Pumpkin Patch

This past weekend, Randy's parents came down for a visit. Randy and his dad worked on a myriad of projects - replacing the mailbox (ours was able to fall over), replacing the back steps (they were going to collapse in the next big storm), installing organizers, and working on the fire alarm that's near impossible to reach. Cindy and I went shopping with Roo and we bought craft supplies. This year I decided I wanted a fall wreath to put on the front door, but all of the ones I liked were 50 plus dollars. So Cindy helped me make one. I am in love with the beautiful fall season - changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and delicious treats. I think fall is going to replace summer as my favorite season.

Yesterday, Roo had her six month appointment. She is growing well and is over two feet tall. That evening we went to a pumpkin patch/corn maze. She LOVED sitting on the tractor and playing in the corn pit. She was curious about the animals at the petting zoo and liked sitting on the tractor tires. She then took a good nap while we went out to eat at Texas Roadhouse.

Thank you to Bob and Cindy for spending the weekend with us and spoiling us all. 

Its Beginning to Feel Like Fall

Last Friday, we enjoyed a huge rain and thunderstorm. I loved hearing the rain and thunder as we sat cozy in our home. The rain brought some relief to the hot temperatures we had been experiencing.

A few weeks ago I experienced a sudden case of laryngitis and lost my voice completely. This has never happened to be before. I never felt sick and my throat was never sore, but I could not speak. It started halfway though the afternoon one Tuesday and lasted until Friday. Friday evening my voice slowly started to come back, but it wasn't back to normal for a few more days. As I could not talk, I couldn't work. So I had an unexpected vacation. The sad part was, there was a wild fire near us and it was very smokey and I didn't want to do anything to stress my voice so I just sat around the house. I was supposed to take a week off this coming week, but alas it wasn't meant to be. At least I got to spend extra time with my Roo.

For Labor Day, my parents, some of the Coxs, Ashley, Preston, Jason, and I went tubing down the Weber River. It was a beautiful day and we had a BBQ at my parents' house that evening. Both my dad and Eric lost their sunglasses, and Cathy hit her knee during our trip down the river.

Roo is doing wonderfully. She is five months, eating cereal, drinking formula like its going out of style, takes only cat naps, usually sleeps through the night, is so close to being able to crawl, and has the biggest smile.

I am looking forward to these cooler temperatures, pumpkin, apple cider, cinnamon, and cozy evenings. I am excited to share the gifts of fall with Roo. I am hoping to take her to a pumpkin patch next month.

Shannon's Visit

Randy's sister Shannon flew in from California last week to meet Roo. Randy picked her up at the train station, but soon had to leave to go count elk that night. Shannon and I spent the evening chatting and playing with Roo. I hadn't seen Shannon in several years. Shannon brought several books and crinkly bat toy for Roo. Roo loves anything crinkly.

We had a lazy Friday morning, but that afternoon Shannon came with me to work. She hasn't worked with small animals since her forth year of vet school. That evening Randy treated us to chicken stir fry and after Roo went to bed we watched a movie.

Saturday we got up earlish for breakfast at Jeremiah's. Afterwards we drove down to the aquarium. Roo was such a good girl and she loved looking at the different fish. After enjoying all the exhibits we went to the Scheels, a large sporting good store; so large in fact that there is a fairs wheel inside. We had lunch at a local Jewish deli called Feldmans Deli. After a quick rest at home, we went over to Chris and Jamie's for a BBQ and games. Little Roo was a bit fussy, but eventually fell asleep for a bit. We played Oregon Trail the card game. Talk about a frustrating game. We lost by 2 cards, but the last few rounds were completed by a 6 year old and 3 year old.

Shannon had to head home this afternoon. Hopefully we will see her soon.

Solar Eclipse - Idaho

Last weekend, we escaped to Idaho. This was Roo's first time leaving Utah. On our way to the McBride's we stopped in Twin Falls to see Randy's old boss Ross and for lunch. Randy was very happy to indulge in Taco Johns. We reached Randy's parents by early evening, and were treated to a delicious dinner. Saturday, Randy, Cindy, and I went riding. I hadn't ridden a horse in over a year. The horses were well behaved and we had a good ride in the arena and down the canal road. When we got back, Roo came out a rode with me across the barnyard. That afternoon, Cindy and I went through pictures that Grandma Grace had sent of Cindy's childhood. Roo looks just like Cindy, but with brown hair instead of blonde.


