Trunk Or Treat!

Our wards Trunk Or Treat was this past Saturday. We got to drive out to the Polson's barn to enjoy a chili cook off, exploration, and a night of Trunk Or Treating. The kids had a blast and I loved the wide open spaces.  

 Lorelei was our little China doll from the "Great and powerful Ozz."

 Riley, if you haven't figured him out, is Wreck it Ralph.

 Brandon is my T-Bird

Solo Cups!

Fall in Colorado makes me laugh. We have such a contrast from day to day. I loved seeing white on the changing leaves.

 This particular day we also got to visit Amy and her two kiddos. We definitely miss seeing these guys more often. Jacob got Riley into a new game that I am excited to use as a stocking stuffer. Solo cups!  People professionally stack them and unstack them. Some of the tricks Jacob did were awesome and now Riley thinks it's fascinating.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

I don't know what it is, but church sure gives us the funniest situations with our kids. Back on September 22nd we had our primary program. I was incredibly nervous because it was Riley's first time. However everything went well. He only had to be coaxed to sit twice. The best part of the program was when the sun beams got up to talk. They had been asked the question "What has Heavenly Father given to you?" Each of them proceeded with a list of  "my hands", "my mom", and "my ears". Then Riley got to the podium and blurted out "my TV." Brandon and I got two inches shorter in that moment. Looking back it really was so innocent and cute. He was being truthful and honest. Obviously we could not have had a TV without the many people who were enlightened throughout time to create it.

Lorelei also had her little moment the other day at the kitchen table. She announced to us all,"Heavenly Father is going to give me a special present!" I asked "what for?" She replied "for my Birthday!" Were still not sure what this special present is, but from the way she said it, it must be something fantastic. 

Life's Paths.

Riley has had a thing for making paths since he turned three. Almost everyday I step on land mines like these all over the house. Some times he even talks me into making paths with him.

Path 1:

 Path 2:

 Path 3:

 I love having Riley in preschool. I have always enjoyed trying to help him learn at home, but it really does take a village to raise a child. The other day I gave him two halves of a peach. He looked at me and asked me to cut the two halves in half again. When I began to cut them he said "now I can have four pieces!" It was in that moment I realized he had done a simple math equation. It's amazing to see how the mind works through each stage in life. Unfortunately we  have had some set backs in language development. Luckily, the public school system here has a program called "Child find path." Riley, gets to see a board of people (occupational therapist, speech therapist, and school psychologist) and they will determine if he applies. If so, he gets into a free preschool program and works with a speech therapist for free! We love Mrs. Susan, but we also love Riley and this would help him a lot! 

While I was shopping the other day, I realized that Lorelei is no longer an infant. She is finally beginning to wear 2t's! Sometimes I actually feel like she's already three. Luckily, that won't happen for another 5 months.

 On another note, It's fall an we're loving it!

 The weather has been in the 60's and 70's all week! We did have one snow day last week, but it did not last long.

 Two umbrellas put together sure make a nice shelter.

 These pictures sure don't depict fall, but who can beat sunshine and 65 degrees? Especially when umbrellas are involved.

Stay-cation Continued!

On September 11th we headed out to explore the Red Rock Amphitheater. When we arrived an event was closing down. There were lots of people in running cloths and a ton of fireman. My mom later found out that every September 11th they hold a 9-11 stair climb. The firefighters wear their outfits and carry names of those firefighters who died. The climb is designed to equal 110 stories the same height of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers. The proceeds of the event go towards all of the families effected by September 11th. I hope to be a part of it next year! 

 After our soggy morning at the rocks we headed into downtown.

 There we spent our afternoon indoors at the Science and Nature Museum. Riley's favorite place was the space exhibits, Brandon's was the minerals, and Lorlerei's the stuffed animals. 

 Loved this view of downtown Denver!

Riley's favorite animal!

 At the end of our vacation we wanted to take a train ride up to Pikes Peak. Unfortunately the weather became worse and flooding was rampant. Plus the mountain was socked in by clouds making the point of trip irrelevant. When you pay good money to ride a train and take in the scenery it better be a clear day. Hopefully when Nana and Opa come again next year we can make that trip a reality. 

Georgetown Colorado!

My parents recently came into town. Actually, they came during the 7 day rain fest. Luckily the rain did not stop most of our plans. Tuesday we went to Georgetown. One of the many small mining towns being restored. The main peak of interest was the amount of Victorians in this town. 

We took a free tour of this (still operating) energy museum. It was erected in 1900 and is the second oldest operating hydroelectric facility in the state. 

Below is the house of my dreams! :)

We found the cutest park after lunch and had to try it out.

They are currently restoring this old public school built in 1874. I wish we could have gone inside. The stair case was gorgeous and the ceilings were incredibly high.

Over all it was the best gloomy wet day we could have asked for.