Millcreek Canyon in Autumn

In October, we went up Millcreek canyon to enjoy the autumn leaves and have some s'mores with Richard and the kids.
It was the most perfect autumn afternoon. The temperature was lovely, with the sun shining down perfectly.

Here are my favorite pictures of the day:

Me and Richard, taking my daily picture:

Elise giving me one of her many expressions:

Marcus, who always gives me a little smile:

Richard and I always have our cameras at the ready:

Collin gives me a rare smile. He's mastered closing his eyes right as I click the shutter as if he's blinking, which, of course, he's not.

Andrew and Eric...two peas in pod. I love it!

Great Salt Lake Photos

While Sandy was in town, we hung out with Richard and his kids. We took them on a cold and windy day, to the Great Salt Lake (near Saltair) and took pictures. We'd hoped to get the sun setting, but it was c-c-c-cold! It was nice that my dad could join us for pictures.

It was fun to watch them run around suggesting pictures for my project. We had too much fun. I just love when my family is together.

Sandy Comes for a Visit

I love when Sandy comes to town! It makes me happy from my very core! She was in town for a week in February and we had such a nice time.

Of course, she brings her adorable dogs...and I get my boxer fix.

And we visit friends and their babies and pets:

One of the days, on our way to my mom's house where Sandy was staying, we ran into the most adorable little boxer puppies:

Another night, we went to dinner with Richard. Yummy Sugarhouse Bar-B-Que.

Dinner at Tepanyaki

On Monday, Richard and his family came to Salt Lake to have dinner with me and Eric, at Tepanyaki. Eric and I love going to Tepanyaki and we wanted to share the experience with Richard's family.

It is always so entertaining to watch the food be prepared in front of you. Marcus wasn't sure what to think.

I was thrilled to get this great picture of Collin. It's so hard to get him with a genuine smile.

Elise is either mesmerized or off in another land.

The onion volcano. Again with the flame.

Andrew

After dinner, we all walked over to Costco and invaded. "WE'RE HERE!" It was late and not very busy, so the kids released some of their energy.
Marcus and Elise joined me in the fridge with the flowers.


We picked up dessert (cheesecake) and went to my mom's house where we watched the kids have a pillow fight.

Birthday Celebration!

Richard's birthday was Thursday and Elise's was Friday. So, as usual, the celebrations were combined.

My mom accompanied Eric and I on the drive to Kamas and we had such an enjoyable time with the kiddies we love so much! We got home a little too late (1:30 a.m.) but it's always fun to chat and take pictures and hang out together. Here are some of the pictures I took.

Andrew and Marcus enjoy jumping on the trampoline:

Marcus takes a moment:

I just thought this picture was funny. The cat is all out of focus because he moved right as the picture was being taken. I'm super allergic to cats, so this was almost too close for comfort.

Elise blowing out her candles. I intentionally left the flash off, so the pictures are a little dark.


More time on the trampoline.



Me and Richard

Catching up on Videos

I've been stocking up on family videos for so long that it's time to post them here.

In August, Sandy, Elida and baby Mason came to Salt Lake for one of the more heart breaking days. While here, I got this video of Mason being fed. I just loved the way he's distracted. He's so cute and I can't wait to see him a a few weeks (as well as my sisters, of course).

Yup! That was Mom in the back ground watching some medication commercial. I get such a good hearty laugh at her comment.

Evan and Kirsten welcomed their bundle of joy to their family at the end of August. Adorable Chance is featured having his diaper changed. You can see how much he enjoys that experience. I just love his little infant cry.


A few weeks ago Karlyn came into town for a visit. We all drove to Kamas for a visit with Richard and the kids. (Cynthia was working) The kids jumped on the trampoline and had a wonderful time. I have video of Elise losing it and being sent to bed, but that will be black mail material for later in her life. Here, we're all having a pleasant time.




Sunday was Andrew's fourth birthday. We took Mom to Kamas for a nice birthday dinner.
I love the way everybody is so easily distracted by the toys. Watch Collin move around and Andrew lose interest in answering questions. Hilarious.


I just liked watching Marcus giggle with the noises of the toy and to see Eric playing with them, which he did all night, but his wonderful wife was very careful to keep him out of the videos.


So I've avoided politics and economic chatter here, but that doesn't change the fact that it's a major focus for me.

Pioneer Day

Yesterday was Utah's big holiday: Pioneer Day (or the 24th of July). I've always enjoyed watching the big Days of 47 Parade on TV...I haven't been to one in person for about 6 years, and really, I'm okay with that. It's always too hot! The sun blares down harshly and it loses its appeal pretty fast - so I usually stay in and watch it on TV. That is, except for this year. I didn't watch the parade - but I saw some of the floats on the freeway.

One thing I did this year, that I've never done on the 24th is to go to a rodeo. It's a very Utah thing to do, but I've never gone. This year, Elise was a princess in the Kamas parade and also rode out before the rodeo, so Eric and I went up in the evening to watch the parade and the rodeo. Yeah that was fun and I can now check that off my "Life To-Do List."

Princess Elise was happy to see her Aunt Tina

Andrew and Collin wave to Smokey the Bear in hopes that candy will be thrown their way
One of my lucky shots of a bull rider. All four limbs of the bull are up off the ground and it looks a bit like the cowboy might be considering a bail out
Another great lucky shot. I love the dirt kicked up for the bull.
This was my daily shot - I laughed pretty good when Sandy made her presence known.

Richard, Cynthia and Marcus look like they might be done for the night.

Of course, what would July 24th be without a fireworks display?


Wanna see some more pictures? Go to my flickr page (click on the icon to the right), or click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tmlizzyirwin/sets/72157606371349716/

My computer is flipping out, so I wasn't able to load up the videos I took of the rodeo, so I will load those up later.