Autumn-graphs

Sunday afternoon found us driving the Nebo Loop. Simply stunning colors! Scenic drives in the fall are my favorite. That afternoon also found us taking some pictures. Below are some of my favorite from the some 200 that were snapped.

One of the first shots busted out

Our eye colors are natural

Very coy

Cute

Self-timer

Everyone had to take a try at the J Crew magazine shot...

Katie

Emily

SB

Jennifer

Crouching pose...SB's favorite

Sassy Emily

9 years

Yes, please

A cool misjudgment

Innocence

Roommate (family) picture

Tired of smiling

Fall Field Trip

My 3rd graders and I had our first field trip yesterday. It was great! I brought this field trip from Larsen to Canyon. We boarded the buses at 8:45 AM and took off for Provo Canyon. We walked from Nunn's Park to Vivian Park, ate lunch at Vivian Park, played some games, and then jumped on the buses to go to the Bean Museum at BYU. While we were there, we watched a presentation on ecosystems and then browsed the museum exhibits. By the time we unloaded the buses back at school, the kids were exhausted. My favorite feeling for them! I think a nice time was had by all. I can't believe how different my class is compared to last year. I have only 22 students (darn! that means I'll get the next new student), and my students know how to raise their hands, stay in their seats, turn in their homework, etc. Besides all the crazy stuff that comes with starting a new school, my other life has been just as crazy. But, I like it that way. Below are some pictures from the field trip.

The Olympics

While everyone has been getting into the Olympics this summer, I regret to admit that I have not.  Not because I haven't wanted to, but because there is a lack of a television in my house here in Chicago.  However, today at the gym, someone finally turned the station to the olympics (instead of the usual CNN, boxing, the cooking channel, and Dr. Phil... why people turn the cooking channel on at the gym is besides me-- it's a killer!). 

Anyway, this afternoon consisted of track and field competitions.  Let me tell ya, there are not many more demotivating factors than watching people run a marathon in about the time it takes me to run 5 miles on the elliptical.  Or to watch people sprint a lap around the track in as much time as it takes me to run about 1/4 of that distance.  Awesome. I wonder what I missed on the Cooking Channel today...???

I looked out the window, and what did I see?

A PEACOCK and summer quickly leaving. I woke up the other morning and found a peacock in my family's backyard. Random! School meetings start up this week, which means summer is ending. I have been home in good ol' Gilbert, Arizona for the last few weeks, and it's been great. There's something about going home. Your mind becomes clear and you are able to find yourself again. I know that may sound cliche, but it's true. But anyway, I want to share a few of my favorite things from this summer before reality hits.

When this show begins, I know it's summer!

Throwing hatchets and doing other cabin activities at my aunt and uncle's cabin in Utah and at my family's cabin in Arizona.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Enough said.

Awesome friends!

Hiking.

Family visiting me in Utah.

Going to the lake.

Playing softball.

Catching up/adding to my "Books to Read" list.

Relishing every moment on the West coast and East coast beaches.

San Diego, California.

Attending the notorious Lexington Ward Summer Summit.

Watching the thrilling and exciting Beijing Summer Olympics.

Playing with the grandkids and spending time with my family.

San Diego

Highlights:
-having the windows open and enjoying the heavenly weather
-per Graham's request, singing "I Love to See the Temple" every time we passed the San Diego Temple on the freeway
-exploring Balboa Park
-spending the day on the Coronado Island beach
-going on long walks
-waking up to Quinn saying, "Good Morning!"

Quinn and Graham sporting their sunglasses

Bath time

Fountain at Balboa Park (Quinn LOVES touching water)

Botanical Gardens

Quinn's smile is contagious

If you have a brother that is a junior or a senior in high school, send him her way

Quinn's way of looking at the fish

Balboa Park

Neat architecture

Best open mouth kisses

Riding the train (Marci, the wonder woman--pregnant and has a 3 yr old and a 1 1/2 yr old)

Darling, even with carrot chunks in his teeth

Why I love Chicago...