Preston Demolition Derby

I am the worst sometimes at remembering to bring a camera along to our adventures. It seems like after packing my purse, keys, phone, diaper bag, carseat with the baby and 2 other kids...the camera is at the bottom of the list. Thankfully there are camera phones and other smart people who remember their camera.

A couple of weeks ago we went to the Preston Rodeo with Matt, Tori and the Heaps family. Thank goodness Tori brought her camera. Thanks to her I have some pictures.

The stands were packed with rowdy fans and the weather was perfect.

Harrison wore these to protect him from the loud engines and smashing of cars and crazy loud fans. 

I love this picture with Landon's face in the background. 

The derby was amazing. The drivers went all out. This was a girl who T-Boned this car up on its side.

One of the wrecks knocked one of the drivers out cold. An ambulance came out to the ring and they used the jaws of life to pry him out of the car. It is torture to watch helpless in the crowd being a healthcare worker. 

Brad and Landon were so funny to watch. They thought everything was "SO COOL". I just hope Brad doesn't want to Demo Derby!!! I couldn't handle it. 

Tim's Big Bull Elk Hunt

Last week we upgraded our trailer to a bigger 5th wheel. After our trip to Jackson Hole we decided we had just grown out of our little bumper pull trailer. Since we go camping all year we didn't think twice about buying a new trailer. We have made so many great memories with our kids and wanted it to continue. 

For our maiden voyage we took it to Strawberry Reservoir and joined Tim on his big bull elk hunt. He had hiked and hunted for DAYS. The morning Randy joined him they spotted this beautiful elk just off the road...it figures. 

The kids were so excited for Uncle Timmy. Claire had to name the elk "BURT". She said he needed to be friends with Matt's elk from last year named Spike. 

The weather was perfect and the leaves were just starting to change. I love camping in the fall. 

Our friend Russ was there and he is the BEST cook. He was constantly the last one to eat. 

Brad loved riding his motorcycle around camp and up the road.

Darren was there with his horses. He told the kids if they were good he would saddle up his horses and let the kids ride. They were so behaved for me!!! Thank you Darren. 

This was Claire's first time riding a horse. She was a bit nervous at first but once she got going she loved it. 

Reagan was not so sure.

Harrison didn't even notice he was on a horse. He just wanted the horn on the saddle.

Darren's horses were beautiful. 

Papa brought his boat for the weekend. Since Timmy shot his elk the day we got there we just got to relax and fish the rest of the time. 

Claire loved being on the front of the boat with papa. She eventually fell asleep. 

Harrison hated the life jacket. But loved it when the boat was moving. 

What a beautiful place to go fishing. 

Brad studied every button and lever on the boat hoping that we would let him drive it back to the dock. Nice try buddy... you still have a few years. 

It was so great to be with Randy's WHOLE family for the weekend. I can't wait to do some more fall camping. 

Harrison...AKA Snaggle Tooth

Harrison finally has some teeth. In fact only one is growing on the top. He looks like a little pirate. Everyone tries to get him to smile because that little snaggle tooth is way too cute. 

He is starting to pull himself up to everything. He wants to walk so bad! He will stand on his own for a few seconds at a time. It is funny because he will put his hands straight into the air when he tries to stand without support.

He has such a cute personality. He is by far my most snugly baby.  When he gets shy or embarrassed he buries his head into my shoulder. 

We just started to introduce him to the word "NO". When he hears the word he shakes his head no...then laughs. Since it turned into a game for him we had to change our tone when we used the word "NO"

The first thing we wanted to try was to tell him no when he throws his food on the floor at the high chair. We use a firm tone. He gets the saddest look on his face with a big frown and the saddest cry. You can tell it hurts his feelings. After a few times he seemed to get the hang of it. The next day he was sitting at his high chair eating. He looked straight at me and threw food on the floor. Before I had a chance to say anything he got a big frown and started crying like he knew what was coming. It broke my heart. He punished himself. 

Harrison is so fun. He makes us laugh every day. He has been such a great and needed addition to our family. He is so chill and mellow. We love you buddy!!!

Claire's First Day of Preschool

Claire started preschool at Little Rascals with Mrs. Jaci a few weeks ago.  She was so excited to get all dressed up and ready to go with her backpack. 

After I snapped a few pictures on the porch she started walking down the driveway. When I asked her where she was going she said..."Duh Mom.!! To school! "  

She thought she was walking to Brad's school. Somehow she thought she was starting Kindergarten with all her friends. She was disappointed when she found out we weren't walking but driving to Smithfield. 

Once we got there she was totally excited to see Mrs. Jaci and all the familiar things in the classroom. Mrs. Jaci is awesome.

She was especially excited to see some of her friends from last year. And some new friends this year. 

When I came to pick her up Mrs. Jaci told me that Claire told her she was so sad. When Mrs. Jaci asked her why she said, "I only get to spend one day with you, then I have to go to Kindergarten."  

Both Mrs. Jaci and I are trying to help her understand that she gets to spend one more year in preschool then start Kindergarten next year. 

Poor Claire...she just can't understand why she has to wait to go to Kindergarten. All her friends started this year. She has a November birthday so she has to start next year. 

She loves school and learning. Every morning she wakes up and asks me if it is a school day. She also loves to be read to and play pretend school. She is so smart and social.

Aggie VS. Utes

 Randy got us tickets to see the big football game. Tori and Matt have season tickets...LUCKY!!!

Tori and I got there hours early to save seats. The kids were way excited. I painted their faces while we waited.

We were sitting right by the student section. The Aggie fans are CRAZY FUN. We fed off their energy. The kids...and Randy and Matt went nuts. 

Most of the game the crowd was standing. Claire needed a better look at the cheerleaders so nice uncle Matt put her up on his shoulders.

Even Harrison loved the game. He did awesome.

Tori's dad and wife Laurie joined us. They came dressed in red cheering for the Utes so we had to razz them a bit. Claire was OBSESSED with Laurie. She would lay at her feet and climb all over her.

It was such an awesome game. When we won the fans rushed the field. Nice uncle matt and Morgan took Brad down to the field to celebrate. I have to admit I was worried he was going to get trampled but then I caught sight of them and Matt had Brad up on his shoulders.

By the end of the game Claire was exhausted. She crashed on the bench. I can't believe she slept through all the noise.

Matt and Brad still celebrating.

Brad found one of the players and got to hold his helmet. Brad couldn't believe how heavy the helmet was.

GO AGGIES!!!!

Welcome Baby

My brother Eric and my sister-in-law Natalie just had their sweet baby girl.

Aisilin in their 4th little girl.    Poor Eric...all those hormones!!!

Congratulations 

Labor Day Weekend - Jackson Hole Trip

We spent Labor Day weekend in the BEAUTIFUL Tetons near Jackson Lake. We camped at Colter Bay. We had a group of 40 people. It was a trailer village. We took up almost the entire loop. It was nice to have more kids this year so our kids were better entertained. 

The first day we were there we went on a bike ride to the Jackson Lake Marina. We got down to the lake and had a down pour. I couldn't even get my camera out to take pictures of the lake. We quickly rode for cover to wait out the storm. We were drenched. It was still fun. 

One of the days we took all the trucks to signal mountain to scope out a bear that had been feeding on an elk carcass for a few days. 

We set up in the trucks and waited for the bear to show up. I was just about to give up and leave when the bear came running out of the trees. It was huge!!!

Wyatt, Claire, and Brad waiting patiently for the bear. 

My dad perched up on the roof  of the truck waiting. 

It was well worth the wait. It was beautiful to watch the bear eat and fight off the buzzards from his prize dinner. 

Harrison hanging out with Grandma moose in the warm trailer.

The food was great!! We split it up and took turns cooking so each meal was gourmet.

Who looks more tired Grandpa Moose or Harrison???

More eating!!!

Reagan and Harrison. They were so cute together the whole trip. 

On Saturday we headed to Jackson Hole to do some shopping during the day.  On the way there we spotted this big bull moose. We pulled over and let the kids take a look.

I love spending the day in Jackson. There are so many fun shops.

Every year we buy the kids a new hoodie. 

After lunch I headed to the Bar J to wait in line for good seats. Randy took the kids to the Alpine slide. Randy and Claire rode together. Claire said they went "SUPER FAST". 

Brad rode by himself this year. He said he barely used the brakes. I love the sign...

"fear and respect you sled"

After the slide Randy took them to a cool rock climbing wall. 

Then it was time for the traditional Bar J wranglers. We had awesome seats. Good thing I had some good granny elbows to shew off the line butters. I couldn't believe how many people butted in line after people had been waiting for hours for seats.

Harrison was so cute the whole time... he was clapping and laughing. I was worried he would get fussy but he didn't he was loving it.

Same with cute little Reagan. She was dressed SOOOO cute. She danced and clapped too. I love this girl.

Lance and Kendra

Todd and Melissa

It was so fun to have them join us this year. They just bought a new trailer so hopefully we will have lots of fun camping adventures.

While we waited for dinner Randy took the kids on a wagon ride.

We spent a lot of time relaxing and hanging around camp. Yes that is Brad roasting a marshmallow and a star-burst in the middle of the day... Okay we ALL were.

14

Sunday morning we spent walked down to the lake and let the kids swim. Jackson lake is one of the most beautiful places. I could live there and be happy for the rest of my life. I just love the crystal clear water against the Teton Mountains. 

29

Addie Norton...eating Oreos and licorice

Tamara and Aspen Norton

Gage Norton

Brad

Clarie trying to warm up on a rock.

Brad caught a guppie and we dared him to eat it for 10 dollars. He posed for the camera then chickened out. Claire ran up and said "I'll do it"...and she did. She got 10 bucks. That makes me nervous for the future. Hopefully she won't try stupid stuff on a dare. 

Reagan and her daddy

Grandma and Grandpa Moose

On Sunday we packed a lunch and took the canoe to Stream Lake. (Just north of Jenny Lake)

Lance took Ty out on the lake. It was so cute to watch him get so excited.

While the kids waited for their turn on the canoe they played in the water.

Lexi, Brooklyn, and Claire

Kamie, Kendra, Jenna

Claire got to go on a ride with Randy's uncle Steve and his wife Wendy. She was soaking wet and just shivered the whole time. 

Harrison was dying to get into the water. He didn't mind the cold water at all. He splashed away without a care and cried when I took him out. 

Nanny watching the canoe. She is still trying to recover from her knee surgery. I'm glad she made it.

It was such a fun trip. I love that it is the end of summer when things start cooling down and the crowds are gone. I look forward to it every year.