End of Summer and Fall Fun

We began August with some fun field trips. The first one was to the zoo. Even though it was a super hot day, the kids enjoyed seeing the new exhibits. It was fun to be at Cashe's first zoo trip.

Here we are ready to see the zoo.

All of us ready to see the bird show which was fantastic! The girls are excited, not sure why Braden and Ben look miserable!

A beautiful bald eagle came out at the end of the show.

Lindsi and Cashe on his first merry go round ride.

We had to get a picture of Kristi with a mama elephant Kristi and her baby Zuri.

Our next field trip was to Liberty Park. We had a great afternoon playing on the swings, riding a Ferris wheel and carousel, and eating treats.

Lindsi, Cashe and Ab enjoying some swing time.

Having a snack at the park.

My girls may be all grown up, but they couldn't resist a sweet treat from the ice cream man. I love these girls!

Ben and Ab taking a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Labor Day weekend, the kids and I headed to Swiss Days. Here we are having lunch at a great little Mexican place Nick loves. The kids loved having real soda in a bottle.

Taking a break from the heat and crowds!

My girls enjoying their homemade carmel apples.

Ben was getting a little bored, so he found some interesting hats to try on.

A few weeks after school began, ground was broken on the new middle school. Ben was one of two students who were selected to serve on the design and rebuild committee. He attended all the meetings with the architects and provided a student's idea on what the new school should have. It was a great experience for him and he was able to break the ground at the ceremony. Unfortunately, when the school is completed in 2013, Ben will have already graduated to high school, but he will know he had a part in its building.

At the end of September, it was time for us to go to the state fair with Lindsi, Nick and Cashe. Nick and Cashe in the barn before we went to see the animals. I did break Lindsi's heart when I told her the animals were sold, for well...food purposes. I think she thought they just all went to a farm somewhere....

Lindsi and Cashe with a very large ox.

Here we are at the fair. Cashe enjoyed seeing the animals and I enjoyed racing Lindsi down the big yellow slide and beating her to the finish!

Lindsi and Cashe took a mom tot swim class and I was able to go to some of the lessons. He loves the water and was a good boy at lessons even though he was the youngest swimmer!

We were able to get tickets to the Sunday morning session of conference, thanks to Ben, and we really enjoyed being there and hearing the great talks. We arrived about 90 minutes early and were able to hear the choir sing and enjoy the beauty of the conference center. Bri and I before conference started.

Jord and Kristi were able to come with us.

We had one extra ticket, so cute Abby came with us.

Here we are after conference; it was such a pretty day and I love the temple in the background.

And that ends our summer and fall. Now it is time for my kids' birthdays and the holidays. I can't wait!