I took T to the McGrath's Brother's Great Pacific Pumpkin Patch and she had so much fun running around and getting covered in dirt. I think her favorite part was all the rocks.  This child is obsessed with rocks. Everywhere we go, she has to pick up a rock and carry it with her. I laugh because I was such a rock collector growing up as well. I even had one of those super awesome rock tumbler polishers. When my parents would go on a trip, I would make them bring me back a rock as a souvenir. Super strange I know, but it appears that "rock obsessions" are genetic. I mean, they must be. While Tenners baby may not look a thing like her momma, she is totally her mommas girl. 

Utah Weekend

I have been missing my Utah sooooo much lately.  I live for colder weather....not freezing cold weather, just perfect Utah fall weather.  Lucky for me, BYU had a home game last weekend, so of course we had to go! Tenners has been on so many airplane trips now I lost count how many times its been, and she is usually so easy and wonderful. This time, not so much. Let's just say it was a very long hour and 20 minutes and we were all really happy to land in Utah (including the lady in front of us who glared at Dave in 5 minute intervals the entire flight.) 

Our first stop was for food and we of course chose Cafe Rio. Mmmmmmm. Later we bundled up and headed to the BYU football game and on the way made a little pit stop at Swig and I devoured an entire sugar cookie.  I was off to a good start on my mission to enjoy as much yummy Utah food as I could in our short 2 day trip.

Good thing we took this picture before the entire BYU team got injured including Taysom Hill who is out for the season.  Needless to say, the Cougars lost and the rest of their football season seems a bit hopeless with all the injuries that happened from this one game. 

The next day we had a few things to take care of at our house.  I played with Tenley outside while Dave did some yard work. It felt so strange being at our house and knowing someone else was living inside.  Weird.  I think I'm still trying to wrap my head around this move to California being more permanent. 

After we left our house, we went to Park City and I was in heaven admiring all the pretty colors of fall on our drive up the canyon.  We ate at Baja Cantina and walked around Park City Mountain Resort. 

It was such a perfect weekend and I'm happy I was able to get my "Fall fix."  Utah still feels like home to me and I think it always will. 

Widows of Fall

Football season has officially begun, which means I'm a widow on Monday night, Saturday and Sunday night.  I'm kidding, sort of.  This weekend BYU plays University of Texas and Dave went to Texas with his dad to cheer on the Cougs.  I'm so glad he got to be there to watch BYU dominate the Longhorns!  

I always get crazy productive when Dave leaves town so we got ready and headed out for a long day of shopping. (Not the Nordstrom kind of shopping though. Boo.)  First things first....food.  I am a cranky lady when I am hungry and my sweet little Tenners definitely got that same trait from me.  A quick stop at In-N-Out and we are both so much nicer to each other. 

Next stop, Home Depot.  I have been wanting to re-paint our kitchen table and chairs FOREVER and I deduced this would be the perfect weekend.  Everything is a phone to her lately, so she "talked" on the paintbrush the entire time we were in the store. I should quit buying toys. 

Finally we made our way to Target.  Because I figured with a newly painted table, I would want to add a rug, and some pillows and some storage.  This is normal, right?!  

Most days she is just a dreamboat and makes me want to have 10 more just like her.  She was getting a bit restless by now, but she just laid her pretty little head on these pillows until we left.  Now home for nap time while I attempt to paint. 

Kelli & Jason Wedding

My little sister is now Mrs. Larson! 

It feels like just yesterday we were taking this picture on my wedding day. Kelli was such a beautiful bride. 

Kelli & Jason had their luncheon at Heritage Gardens, which is where Dave and I had our reception. It was fun reminiscing of our wedding day almost 6 years ago!

Tenley was loving her dress and was dancing and twirling all day long.

So glad Dave could join us for the temple sealing and luncheon.  He's my hard working man and had to get on a plane back to California after the luncheon. 

Later that day, we went to Heber for their reception. T's favorite part was the Cold Stone ice cream.

Logan Temple

I can't believe my little sister is about to get married! I'm so lucky I was able to come to Utah for a few weeks before her wedding.  Today we drove up to Logan so she could take out her endowments and have all my grandparents and relatives there.  It was such a special day.

Growing up in Cache Valley for 16 years, I've always loved the Logan temple. 

I love the feelings of peace and clarity I feel within these walls.

Utah Bound

Road trip time with my munchkin. I am always amazed at how well she travels.  I was prepared with lots of snacks, toys and new movies on the iPad to help us endure the long drive.

I've never felt so happy to see that "Welcome to Utah" sign!

We stayed in my parents house in St. George to break up the long 11 hour drive.  T was pretty happy about not being in the car anymore!

Hollywood Beach

We live less than 10 minutes from some pretty amazing beaches and I've decided I need to take advantage of it more than I have. This week we went to Hollywood Beach.  I loved all the houses along the coast, especially this one.

One of the things I love most about Oxnard Beaches, besides the wonderful sand, is the lack of people.  As usual, we had the place all to ourselves.

Tenley showing me the correct way to sit in the beach chair.

She loves the ocean so much. I try to keep her playing in the sand as long as possible because once she dips her toes in the water, there's no going back. She has no fear of the ocean and would dive right in if I let her.