The following day, we went to church (Miss Roo was fussy 2 out of 3 hours) and had a relaxing afternoon. Cindy's cousin and husband as well as Bob's brother and family came over for dinner. Both families had travelled to Idaho to watch the solar eclipse. This was the first time Randy met his uncle and family (besides when he was an infant).

Monday, we drove about 16 miles north on a dirt road to get about 1.5 minutes of totality. We took lunch and a canopy (thankfully). Watching the beginning, middle, and end of the eclipse was an awesome experience. As totality approached the air become cooler and it got darker. It did not get a as dark as I expected. When totality hit, the sun/moon combo was breathtaking! So much bright white light swirling around. Randy took his camera and hopefully some of the photos turned out.


Traffic had been predicted to be horrendous and it was if you were coming back from the Idaho Falls area, thankfully we came from Boise so traffic wasn't bad. Roo on the other hand was not happy and I had to keep crawling to the back seat to sit by her.

It was wonderful to get a break from our every day. A big thank you to my parents for watching Mitch and thanks to Melissa for caring for Winter.

Weber County Fair

A few weekends ago, we spent a very hot August afternoon at the Weber County Fair with Jake, Amanda, and Olivia. We pushed the strollers through the different barns to see the animals. Roo slept through all of it. We then stuffed ourselves with fair food- I had an amazing chicken gyro and Randy had a sandwich that was combination of pizza and grilled cheese. We then walked around the rest of the exhibits. Roo had woken up by this time and decided she did NOT want to be in the stroller any more, she wanted to see what was going on. We rounded off the evening with Dole Whip! I was in heaven. I am excited to share the different animals with Roo next year and maybe we could go to the demolition derby or the rodeo.

Pickin' Peaches

Yesterday was one of those days that was magical in its ordinariness. We spent the day working in yard, planning for the week, grocery shopping, and planning lessons. It felt so good to just be together as a family, especially watching Randy interact with Roo. She is learning and growing at a mind blowing rate. She is constantly rolling around (she is determined to become mobile as soon as possible), loves to stand, and watch everything that's going on. 

One new thing we did was pick peaches. We accepted an invitation to harvest the peaches at the LDS Peach Orchard. Randy carried the bag and I carried Roo in her pack and we spent an hour among the peaches. I was amazed at how many thousands of peaches there were. Thankfully Roo slept most of the time, but she did wake up and wanted to sample the trees. The day was very hot and I tried to keep Roo and I in shade as much as possible. This weekend was beautiful reminder that family is meant to be the center of life.

Raquel's Birthday and Our Anniversary

Randy was able to take off work this year for my birthday and as it fell on a Monday, I also had the day off. The four of us (which included Mitch) went on a short hike that morning. I got a hair cut (ten inches!). The post postpartum hair loss was getting beyond ridiculous. I cleaned the house a bit and did some laundry. We went out to eat for both lunch and dinner.

Friday was our six year wedding anniversary and we both took the day off. Randy bought me flowers and we had a big breakfast. That afternoon we went shopping and ended up buying stuff only for Roo. Randy picked out a cute dress for her,  we selected more books, (This little girl is going to love reading), and did a Costco run for diapers and formula. That evening, my dad watched Roo so we could go out to eat.

We went to the Melting Pot, some place neither of us had been before. When Randy made the reservation, he splurged and added roses and sparkling cider to our table.  It was a fun experience during which we enjoyed four courses- cheese, salad, entree, and chocolate. The chocolate was our favorite part. We choose a milk chocolate melted with caramel and candied pecans. So much yum! Randy has already looked up a copy cat recipe for use to enjoy at home.

Thank you Randy for a wonderful six years. I enjoyed being able to spend all 12 months of this last year with you. Here's to many more years full and rich with happiness.

Randy's Adventures

 

Randy and a goose. He spent one day out on a boat catching geese as they swam away under the water. The geese were then taken to shore to be sexed and banded before being released. 

Randy and the first cougar he got to work with. The cougar is sedated and they are getting ready to move him to a better location then someone's front porch.

The first moose Randy darted. The moose was then transported away from town. 

Randy invited me to help process a yearling bear. We worked with the state wildlife veterinarian to sedate, examine, and treat this black bear before Randy transferred her to a rehabilitation facility and hopefully she will be released in the coming months. This was worth getting up at 3:45 am. A big thank you to my mom for watching Roo so I could go.