Picnic in the Mountains - 2013 Family Photos

This past October we were beyond lucky to get sweet Jen Herem to photograph our little family again. Last time we had barely become a family of four, and I treasure the photos she captured at our home. This go around we soaked up a beautiful fall evening in the mountains with a little picnic. Jen had her work cut out for her...Ava was wasn't feeling well (a lot sicker than I thought) and Brooks decided to fall asleep on the drive there and woke up with his grumpy pants on. But even with our two littles not feeling so hot, Jen got some beautiful images! Love this little family of mine.  

To see more of Jen's work go here.

Capitol Adventures

^^ The gorgeous view from the stair of the Capitol. ^^

^^ I was watching close and stepped away to take a quick picture, but Brooks was a sweet worried brother of Ava on the stairsBaby Ava!! You be care-foo!" ^^

After running some errands in Salt Lake last week, we stopped at the Capitol building on our way home. Goodness that building and land around it is gorgeous! It makes me happy to see autumn linger in the city, especially in such a charming area. Loved walking around with Brooks and Ava (chasing after them too), catching them share kisses, getting cozy with Ava in our sling, standing with Brooks in awe as a helicopter flew over our heads, and then watching our Nation's flag whip in the wind...and as a mother myself, I couldn't help but think of the mothers (and fathers) who have said goodbye to their sons and daughters who leave to serve in the United States Armed Forces.  Makes my mama heart ache and feel inspired at the same time! It's incredible, the sacrifices the veterans of our country have made. I know Veteran's Day was last week, but and Thank You Veterans--you and your families.

Pumpkining at Rasmussen Farms

^^ You can watch a little video and listen to their laughter here! ^^

^^ Brooks took this picture of Ava and me. :) Thanks sweet boy! ^^

Last year we missed going to Rasmussen Farms to pick out pumpkins with the Kjar cousins, and it was so fun to go back! It's hard to beat the nostalgia of picking the perfect pumpkin, watching the kids have a blast pulling around and riding in vintage Radio Flyer wagons, eating apples right off the tree, and soaking up fall weather. It started off a little rocky (two little people fell asleep on the way, and woke up and little unsure;) but it didn't take long for them to realize they were in Autumn heaven. We left with some great pumpkins and sweet memories. :)

You can see past years of pumpkin picking here:
2010
2011
2012

Wet vs. Dry leaves

I loved growing up in the PNW.  But I must admit, due to the rainy weather, there was no playing in piles of leaves...unless you wanted to get wet and end up with slugs in your hoodie. ;)  The leaves here in Utah are crisp, dry, and too irresistible not to play in. So during Ava's nap earlier today, Brooks and I went outside...and loved every minute of stomping and throwing and rolling in our beautiful, golden birch tree leaves.

PS - I probably should've raked said leaves...but I think we'll be out enjoying them for a few more days. :)

PPS -