Happy Fall Y'all

We went up the canyon to see the fall leaves and eat a picnic dinner. It was beautiful and the kids had a lot of fun!

Reading Time

Now that Cooper is in school we have to read a minimum of 20 minutes a day. Since his little take home books are only a few pages, it only takes 5-10 minutes to go through it several times and do some literary lessons. So now I've decided to read a chapter of a novel every night before bed. It's the last thing we do before they fall asleep and they look forward to it. Cooper especially can't wait to find out what will happen. I have to say that I'm loving it too. Sometimes I want to get other things done while they are in bed but this is one of the best memories from my childhood. My mom always read to us in bed. We would all gather into someone's bedroom and beg for "just one more chapter". I know she had a million things she needed to be doing but always took the time to read and sing with us before bed. So thanks Mom for giving me my love of reading and instilling in me the importance of the imagination!

So the first book we are reading is one of my favorites and also a good "boy" novel. The Indian in the Cupboard. For those of you who haven't read it, you must. It takes place in England and yes, I read it in an English accent!

This morning when Cooper was begging to get out of bed (he wakes up as early as 5:15 some days), I said finally, "get up but no tv, just play with toys" A little bit later, he came in and said "I'm playing Indian in the Cupboard!" He had used all sorts of toys he could find and was pretending to bring the Indian to life. I love to see good use of the imagination. I'm so happy it's making an impact on him. Can't wait to figure out what we'll read next!

Peach Days!

We love Peach Days! This year Cooper got to ride his bike in the Kiddie Parade with his school. He loved it!

He waved the entire parade route

At the parade on Saturday

Of course, we had to ride the carousel and a couple others. Don't you just love carnivals and all of the lovely people that come out for them?

Busy

We really are alive, just busy. I thought maybe I'd be getting more accomplished with Cooper in school but it's the opposite I think! Mornings are crazy at our house and usually at least 2 children have meltdowns before we get out the door! I feel like I am screaming constantly at everyone to get ready. AHHHHH! Anyway, it was Peach Days which I hope to post eventually, and it's officially the end of the summer. I'm filling my days putting up peaches with my mom, getting Cooper and dragging the others to and from school, ballet and TaVaci (a singing/performing group Coop is in), feeding my children and trying to keep up with their messes! Troy will be starting another side job doing therapy at a place in Ogden part-time which will mean more time away but he is excited about the opportunity and furthering his career. Our internet is having problems so no pictures yet. Hope you are all enjoying the last bit of warm weather and produce from your gardens!