You know it's the end of a season when you catch Mia inadvertently singing Jingle Bells while running errands.  Grandma Cheryl hasn't helped by sending packages of snowmen that light up along with other fun holiday decorations.  Go QVC!

Since our last trip to Seattle, I've been trying to keep tabs on all the funny sayings and milestones that we've crossed with the girls.  Here are a couple that come to mind:

1. When mom lost her iPhone in a Seattle Target and was frantically searching the store shelves, I got the, "Well, maybe you should have left it at home" discussion from my 4-year old.  Thanks, Mia.
2. Zoe popped her first tooth on Sept 21st and it looks like the two bottom ones are starting to come in.  Yes!  It's right on time...14 months and some change and our girls finally have a smile without all gums.  :)
3. While driving home last night, Mia asked if she was going to be 5 on her next birthday.  I told her I would be sad when she turns 5 because she would be going to kindergarten at the big school.  Here was her reply, from the lips of Mia, "It's okay, Mom.  I will still be a kid.  One day I will be an adult, but I will still be a kid."  Gotta love her.

We're almost done with soccer, and we're starting to plan for a Happy Halloween!  Here are some snapshots from a recent hike up to Cecret Lake, swimming, Wheeler Farm and more.

Happy Fall, everyone! 

  

My Soccer Girl

I've officially embarked unto the world of a soccer mom!  Taking "healthy" treats, setting up the nylon chairs (with cupholders, of course) and cheering from the side lines.  I find myself looking around at the other moms and dads, wondering if they're really into it or just glad, like I am, that my daughter actually ran towards the ball and not away from it.  For 4-year-olds, I'm quite impressed that they actually do play competively.  We've never played soccer with Mia, but she ran right out there and tries to play every time.  Not to mention that she looks pretty darn cute in her over-sized pink uniform!  Go Mia! 

YOU ARE FOUR!

Miss Mia is turning 4 years old and she can barely wait for her princess party to celebrate!

She's been waiting all year for "Buttercup", the unicorn on Toy Story 3.  Thanks to eBay, mom was able to find several Buttercup's.  I've fallen victim to being the parent who searches high and low for the one, unique gift that a child requests.  I'm thankful that her requests have been practical so far...not sure how I will manage the requests one day for a new car!

It's been a great summer so far and sadly, it's coming to a quick close.  We have enjoyed swim lessons, 2 summer camps and a trip to Seattle and St. George.  Zoe has been growing like a weed and basically tells us, "No" to lots of things and then smiles and tilts her head and makes everything all better!  We went to the ABBA concert as one of our few date nights out and it was awesome!  It was a Swedish band that rocked the house and had all the blue-hairs dancing (sorry if I've offended anyone, but I know you can picture it).

Mia has one more year of Montessori and then we'll have to decide on where to send her for Kindergarten.  For now, I'm really enjoying this growing family!  Zoe is at such a fun age and her attitude is really starting to shine.  She's not walking just yet, but Mia is a wonderful big sister and for now...they love each other dearly.

Happy Birthday, Mia!

Travis' Big Day

It's quite the day when you can start off with a bike ride in the park with your family, then go skiing, golfing and end with a motorcycle ride.  It was crazy seeing the photos of everyone up on the slopes for the 4th of July...party central!  I would like to post some, but to be honest, they aren't really appropriate for a family blog!  It was all bikinis and Speed-o's and no one needs to see that! 

Here's our Dad, showing off his furry legs in none other than his favorite cargo shorts and a tie dye Grateful Dead t-shirt.  We love you, Dad!  Another testament that living in Utah is pretty fun.  ;)

More 1st Birthday Photos!

Zoe was quite delicate with her 1st birthday cupcake. She used her left hand to pick at it and hardly made a mess.  She loved the chocolate and was all smiles.  What a cutie!!

"Sniff, sniff," says Lucy.  ;)

I'm ONE!

It's been a special week for Zoe and quite frankly, for mommy, too.  I feel like it was just yesterday when we went to the hospital and Zoe was born.  I remember watching the fireworks from the hospital parking lot and then hobbling back inside to spend the night in the hospital with our new baby.  I was so much more aware of everything that was happening the second time around so during this past week, it was fun to remember how I left my job for 4 months last summer and how much fun we had.  (It really is fun to have a new baby around...even if you don't get any sleep!)

Zoe has been riding her little blue car and is getting bigger by the minute.  Her one year old check up is next week and I'll be excited to hear how much she has grown.  No teeth and not walking, but that's typical for our family (late starters).  But she loves her books, watermelon, pretending to talk on the phone and laughing when we tell her, "No, No!"  She's a sweet baby.  Happy, smiles ear to ear and still growing that beautiful dark hair.  We love you, Zoe!!

Introducing the newest one year old on the block...

Getting Caught Up!

Between the end of the year school programs, figuring out schedules for summer camp, swimming, a trip to Boise and Seattle, we've been busy!  I wanted to post a couple photos from the end of the year school program from Mia's class.  They did a tribute to the soldiers and even sang, "I'm proud to be an American!" 

Zoe still doesn't have teeth so we're back to the green beans, bananas and peas like we were with Mia!  We're trying a bit of baby food here and there, but she'd rather eat what we're eating.  It's a tough gig when you want to eat big food, but don't have any teeth!!  At least she's such a happy baby!

Mia with Allison & Ainsley at a birthday party!

Everything ends up in Zoe's mouth...even the things YOU WOULD NEVER IMAGINE!  How could the bathtub drain lever be tempting?  HOW?

Mia having a picnic with all her "friends".