Fall in the Garden.

We took our first visit to Red Butte Gardens this week! It was beautiful and the girls had fun running around and playing with the neighbors who took us to see the sights.







Stella and Presley have a hard time staying away from anything with water--I am surprised I didn't lose one of them in the pond! My favorite thing was a tree that grew and was shaped into a dome house--inside were chairs and room to play. I want a playhouse like that in my yard!

Poser.

Apparently I am not allowed to bring my camera to Presley's soccer games. She cannot stop posing and looking for the camera while she is in the game. Here are some of the only "non-posing" shots of her.



Not that it will help. I didn't bring the camera to the latest game and she still couldn't stop looking at all of us cheering for her on the sidelines. At least she is running around and having fun.

Best part about soccer, "The snacks!". Sounds a lot like Presley's favorite part of skiing.

Soccer Girl.

Presley's first soccer game was a hit--or at least 30 minutes of comic relief for the adults watching. It was hilarious! But in all seriousness, Presley needs some help with the soccer skills--the only thing I told her was that you can't touch the ball with you hands. She has a LONG way to go, but it is going to be fun watching her try her hardest.







I put Presley in pink shorts so we could spot her more easily among the sea of black and yellow jerseys. No one told me she needs socks to cover up her shin guards--I guess I am in need of a few soccer lessons myself.

There are 2 girls and 4 boys on her team (Ice Strikers is the name they came up with). They play 3-on-3 for two, 10 minute halves. No goalies. We are bringing treats for the Saturday game. Presley's games are Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings--if you are interested I can give you times.

A Look at the Leaves.

Once again it is fall in our backyard! The colors are so beautiful this year.






The girls have been collecting bouquets of leaves and pretty soon our garage will be full of red and orange piles--I had better find a fun craft to do with them. The Maples are nearly all red, the oaks are starting to turn along with the cottonwoods. Last will be the aspens--I am sure they will be a bright yellow in a matter of weeks.

School time.

Presley started her second year of preschool this morning! She handled it like a pro--considering she is at a new preschool (Sunshine Circle) and only knows one of the girls in her class. Stella had a harder time leaving Presley at school--she misses her sister and truly does not know life without her.




I can't believe how grown up my girls are, even though they are still my babies. Next year it will be Stella to preschool and Presley to kindergarten--I may not be prepared, but I hope I can prepare them.

Hike.

A much needed day with the family! A trip to Wall Lake, Provo River Falls, and a picnic in the mountains.










After Presley got her rhythm, walking on the trail, the 1 mile hike to the lake was pretty fun. Stella had an accident (a first) once she was out of the back pack and at the lake--she spent her time bare bottomed while throwing rocks into the lake.

The hammock was a big hit and I think we need to buy a couple more--this one for the girls and one each for Chris and me!

Just the 3 of us.

With Chris at volleyball practices for nearly 12 hours a day, the girls and I are spending a lot of time together. Poor Chris is lucky if he sees the girls before he leaves in the morning and home in time at night to help read them a story and tuck them in bed.


What a hard working daddy.

Favorite things.

This is for Carl--I know he loves when I share my new favorite things (wink, wink). If you can, you need to try them! I know they will be some of your favorites too!


I have never used anything but soap to shave, but this REALLY does make my skin so soft. It has a lotion-like consistency and you only need a bit. For around $3.



So, I bought this on a whim after dinner with my friend Jen, and I just ordered 2 additional shades. Benefit Cosmentics Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow, $19--this little pot is going to last forever. Colors I have, Tattle Tale, Get Figgy, and Busy Signal.



This is the expensive one on my list. It is like a Sconicare toothbrush for your face--and it is amazing. I have the one-speed version, the Mia, in pink. The brush heads need replacing every 6 months or so and you re-charge the handle every couple weeks--works in the shower too! $149.



Amazing--gets all the dead, yucky skin off! Made from recycled polyester and is washable. Best thing, the price, $4 for 2 towels. Way better than the puff.

I had to share! Enjoy.

Portraits and updates.

Krista was here visiting at the end of May--it has taken me this long to post pictures of the girls most recent portraits.


Presley, age 4

• can play pretend for hours (even in her room all by herself for quiet time)
• loves to explore outside
• has a good sense of direction--especially when out hiking with her dad
• makes up songs full of nonsense words and phrases and likes to sing them at the top of her lungs
• can get so engrossed in a craft/project/coloring--very focused

Stella, age 2

• no longer taking enzymes--and doing great!
• loves chocolate, nearly as much as I do
• love to grab your face for a kiss and is very affectionate
• copies Presley in everything she does
• has her own unique sense of humor and will cover her mouth while snickering at something only she finds funny
• when she says she loves you all she says is "lover"

Swimming.

For the last two weeks, and the next two weeks, the girls are taking their first (of many) swimming lessons! Chris's parents signed the girls up for lessons at their club and we are making the daily 1/2 hour drive to the pool.







The girls love the lessons and their teachers (Stella has had some rough days but today she discovered how fun it was to go under water, and I can barely get her to come up for air).

To make the trips down even better we pack a picnic lunch and stay after lessons for open-swim for a couple hours. The girls are getting very brown and we are all trying not to get too much sun. It sure brings back memories of the years I spent as a lifeguard and swim instructor!