Playing catch-up

WARNING. This is a photo dump. And may contain a LOOOOOOOnnnnnGGGGG post because it's been a long time. But I know you don't mind. You still loyally read my blog and constantly check for updates....right? (hello out there? )

OK, le'ts start with summer.... One morning in June or July I woke up and it was so cloudy and delightful outside I packed the kids in and we headed up the mountain for an impromptu hike. And they were so tough. We made it most of the way without a breakdown.

 After the hike we had to replenish our energy stores at the candy shop. The kids spent their own money and loved it.

 We camped at the beach. Have you ever CAMPED at THE BEACH? It's like doubly as dirty. But the view from our front porch was pretty amazing.
 

And some people have been there WAAY too long and need to pack up their flags and go home and shower. This summer I took it upon myself to re-do my bedroom. The color was light brown and the whole room was just...hideous. I also decided to become a MASTER furniture re-doer. So far I've refinished a dresser, a chair and a table. Here's my dresser after it was done (I can't seem to find my stinking before pics!)

My new old chair and table:

And the chair and table now:

 Not too bad, eh? It's amazing what sanding, priming, sanding, painting, sanding, painting, sanding, glazing, sanding and sealing will do for a piece of furniture. And only like 25 steps! Here's my new bedding: And yes, I made the pillows (as if you could mistake these for being professionally made!)

Okay, back to summer... We went on a big, long trip to Utah and hit up Zion National park for a day. It was so beautiful and we hiked the whole day. The kids were awesome. Carter chatted with the squirrels.

 And we ate lunch on the lawn under a big tree. We drank like 10 gallons of water that day.

 We got to see my parents up in Utah. I loved this moment.



 Then school had to start. I didn't even cry the first day. I swear! I bawled like a little baby last year. It was ridonculous.

My kids had to test out their new shoes and make sure they were fast enough to run away from the girls.


Awkward first-day photo:

And finally, my kids with Grandpa's chickens just because they are so dang cute. And the kids aren't bad, either.