We took advantage of a week John had off in October to spend some time at a family cabin in Idaho. We had a great time playing games, reading, riding the 4-wheelers, taking the paddle boat out on the pond, and just being together as a family. It was great having no phone service, no TV and no internet. It gave us the perfect opportunity to spend time together without any distractions! You can see a few pictures from the trip here.
How time flies! John's first semester in the MBA program will be over in just 6 short weeks. We have settled seamlessly into life here in Utah. While I greatly miss the good people we left behind in Spring, I have found renewed friendships here.
Brian plays regularly with Bryce Gubler who lives in the neighborhood. They love to play baseball every afternoon. I am sure they will be sad when the weather turns too cold to play outside. He is doing well with his school work. He continue to amazes me with how quickly he picks things up. He is also a great help with the twins and Anne-Loren. Aupreille and Teairsa have been staying with us this week. Teairsa has grown to love Brian and often asks for him. I think she, as well as the twins and Anne-Loren can sense Brian's tenderness and love. This afternoon when Brian was doing his reading he sat his book down (Harry Potter) and asked if he could read the scriptures. He seems to have a wisdom beyond his 7 years. How blessed I am to have him to teach me and remind me what is most important.
Caitlyn continues to find joy in her art and crafts. She is constantly creating new things. She has been taking an art class in Provo. She is by far the youngest in the class but is still able to put out they same quality of work as the older kids. I love to watch her passion and excitement for life. Everything she does, she does in a grand way. She reminds me of her Grandma KK that way, nothing is done half way. She, too, has become a great help with the younger three. She often take the younger three under her wing and tries to teach them new things. Just this afternoon, she took Anne-Loren outside to play in the leaf piles. I can't describe the joy I felt as I watched them play together and heard their laughter.
Anne-Loren has become quite the character. She talks non-stop and loves to make us all laugh. I would say she has a good mix of Brian and Caitlyn's character. She is spunky yet very sweet. She finds great joy in saying "shanksyou" when someone gives her something or does something for her. At the same time she is very much the middle child and is grasping for anything that she can call her own.
Nora is slowly beginning to take steps. She is generally very laid back and happy. Cosette has a definite fire in her. She is walking everywhere and is much more strong willed than her sister. It is so much fun to watch them interact with each other. They love to play chase, hide and seek, and to wrestle each other. It is quite funny to see Nora tackle Cosette to the floor and then Cosette kick her off and tackle her in return. Their play is usually accompanied by a lot of laughter. Every once in awhile they will fight over a toy. It is amusing to her their grunts of frustration as they each try to overpower the other.
As I think about how quickly time passes by, I am reminded of how precious each moment is. While our family can be forever, the moments are not. I often wonder about my ability to raise there beautiful children that Heavenly Father has entrusted to me. I am grateful that I do not have to do it alone. I have a wonderful husband who goes out of his way to help and support. I also have a loving Father in Heaven who will guide me as I allow Him to do so. For this, I am tremendously grateful!
With Cosette walking all over the place, Nora decided she had to get up and get moving.
