FALL IN THE DESERT

I like fall...its the best time of year for St. George. The temperatures are pleasant...colors are beautiful...the early sunrise and sunsets are cozy. Its a great time of year. Here are a few pictures from some fun fall events.

Ice Cream after a visit to the Temple Visitor's Center for Family Home Evening

Picking apples at an orchard up the canyon...

A gorgeous afternoon at Zion's National Park

Playing in leaves after church

Halloween preview

The kids went to a little Halloween party last week, so here is a preview of the "look" for my little trick-or-treaters this year... (although Emma insists that she is not going to be a kitty again, that she must have a different costume for each event...we'll see...)

DISCO KITTY

R.J. PING, THE PIRATE KING

My Little Blessings

Of course my greatest blessings are my children. They are growing so fast! We had a busy, fun and special weekend. In addition to the Campbells coming to visit and paint Grandpa and Grandma's house we were also lucky to finally do RJ's "baby" blessing. Although he is 2 and 3/4...I was hoping we would still get to have this special event. My bishop approved, so we conducted just a small private blessing in the bishop's office. My wonderful father gave RJ such a beautiful and powerful blessing. I am so grateful. I was grateful to have most of my family there...missing some neices and a nephew...but otherwise, everyone was there to share in this lovely event.

Because RJ is too big to bless in the traditional "bouncing the baby" way, I sat in the middle of the circle with him on my lap while the bishopric, my father and RJ's uncle Matt and cousin Eric stood around and placed their hands on his head. I had fruit snacks at the ready, just in case RJ freaked out about all those men's hands on his head, but he seemed to understand the importance of the moment, as he sat perfectly still through most of the blessing, barely moving a single muscle. Grandma and Aunt Jan said they could see his face and other than rolling his eyes around a bit to try to catch a glimpse of what was going on, he otherwise was very still and calm. What a sweet expression of family love I felt...from my parents, sisters, brother in law, nieces and nephews and even my little daughter...all towards this beautiful soul who has already dug his way deep into our hearts. What a special bond we all already have with him.

September in review

September has been a good month, and now it has passed, and I'm just now updating my blog...so here's a little recap:

LABOR DAY AT THE PARK:






AUNT GERI COMES TO VISIT!


EMMA TRIES HER SKILLS AS A BULL RIDER:

WILL THE REAL ANNIE PLEASE STAND UP?


RJ TRIES COTTON CANDY (AND DOESN'T LIKE IT) AT THE SCHOOL CARNIVAL

CHECK OUT THIS SLIDE!
HERE I COME!

SWISS DAYS PARADE


WHY IS THIS LADY PAINTING MY FACE?
AND THE RESULTS! CUTE!

6 weeks...or forever...?

I think we are at about 6 weeks since RJ joined our family. 6 weeks sounds like such a short time, especially when it feels like RJ has been a part of our family forever. It is so absoultely joyous to have him in our family. It is hard to imagine life without RJ in it! The transition has been so natural and so 'easy'. Not that having two kids is necessarily 'easy' - it is definitely more crazy, more busy, more chaos, more exhausting and more fun! Emma and RJ fight just like any brother and sister would...but on the other hand, the first thing Emma sayss every day when I pick her up from preschool is "Where is RJ?" and "when are we going to see him?" They really are very cute together. Emma is now in all-day preschool, four days a week. It makes for an awfully long day and for her, especially with dancing classes and tumbling too...but she likes to be busy and I think it will be a little better for RJ to have some personal time with Grandma and Grandpa. So far, it seems to be working...but we are only a week into it...so we'll see! Here's a few pics of my beauties:

RJ and Grandma

Helping mom make a cake!

First day of preschool - 2009

Home...jetlagged...back to work...and life

We've been home almost a week now. I am on a regular schedule, but the kids are still adjusting. I have to remind myself it is getting better. Last night it was 11:30 before they finally went to sleep...that's way better than 3:00 or 4:00 a.m....but still after trying for 2 hours, it is a little frustrating...

Already I am back to work...no maternity leave for you when you are self employed. Three weeks in China is more than I could spend not working. I've been blessed that business has survived and that my kids are so happy to be at grandma and grandpa's house...of course, knowing grandma and grandpa, who wouldn't love it! Its a constant party there.

RJ has adjusted beautifully (so far). He gets along with all the family and other than being a little shy around new people, seems to enjoy the attention and all the fun that each new experience brings. We have lots of things to take care of ... doctors, dentists, etc. etc. But all that will come with time. For now I am counting each moment and experience (except the ones at 2 a.m.) as a blessing to treasure!

Here's a few pictures of life at home:

With grandma in my garden, picking tomatoes (even though the garden is at my house, my mom has done it all...and I get to enjoy the fruits - or more accurately, veggies - of her labors)

RJ loves the swings and slide in the backyard!

And the pictures of my almost American boy!