Dancing with my Brothers

Only my family would have a 50's party for their wedding reception. My cousin Branson got married two weeks ago, and they had everyone dress up in 50's clothes for the wedding. It was a party, let me tell you. Under the beehive is my Sister-in-law Rachel, and behind the turquoise, sequin butterfly glasses is my Sister Jana.

Ellie had a great time, enjoying the food, and dancing with her cousin Joseph. This dancing queen is right at home on the dance floor!

Ryan tried to imitate the little boys that were breakdancing in the middle of the circle. It was hilarious!

The best part for me was being able to dance with my totally awesome brothers.

My brothers are my my favorite dance partners! They make me look good because their such good dancers. My older brother Spencer is a Cabaret and Ballroom dancer as well as a swing dancer, yeah he's incredible. My little brother Nate and I got into vintage style swing dancing called Lindy-hop together a few years back. Since then, he has far surpassed me. I'm so rusty now, but we use to go dancing together quite a bit. They're awesome. The best part for me was being able to dance with my totally awesome brothers. Check out Nate's sweet moves, and don't watch my feet.

I have to explain this last one. You see Nate has had a major growth spurt in the last two years, and when we use to dance together he was shorter than me, and skinnier too. So, I use to dip HIM when the song came to an end. So, as the song ended we didn't know who was going to dip who, and we ended up in a heap on the floor. It was great for the dramatic side of things. Here's to the best brothers a gal could ever ask for. I love you guys, I'm so proud of you! Thanks for dancing with me!

Fall-ing

Utah in the fall is a wonderful thing.

For one thing, leaves.

Crunchy leaves.

Another thing, Pumpkins.

Pumpkin Festivals, Pumpkin Displays, Pumpkin bowling, Pumpkin bars....

What...clowns....

...even Pumpkin Quesadillas, and we haven't even carved one yet!

Corn Mazes....

Ghost and Pumpkin hunts in Pre-historic chompers....

(we have a pass to a way cool Dino Museum at Thanksgiving Pointe that has Halloween activities, including hunts through the museum for different things...)

WATCH OUT!

Fall makes me feel the need to get crafty,

This year I'm making baby hair bows for my two new neices, Emily and Clara.

It's so fun to be around all the Utah Cousins this year, let me tell you!

And another thing....Soccer.

Isn't it funny they decide to "miss" their soccer games after they're over,

when they didn't want to go to them half the time?

Our Grandma's even got to come watch Ellie and Ryan play!

No wonder Ellie wants to be a "good Grandma" when she grows up, she is surrounded by them!

We love Utah in the Fall, it's gorgeous! We really missed it the last three years!

And we love being by family so we can enjoy it together.

Daddy Dates

Before Robert left to Wisconsin for his last externship out of town (did I mention this is the LAST EXTERNSHIP.....YES!), we got in a few memorable "Daddy Dates" so we could remember them while he is away.

Ellie chose to go to "Classic" for some jumping on some blow up stuff. Bouncerama!

Ryan got to go to the BYU football game! Even though it was a rainy one, they had a great time. (I love this picture!)

Trevor was going to bed later than the big kids, so his dates were during the week when Dad would come home and play with him before he went to bed. They were often "Tubby Dates " because that's when Trevor needed a tub (and mom needed a break). This is them both sticking out their tongues (one of Trevs favorite tricks).

Even Lolly Mom got a few daddy dates in while he was in town. We went out to dinner and on a walk, to the temple, miniature golfing, to the Peter Breinholt Concert, to the Utah Symphony (to see Robert's brother Danny play second Timpani in the "Planets"...Danny you rock!). We loved having our Daddy Home! We can't wait for him to come back for good. What a year! He's had three whole months out of state, and when he was home in between he was on a rotation that worked him 14-16 hour days. The kids have only seen him for a few weekends within a 5 month time period! Crazy. It has taught us to appreciate him and all the simple joys of family life. I told him I would never take him for granted after this year. He told me he would quote me on that one. :)

Soccer or Hip Hop?

I think we picked the wrong sport for our kids.