butterfly

She is here she finally made her debut.  We were worried that she wasn't going to make it.  The kids watched an episode of Wild Kratt's (their favorite show) that said a Monarch butterfly only takes 10 days to emerge from its cocoon.  This little beauty took her sweet time well over a month to meet the world.  When the kids were starting to get worried I researched the issue and it said that in colder climates it can take longer.  I just didn't realize it would take more than twice as long.  That being said I was very grateful we were able to experience it.  There was a reverence radiating from my children as they witnessed this miracle of life.

As I lifted the lid and ever so slowly turned it around, I was reminded of a new colt using its legs for the first time.  This butterfly was just a little bit wobbly getting used to the weight of its wings. It teetered back and forth stretching it dazzling wings getting all the kinks out ready for its first flight.  We gazed in awe at this magnificent creature, noticing the intricate detail that went into creating something as small as a butterfly. For just a moment time stopped as we watched the transformation from caterpillar, to chrysalis, to butterfly become complete.

I am so grateful I am able to live in a world where the beautiful simplicity of life is mine to enjoy, and more importantly that I can share it with my children.

cornbelly's

 After Scott and I took another afternoon to look at houses we knew we needed to do something fun for the kids.  We decided to head over to the local corn maze Cornbelly's.  It's at Thanksgiving point and even with all our coupons and talking them into one more discount on top of that, it was still a little pricey but every once in a while you've gotta splurge right?  Let me clarify, for Utah it's a little pricey for California its right on target.
That being said there was tons of stuff to do there.  First on every one's list. . . The pillow air jumper.  basically its like a giant bouncy house without the house.  Peter was so concerned about all the signs on the pillow that he didn't leave much time for jumping.
Peter - "What does this sign mean mom?"
Me- "It means you can't have a bad back to jump on this."
Peter -"Oh, what about that one?"
Me -" That means no shoes."
It went like that for a few minutes and then he wanted me to repeat them.  Why was this kid being so weird just jump buddy its fun.
They had peddle cars/ tractors, spider webs to crawl on, rubber ducky races, pumpkins galore, a hay mountain with lots of slides, pumpkin destruction, paintball, Nerf wars, swings, panning for gold, Haunted hay rides, a haunted house, cornball (a twist on volleyball) a giant corn maze and much much more.
As I was waiting in line to get tickets I realized I have never been to a corn maze before.  I don't know why I have never been but I couldn't recall ever going to one so I was happy to cross one more thing off my bucket list.
This place has a huge corn maze.  I was a little worried that we would get lost and be in there forever and the kids would hate it, but I was pleasantly surprised.  The entire thing only took us 45 minutes, and while we did happen to take a couple of dead end turns we never got lost.  We ran into a few of the same people over and over who were definitely lost.  We finally told them to just follow us.  We didn't even let the kids cheat but we had a plan.  It's been proven that to get through any maze if you keep your right arm against the right wall you will always get out.  It may take you a long time and you may have to double back but you can get out.  We put this theory lightly to test and it worked for us.  (Leave it up to us to go the scientific route right?)
The weather was a beautiful fall day with warm sunshine. I had no idea a corn maze could be so pretty. When the sun went down it got a little chilly but thankfully I reminded the kids to grab their jackets.
We had a fun day with the kids, no one had a meltdown or got lost, no one got hurt and we stayed just long enough to end on a good note.  I think that is one thing I have finally learned.  It can be hard to read kids and decide just how long they can handle things.  Sometimes we think that we paid all this money we need to do everything we possibly can.  It's been my experience that you shouldn't overload anyone (including spouses) just to "get your money's worth".  If you had fun, leave it at that.  Who cares if you didn't do everything, just make sure everyone got to do 1 thing they wanted leaving it a good experience instead of a death march.
On our way home we witnessed an awesomely spooky Hunters moon.  The perfect way to start of the Halloween season.

Peter's a big kid now

This post is both sad and exciting all at the same time.  I don't know what it is with learning to ride a 2 wheeler, but in my book that is a huge step to growing up.  I remember perfectly the day each child learned to ride.  My heart was so full of joy and turmoil because now they are officially growing up.  I am so proud of their accomplishments, proud of their independence, their ability to conquer fear, and their amount of  trust.
Peter has been my youngest to learn to ride.  Ellie was 8 almost 9 and I had to force her, (but she did it.) William was 6, Brennen was 5 and my Peter Pie 4.  I taught each of them myself, and what a gift its been to me.

 

Peter had been borrowing the neighbors balance bike for a couple of days.  As soon as I noticed he had it down I offered to take off the training wheels on his bike.  At first he said no just leave them on and he would just borrow the neighbors bike.  I talked him into "just trying it". He hopped on while I held the back getting that balance just right then adding the peddles.  He had it.  I felt it. I knew he had it but I waited for him to tell me to let go.  He was nervous but he gave me the nod and I let go running beside him.  I shouted, "You've got it Peter, you're doing it!  Woo-hoo!! Go my Peter Pie."

He was grinning from ear to ear. He knew he had it down.  We tried again this time he said, "let go mom, let go!  I know I can do it."

It's at that moment that I realized my last baby is growing up.  However this time I was too happy to be sad.  I get it now.  I know my children will grow up, and that makes me a little melancholy but I also know they will always need their mom.  And in that thought, I felt solace.  

Peter's reaction to his new skill was funny.  I was so proud and excited for him and he acted like, "Of course I can do it, what do you take me for?"  He didn't even bother to celebrate.  I told him we at least had to take him out for ice cream.

So I close this chapter in my life.  But the good thing about the book of life, there is always another chapter.

Take a drive

It's been tradition that when fall comes around we take a drive.  I have done this since I was little and I just LOVE it.  Autumn really is my favorite time of year.  When I was younger we used to all pile in the back of my dad's truck to take a drive in the mountains. (Back when it wasn't illegal.)  I loved the sights, smells, the sound of the crunching leaves, and the slight breeze that always comes from taking a drive.
 I knew we were going to loose our leaves early this year so I set this day aside to drive the Alpine Loop. It was a perfectly extra-ordinary day.
  I don't think I have ever driven the Loop without my dad.  It was bitter sweet as fond memories came flooding back.
The views were breathtaking.  I wish I had a more time and a better camera to really do it justice.  Around the backside of the mountain is Cascade Springs.  Again this was my first time up here without my dad.  But I was okay, it was something that made me feel closer to him.  He loved coming up here.  So without further adieu I will let the pictures speak the thousand words I am inadequate to supply. I know there are a lot of pictures but sit back, relax and,

Take A Drive With Me.