Las Vegas Temple

Before we left Las Vegas we stopped at the LDS Las Vegas temple and let the kids walk around. It was beautiful. Mike and I were last at the temple 15 years ago on our honeymoon. What nice memories. The kids loved hearing about the stars in the windows, seeing the date trees (the fruit looks like mini footballs---appropriate for our trip) and enjoyed the pretty fountains and palm trees.

Heading back home---it was a nice get-a-way.

Visiting St. George Temple

On our way out of St. George before heading to Las Vegas we stopped at the LDS St. George Temple. It was fun for the kids to see it and talk about how bright it was in the sunlight. It is the oldest OPERATING temple of the Church.

Sunny St. George

I wasn't totally a "flip-flop" teen growing up, but I am definitely a "flip-flop" mom now. I love being anywhere that I can just slip on my flip-flops and go! Here is Maddie and Grandpa and the rest of the gang heading to the pool for a swim.

Josie loving being in the water with her wings on.

Okay, so the real reason we headed south was to watch the BYU vs. UNLV football game. So isn't it fitting that this bunch of cougar-loving fanatics would find a way to pay tribute to the team while swimming? Look closely in the above photo---Kyle is the B, Maddie the Y, Heather the U and Alyssa a Cougar. B-Y-U- COUGARS! Go team!

The kids loved being around Kyle, Heather and baby Ethan.
A few of us girls painted our toes for the game---blue and white. The pictures from the game are on Kyle's camera (I forgot our camera in the hotel. Grrr.) So, when I get those pics I may post a few.

Cabin with Friends

Our dear friends, Trent and Daidre, invited us up to the cabin for a weekend retreat. What an amazing cabin! We so enjoyed hanging out with them up in the mountains---absolutely beautiful scenery with the fall colors, pines, and lake. The kids ran wild (just the way it should be on such a retreat.) Between the two couples there are 10 kids. How fun is that? Here is most of the crew saddling up to the bar for dinner. Daidreann did an awesome job cooking for all of us. Thanks. What a beautiful kitchen to cook in too!

Alyssa enjoying breakfast with a view. The three youngest from the two clans enjoy their waffles with their dads.

I had no problem relaxing under these lights---wow!

Here are the seven oldest together outside. We've been friends since our oldest ones were babies (technically even before that.) Anyway it has been so great watching this gang grow.

These two, Jaida and Aly were nearly joined at the hip all weekend.

Dragonfly discoveries lakeside---Josh and Mina.

Feeding the ducks.

Playing the Wii downstairs.

Taking a stroll around the lake on daddy's shoulders. Can fall last longer, please? Thanks for the wonderful break guys!

Hawk Walk Runners

My crew giving it their best. Maddie-24 laps, Josh-22 laps and Alyssa 18 laps. Thanks to everyone who donated to the cause!

Piano and Soccer

Piano recitals and soccer games keeping us busy in recent months.