The Cabin

 We had a family reunion for my dad's side, up at the family Cabin.  We went a little early so we could take the kids on a short hike up to the old water tower.  I remember doing it as a kid, and it seemed a lot longer of a hike back then!

We showed them the cave that my Dad loves to hide behind and then roar like a bear.  Yup.  Scared Kaleb right out!

 

The kids had fun playing in the rain, wading and throwing rocks in the creek...

 ...and last but not least... the snowball fight.  My cute and crazy aunt, Jane, who so faithfully plans these family events, came up with this crazy summer snowball fight.  She brought those huge campfire marshmallows, handed 'em out to everyone, and the fight began. 

You might think to yourself, there's nothing fun about throwing marshmallows.  And you would be wrong.  I tell you these things can really pack a punch!  I think the adults even enjoyed it as much as the kids.

The boys really love going to the mountains, and can't wait till they can go again.

I Love....

... how Charles has his priorities straight.

...how Kaleb reminds me to take a picture.

...how Kaleb stages family shots... without leaving anyone out.

...how Brynnlee fills the last spot at our dining table.

... how Jaden will pick his sister up,  just so he can hold her while watching TV.

...how silly Kaleb is, like when I ask him to get dressed.

... how Bradley could get away with murder, just by turning on the charm.

Yeah, That's Right. I Knit.

So I've only made one thing so far... this hat.  It may be too small, and it may have... character... but if you put it on a baby like this, it HAS to be cute.

 

Don't worry family, I won't be knitting you your Christmas presents.  But I think (thanks to Julie) I have found a way to stay awake during General Conference this weekend.

Marriage, Fighting and Dance Parties

#1.

Bradley:  Mommy?
Me:  Yes?
Bradley:  When you die, can I marry you?
Me: Well that's weird... a little morbid... but sweet.  Sure.

a few days later...

Bradley: Daddy?
Charles: Yes, bud?
Bradley: When you die, can I marry you?
Charles: Sure you can.
Me: What the?!

#2

Best Kaleb threats so far:
"You want me to punch you in your back?"
"Watch me, or I'll punch you in the face!"
"Do it, or I'll rip your arm off and punch you in the face... with your own fist!"

#3

Jaden: Uh, Dad?
Charles: Yes?
Jaden: (hands in pockets and looking down) Uh... there's this... uh... party? And I uh... was wondering if me and Kaleb could, uh, y'know, uh, go to it?
Charles: Who's party is it?
Jaden: Jackson's
Charles: When is it?
Jaden:Uh... after dinner.
Charles: What kind of party is it?
Jaden: It's uh, a dance party.

At this point Charles and I are trying so hard not to laugh.

Charles: Who else is invited?
Jaden:  All the neighborhood kids.  And families are invited too.
Charles: Do Jackson's parents know about this party?
Jaden:  I don't know. I think so.
Charles: Sure you can go.

The kids leave, and I ask Charles if we should go check it out.  He says we don't want to be the annoying parents who crash the party.  (If there really IS a party) I remind him that families are invited, so we decide to wait 10 minutes before crashing.

On our way over we see another neighborhood girl, Brooklyn who's 5, heading down the street.
Me: Where you going, Brook?
Brook: To the dance party.

Charles and I just look at each other and try again not to laugh.

When we get there, we see about 7 kids playing on bikes and skateboards.  But no Jackson in sight.  I ask Jaden where he is, and he said he had to go in and have his own dinner.  I asked if the party was over, and he said, "I don't know. Jackson is the director, we have to ask him."

These kids crack me up!

#4

We can't forget Brynnlee...
She's learning to sit up... kind of.

Grandma and Grandpa Socci's Visit

In August, we got to have Grandma and Grandpa Socci here for a week. 

We walked to a park just about every evening after dinner.

Rode bikes, scooters and wiggle cars...

... played some ball...

Bradley decided to be his own T.

We went to the Copper Mines, which just might be one of Bradley's favorite places.

We went to see the UP house...

This is as far as we got.  It would have cost us $60 to go inside.  Yeah.  Pretty cool, but not that cool.

But look!  It's Mr.... um... what's-his-face, from the movie!

A couple days during their trip they took a break from the 4 crazy grandkids to relax with their friends who also live here.

One day they got to go on a shopping spree... Check out all those cars!  What lucky boys.

One day we went swimming...

This was Brynn's first time swimming.  Don't be fooled by this smile... she was actually pretty freaked out and screaming in terror most of the time.  But I'm her Mama.  I can get her to smile.  :)

And her Daddy can get her to calm down.  :)

I think Sherrie must have fed her just about every time Brynnlee ate, while she was here.  Such a loving Grandma.  :)

One day, they took the boys to the farm.  I've still never been, so not much commentary from me here.

Here we are relaxing, while Brynnlee models one of the headbands I made for her twin cousin, Zoe.

The kids also got new weapons from the farm.

Sherrie, bless her heart, wanted a family picture of us.  We did the best we could, but Kaleb's action here, describes how Charles and I feel on any picture day...

...and Jaden's expression describes how all the kids usually feel.

Back at the park, Bradley tells Grandpa to freeze!

Jaden's got Charles under arrest too.

Now it's a standoff.

Thanks for coming Grandma and Grandpa!  We sure do miss you!  Jaden only cried for about a half hour this time.  :)