Cathedral Rock

Last weekend we hiked up to Cathedral Rock located on Mt. Charleston. It is considered moderately strenuous, and to that I say hogwash! To me it was maximally strenuous!

It was quite steep, without any switchbacks until you are almost to the very top. But it was beautiful! We started off on dirty, rocky terrain:

But soon found ourselves under canopies of beautiful fall-colored trees:

On our way up we took a small detour to see this tiny waterfall:

We met, quite possibly, the worlds most fearless squirrel. He got so close to us, I feared an attack:

And pretty soon we ran into snow:

Getting closer to our destination:

And.....1.5 miles later (which may seem like a tiny distance, but does not feel like a tiny distance when you are gasping for breath), we made it to the top!

Sadie, Sade was ornery and tired, but was able to take a refreshing nap on the way back down:

I am so outdoorsy now, I don't know what to do with myself.

Eric's Birthday!

Sunday was my very favorite persons birthday! Eric turned 41!!! I mistakenly thought that I had manly wrapping paper at home, but when I started wrapping I discovered only feminine designs. So Eric got newspaper wrapping. I did manage to gussy it up with cute, but masculine, ribbon.

Opening presents:

He received all sorts of cool things. Like socks and clothes. But also a rad hot chocolate maker I bought at the D.I. for $5!

And of course, this nifty card the kids made.

We spent the afternoon at the park finishing up Eric's 40 year old challenge. FYI to all his brothers: His mile run time is quite impressive! Be afraid. Be very afraid.  

Blowing out his candles:

Eric's day ended with one last birthday surprise. Check out this ice cream:

Ooh..la...la......Happy Birthday Eric!

12 X 12 - October 2011

I think for this 12 X 12 I should have just taken pictures of all the places I went last Wednesday. Although the amount of time I spent in the car may not be fully documented, know that it was significant. I started the day off by making the kiddies lunch.

 

Eric and I are having a debate. Last week he made them lunch and gave them 3 Oreo's. I was shocked, and told him I would have only given them 1. He determined I was crazy, and so far everyone I have asked has agreed with him. So, if you were giving your kids Oreo's for lunch, how many would you give them? Seriously, I want to know if I am deluded.

While waiting for Jackson and Megan to finish getting ready for school, Sadie "read" me "One fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish." She basically tells me what she thinks the page says, and then I have to tell her what it really says. It can be time consuming.

Jackson has recently developed a love for flossing, and always uses an incredibly long piece.

School drop-off!

I came home, got ready, went to Target, and then had lunch with Sadie, Rachael and Oliver at Zaba's.

After lunch, Sade and I went to the library, as I was out of reading material.

After we came home, Sade took a nap, and I pressed on and cleaned the house. This is what I look like everyday when I clean. The apron is my very favorite thing to wear, and I wear it many more hours a day than is normal. Not because I am always cleaning or cooking, but because it is very comfortable and I forget to take it off.

After the kids got home from school, I went to boot-camp. Boot-camp is hard.  Really hard. My running has gotten a lot better, but I am still struggling with strength. And I feel like my body should be looking different, but alas it is not.

After boot-camp I picked Sonic up for the kids. They often have Sonic on Wednesday nights, since it is $1.99 kids meal night, and I often have to be at the church at 6 pm.

 

At Young Women's we made modge-podge pumpkins. It was fun but I think mine is kind-of ugly.

After Young Women's I made a desperate trip to Fresh & Easy. We had been out of milk for 3 days!!!

After arriving home we started our nightly scripture reading.

We will finish reading the Book of Mormon by the end of the year, but we are in Alma. Still!!!

Don't forget to let me know how many Oreo's you would give your kids!!!

Five For Friday-Preschool Edition

I enjoy down time. Especially during the day. I love to be at home with no commitments. Now nighttime is another matter. I can party it up. But lately, my days have been heavy. With commitments. Errands to run, bootcamp, carpool to participate in, meetings to attend, and most significantly.....PRE-SCHOOL. It has taken a lot of commitment (mostly a driving and waiting commitment), and I am trying to adjust.

1. It is a sad state of affairs around my house today. The only day we don't have pre-school. I was going to be ambitious. The house would be spotless, I would have all the bills paid, I would prepare my lesson for Young Women's on Sunday, and I would get everything ready for Eric's birthday this weekend. Instead, I attended bootcamp, took the kids to school, came home, got into bed, read, and then fell asleep. Poor Sadie. I have been a bad mom to her today. She has watched t.v., gotten her own snacks, had a pickle for lunch, and is now taking her own nap. I will try to rebound this afternoon.

2. Given my distaste for babysitting, I was slightly worried about participating in a Joy School. But it turns out I had nothing to worry about. The kids are really good. I mean they are KIDS, but there is no violent, crazy one, so all is fine. Last week it was my week to teach! I had the letter D.

 One day I focused on dinosaurs, and one day I focused on dogs. I don't have many pictures.....because I was BUSY, but we did a dinosaur dig, had doughnuts and dirtcups, practiced writing our letter "D"'s, colored, and of course did crafts.

I have to say that the craft portion is stressful. Only because everyone has totally gone all out on the crafts, and you don't want yours to suck.

3. Incidentally, while at my house, the kids LOVED reading time. It was their favorite part. I think I could have read to them for the entire two hours (well except I am sure they would not let me forget about snack time), and they would have been content. They sat in rapture the entire time.

4. We had our first field trip this week. To Gilcrease Orchards! I have never been. EVER. Sadie quite enjoyed herself. I was hot, and would have enjoyed myself more if I had been wearing shorts.

I was a bit rushed at the Orchard, because I had to get Sadie to her other pre-school that morning. I know this post may have a bit of a complainy tone, but in truth I love both of her schools. And most importantly, so does she.

5. And lastly, we have had some new craft materials around the house. The googly eyes have been a favorite: