Mom's Visit

My mom came to Salt Lake for a visit this past weekend. We had so much fun on our girl weekend. Allison took right to my Mom instantly.

We went to temple square on Friday and enjoyed the most perfect weather, being outside, and the beautiful grounds. We went to the Joseph Smith movie and walked around the tabernacle. Afterward, we enjoyed sushi at Tasashi - the BEST sushi I have EVER HAD and the highest priced - but worth it -- Thanks MOM!

Hiking Time...

On Saturday, we went on a hike. It was the same hike that we went in August, but the trees were yellow, so the sights were very different and gorgeous!

Allison had a fun time riding on Daddy's back, until...

she fell asleep. She missed the pretty lake and our picnic lunch.

We found the perfect camping area, a fire pit and flat rocks already set around to sit on, and of course the beautiful view. MAYBE, there will be another warm weekend before the winter hits for a camp out!
My mom found a snow patch and wanted a picture. As Ivan said, where there is snow.... there are snow balls... and my mom got pelted with one, right before the picture was taken.

An Early Birthday

While my mom was here, we had a little early birthday party for Allison. A birthday dinner, presents and cake!

Grandma gave her a card that opened and played the itsy-bitsy spider. Allison thought it was so funny!

Surprisingly, Allison liked opening her presents - but then again who doesn't.

Grandma and Opop gave her a shape tool box, Tonka fire engine and train - what's up with the boy toys?

We are calling the tool box, a purse. Of course, Allison loved it!

Yummy cake!!!

What?!? Just a taste?

That's it! I love the cake!I can't get it in fast enough! Is cake-loving genetic? Thanks mommy for the good genes.

Our Little Ladybug

My mom and I took Allison to the Gardner Village for pictures with the pumpkins. At first, Allison had on some black shoes which were too small - lots of sad faces and bad pictures. Once the shoes were off, smiles all around!

Thank you to Andrea Misko! I have been waiting for this Halloween and she could wear the perfect ladybug costume. Thanks for thinking of us when you saw it. It fit perfectly...

Drive through the mountains

Ivan and I took an afternoon and drove up into the Unita mountains to enjoy the fall leaves. All of the aspen trees were yellow (although some had already lost their leaves) it was beautiful. The weather was in the 60s and we drove with the windows open and Allison on Ivan's lap in the front seat... she thought she was so special.

On a very quiet road, way up in the mountains, we got out of the car to enjoy the scenery. This is why we moved to Utah!

Of course, we had to get Allison playing in the leaves... or really she was trying to eat the leaves and the rocks. But atleast it is a cute picture!

We had to stop and enjoy the beautiful view.

On the way back to the car, Allison caught a ride back on Ivan's shoulders... of course she almost pulls his ears off to hold on. Ivan complains, but keeps putting her up there, it must not be THAT bad!

Creede and Carson's Birthday Party

Creede and Carson had their combine birthday party last weekend.... of course a cowboy theme! They had homemade stick horses, lassoing competitions, cupcake making, and horseback riding. The neighbor family brought a horse over for the kids to ride.... so cool!

Allison on her first horse.... and she took it in stride, eventhough the horse didn't move.

It was a beautiful day outside, perfect weather! Allison enjoyed the grass and Carson rode up on his stick horse to pat her head and give her a hug.... such a sweet cowboy.

Jared and Lori have a swing in their side yard hanging off of the tree and the little girls liked it best... as long as they were not being hit down by the other one swinging!

Allison and Ivan helped to push Ayden, we all had such a good time.

Allison and her favorite kitty relaxed on the blanket.

Afternoon at the Goffin's

It was so nice having Eric, Jill, and Ayden in town for a few weeks. We went over to the Goffin's one afternoon and the girls played.













Ayden was helping Allison pose for the picture. They both loved the rocking horse and were so cute together!



The Goffin's have a great dog Cooper and he likes to follow everyone around the pool.

August Hike

Ivan and I went on a hike on Big Cottonwood Canyon and we found a remote hike through the aspen trees and to a big meadow and small lake with a beautiful view. Thankfully we were the only ones on the trail and really enjoyed the seclusion.