FROM MONET TO PICASSO

Landon's first grade class went on a field trip last week to see the "From Monet to Picasso" Exhibit. I was lucky enough to go with him. His cousin, Abby, is also in his class, so she was there and their aunt (my sister-in-law) also got to go. It was pretty cool. We only got to be there for about an hour, which was just about right for the 6-year-olds. Most of the paintings were pretty amazing and beautiful, but there were a few that I wondered why they were so famous---I could have drawn them. And those of you who know my art skills . . . Anyway I'm glad I got to go. Afterward, we got to eat sack lunches on the lawn and of course, the bus ride was the best part (if you ask the 6-year-olds).

Landon and Abby

Kristy, Abby, Jen, Landon

BODY WORKS!!

Today Cullen and I decided to go to the Body Works exhibit. It was sooooo incredible. The way they preserve the bodies is amazing and it almost doesn't look real. It was a good teaching moment for me to show Cullen what smoking, alcohol, and being overweight can do to your body. Pretty amazing stuff, our bodies!!

GOOD BYE CHANGING TABLE!!!

It's official!!! Cady is potty-trained!!!! She was excited when I told her we were getting rid of the changing table. She is a BIG GIRL NOW!!! We have used this non-stop for 9 years

and I happily send it on to the dump!!!

TOUGHER THAN NAILS

I've decided it must be a requirement for moms to be tougher than nails. Here are just some of the things my precious kids have called me or said to me this week. Before motherhood I may have broken down into tears hearing these sweet words. But it really doesn't even seem to phase me now. Good thing my skin is tough!

I hate you!
You're mean!
You dumb bum!
You're not fair!
I wish I could leave!
Why, why, why!
Can I have my DS back? (after calling you all those names)
You can't come in my room! (Cady's threat when someone does something she doesn't like)
What did you just say to me? (This was actually pretty funny when Cady said this on Saturday night. She is quite the parrot of me)
Whatever!


Anyone else have great "tougher than nails" stories? Please share.

GOTTA LOVE AUTUMN!

TOP TEN REASONS I LOVE AUTUMN



10. Hot showers

9. Sleeping with the windows open and being wrapped up in a wobbie all snug and tight.

8. Long sleeves and jackets.

7. Hot chocolate

6. Pumpkin pie

5. Leaf piles

4. Halloween

3. Thanksgiving

2. Not too hot . . . not too cold

And the Number one reason I love autumn. . . .

THE KIDS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL!!!!

CODY/YELLOWSTONE TRIP

We headed up north for this long weekend. Josh's dad was awesome enough to take us to Cody, WY. All of his 5 kids, the 3 daughter-in-laws and the 9 grandkids were present. It is quite a crew. We got looks and comments everywhere we went. We stopped the first night at the cabin in Star Valley (which is for sale if you know anyone who wants an awesome cabin in amazing Star Valley, WY). The next morning we headed up through Yellowstone, saw some buffalo, stopped at Fishing Bridge, and made it to Cody early enough to shop a bit, get some delicious dinner at the Proud Cut and go swimming in the huge (NOT) pool.

Laci, Avery, Abby, Landon, Cullen, Cady at Fishing Bridge


The wind blowing through Cady's dark chesnut hair!


Some of the Buffs we saw


The next morning, the guys (including Cullen) headed off early to do some fishing. The girls and the rest of the kids went into town and tried to do some shopping. The kids weren't too keen on shopping so we headed to the park for some lunch and then back to the hotel for a long nap. We woke up just in time to go to dinner then we took a late night swim.

My little fisherman!

Josh caught a few, too


Robert had some luck too!

There were lots of rabbits right outside our cabins that the kids loved chasing around.
Kristy, Laci and Cady dancin' to Taylor Swift out by the pool.


The next morning, we headed back through Yellowstone, where we stopped at Old Faithful. It never ceases to amaze me how many people flock there each day and how "faithful" the ol' geyser is. Pretty amazing if you think about it.


About the time we headed out of the parking lot at Old Faithful, the weather started cooling down. We stopped at Jenny Lake to check it out and as soon as we got in the visitor center, it began to downpour. We stayed there for awhile hoping it would stop raining, but it never did. The power went out a couple of times though. And always prepared me, didn't pack sweatshirts or jackets cuz I figured it would be hot the whole time. Cullen didn't let me live that down.

Our whole fam in front of our Cody cabin.

The majestic Tetons.

We got to Jackson and ate at The Merry Piglets, a mexican restaurant we had never tried. It was pretty good. We made it back to the cabin by 9pm and had to dry out all our stuff (we had taken the work truck--so all our stuff got rained on). Morning came and it was still raining and freezing. Those jackets would have come in handy. On the way home, we drove through a snow storm. It sure was pretty, but the shorts and flip-flops did not appreciate it. Next time, I will make sure to pack the jackets.

All in all, it was a pretty good trip. Too much driving for the kids, who tormented each other EVERY WAKING MOMENT!!!! I'm ready for a vacation now. Thanks Robert for the great trip. Great times are had and great memories are being made. Love ya!

Vacations really take it out of ya!