We have had the most mild and beautiful fall this year! We're trying to live it up and get to the mountains as often as possible to run and hike and picnic. The colors in the mountains are starting to fade now and we're getting them in the valley. It's just a delight.  

A few weeks ago marked our household's first celebrated fall break EVER. I've gotta say I was a little nervous as it approached, because I've gotten a little out of practice at having all three kids around. But it came, and we pretty much rocked it. Especially on day 1. We packed up apples and chips and water and ran to get a corn dog, which is the kids' favorite. Then we took our picnic to the duck pond. Item of business number one was to feed the ducks, who were almost terrifyingly friendly. And loud. But they liked our bread. They even ate out of my hand a few times! From the get-go, Bryn made it her personal mission to catch, or at least touch a duck. She never was successful, but it was loads of fun watching her try. The kids played on the playground while I set up our blanket and food. Several ducks made themselves comfortable so they could beg with their eyes as we ate our lunch. The only thing more friendly than the ducks were the bees, especially ...

It all started first thing on June 10th. Nate was on his 6th day in Canada for a conference, and was returning home the following afternoon. I woke up, stretched, and read my scriptures in bed with Addison there chattering in one ear all the while. Then Leah started calling her good mornings from the other room, so I headed downstairs to get her a bottle. As I got closer to the bottom of the stairs, I noticed a strange sound. It sounded like the sink was on full blast. Confused and still half asleep I decided that couldn't be it because the kids can't reach the kitchen sink to turn it on. So I decided the sprinklers were on outside and one had gotten turned around and was pounding the side of the house (which, frankly, needs a good pressure washing anyway.) To my astonishment, I turned the corner to discover that the sprinkler was actually in the house. There was a pressurized spray shooting from the wall across the kitchen and everything was soaked. There were also sever...