A Fire In The Valley

This has been a very dry summer and fall and the fires around Utah have been evidence of that. One afternoon when I came over Trappers to see smoke on the north side of the valley. It was just what I was afraid of...a fire in Eden/Liberty. They had several crews on it as quickly as possible but with the wind the mountainous terrain it was difficult to fight. They called in the helicopters and airplanes to drop water they would first collect from Pineview. We sat on the front porch with the girls watching them pull the water out of the lake it was pretty amazing to watch. Luckily they were able to get it under control pretty quickly and without many people or structures hurt or damaged. We're so grateful it wasn't worse.

Austin's Homecoming

The time went quickly and to start this fall the girls 1st cousin came home form his mission. Although Im sure there will be plenty to follow it was something we definitely wanted to be there for. I was a little nervous leaving the safety and security of the house for fear our little guy would decide to come but after lots of discussion we decided it was worth it. We stayed in a local hotel in Idaho Falls so we had beds for all of us and it worked out so great. Saturday afternoon we packed up and got on the road. We got to the hotel just in time to get the car unpacked before I ran Matt and Kerry over to the temple. The Pugmire's had decided to do Brayden's temple work while everyone was together but being so pregnant I decided I wasn't feeling up to it but was so happy Matt was able to be there. While they were at the temple I took the girls swimming. They had a blast and I was happy to relax by the side of the pool.

We had dinner at Ris's house and enjoyed some time with family before heading back to the hotel for the night. The next morning we woke everyone up bright and early to get to church before 9am. We grabbed breakfast at the buffet and ate in the car and made it in great time. We got to meet a girl from Austin's mission named Kiah. She seems nice and very interested in Austin...that will be interesting. After sacrament we headed to Ris's to help get the luncheon ready. The homecoming was great for a little bit then the weather changed and the wind got crazy and the storm rolled in and we all headed for cover in the house. We spent some time getting things cleaned up and told everyone see ya later before heading out for our drive home. 

Getting Ready For Baby

Im not a great seamstress but I do pretty well with blankets so while the girls are at school Emy and I have been busy working on the getting some super cute and comfy blankies ready for this little guy. Em really likes to help pin them together and help with sewing them. She's a great little helper.

This little girl is also obsessed with the baby kitties and anytime I can't find her lately she is on the back patio loving on the kitties. 

Box Elder County Fair

Another year of the Box Elder County Fair & Parade in the books. This is one of the many things we look forward to all summer. This year Kerry was in the parade and the girls were so excited when he finally drove by towards the end of the parade. Lucky for us Joy always saves us an awesome place to sit in front of the food pantry.

The animals are a definite hit...the bunnies are a favorite because they love to pet them

The sheep in their silly outfits are so funy

Everyone needed a turn in the cut out first Emmy

Then Gracie

Then Hallie

And Grandma Harris has become part of the tradition of the fair and parade. Its so fun to have her along and see her interactions with the girls. Growing up I don't have many memories with her and the ones I do aren't great so I love the opportunity to see them interact so well.

And the candy haul from the parade is always impressive. Into the treat drawer to be enjoyed until we throw it out to be replaced by Halloween candy...lol

Hallie & Gracie 1st Day of School

The girls were ready to go back to school and so excited to start their new adventures in 1st and 4th grade. They were excited to pick out their new outfits and search new hair styles on Pinterest. Im excited to see them learn and go but also sad they are growing up to quick.

Gracie is 6 years old

She has Mrs Coy

When she grows up she wants to be a gymnast

Her favorite books are Junie B Jones

Favorite color is Pink

She is still so tender hearted, loves hugs and kisses, is a great artist, always tries to think of others, and is a great sister. She loves to spend time with both of them and wants to be just like Hallie. She is an awesome reader, piano player, chef, and helper.

Hallie starting 4th grade...take a minute and let that soak in. I can't believe she is already in 4th grade. She was super excited about the science rotations they will be doing this year mostly due to the fact they will be talking about rocks. She continues to love reading and her current favorite is A-Z mysteries. She has Mrs. Montgomery which we haven't heard great things about but  have been told if you're a great student she is pretty decent. I will definitely be keeping a close eye on her. I understand teachers have a hard job but yelling and throwing things at the kids seems unacceptable to me so we will see. Soccer is definitely her thing and she currently wants to be a soccer player when she grows up. We are looking into letting her play indoor soccer this winter since Matt wont be traveling as much with the new baby here. She is 8 years old and remains the youngest in her grade but you would never know it. She is still such a great big sister. She is more patient with Em but is learning to work thru her differences with Gracie. I keep telling them the sooner they realize that sisters make the best friends the easier life becomes.  

A Few More Days of Summer

Summer has gone by so quickly but lucky for us the warm weather has stuck around even in August. We are loving having the yard in and being able to just enjoy it. Matt is still traveling a ton so it makes it difficult to find time to boat but we are doing our best. There was a couple weeks when they found blue algae in the lake and recommended not boating or swimming. Another time we loaded up and when we got to the launch dock they told us all ramps were full and the lake was closed. We were all so sad but what could we do. SO home for ice cream and water games in the backyard.

Wheat & Beet Days

Growing up I don't remember ever doing Wheat & Beet days but with Matt's mom very involved it has become a tradition for us now. The play is something we look forward to every year. This year was Mary Poppins and it was fun to have Matt's sister and her kids join us this year. Matt's dad also joined the crew this year and helped with building props. 

Joy was nominated for all of her years of service to the community both for teaching and her part in the community with the play. She was in the parade so of coarse we wanted to go and watch.

We spent the rest of the day hanging out with Matt;s parents helping in the backyard and the girls and I went over to Logan for a bridal shower for one of Matt's cousins. Later that evening Joy was recognized at the fireworks and given a certificate. Then we decided to stay for the fireworks and it ended up being completely worth it. Such a fun day celebrating Joy and all her hard work and accomplishments.

Shopping Buddy

With both older girls getting ready to go back to school full time Emy has really grown up. She is in such a fun stage and makes most things so fun. Im sad the girls are going back to school full day but we have had a lot of fun this summer usually just us girls. With little brother coming this winter it is our last summer with just the girls. These pictures are from lunch one day after shopping. Olive Garden is one of the girls favorite