryce on the way home. They just came right up to them like they were animals. Awesome.

Stopped at the Payson Temple on the way home

How cute is this lady! My friend's little girl is unreal. She stole my heart.

And my favorite ever...after we say prayers together as family at night before bed, Ruby always says "all squeeze in!" and she basically forces us into a pile of hugs. Its the best.