Halloween Activities

Nolan and I have been to the pumpkin walk. Lots of us moms got together with all of our strollers to enjoy the beautiful weather we've been having. The best part was a hay ride pulled by two huge horses. Actually, I think Nolan was happiest when he found a big stereo speaker to play with!

My friend, Terrah, had a Halloween party at her house last week. Nolan was being kind of a pill while we were there, but he was a cute baseball player nonetheless! Thanks, Terrah! It was fun!

In family news: I have been put back in the Young Women presidency but this time as the secretary. I think I'll like this position. We've been busy planting trees and shrubs in the yard. Justin is getting tired of using the pick ax, and I'm sick of shoveling dirt! The weather has been so nice though... about 65 degrees every day. We couldn't ask for better yard work weather. I wish it would last forever!

Nolan did something cute a few nights ago that I want to write down so that I remember. Last Sunday, after returning from a youth fireside, I found Justin and Nolan playing together in our bedroom. They were being all kinds of silly! Justin said, "We have been having so much fun!" Nolan then looked at me and said, "Daddy. Happy! Happy day!" It was pretty funny that he was trying to tell me how much fun he'd had with Dad. His newest word is "hello." He's been saying it a lot today, but when I tried to get him to show his Aunt Lacey, he would only shake his head no. O-well. In his own time.

Fall Days

Before I begin with the regular post, I'll just let everyone know that Justin has a new calling. He is now the 2nd counselor in the Elder's Quorum. Our ward split last week so we have lots of new leadership. I've been released from the Young Women's presidency in the process too. Justin is going to do a great job. In fact, they've already had one successful meeting where they were able to reorganize the home teaching assignments.
Last weekend we had lots of visitors. My brother Grady, his wife Kristen, and their kids stopped by to see the house and have lunch. Lacey's family came over too. Nolan just wanted to be held by his Uncle Rob. There's nothing better than good food and family!

That same afternoon, Justin's Dad and his wife Kathy stopped by too. Justin was happy to see his little brothers again. It's too bad Nolan can't hang out with his little uncles more often... they're all around the same age. They took us out to dinner and then went on their way home to San Diego. They were in Hyrum visiting with our Petersen grandparents.

Yesterday, Nolan and I went to Thanksgiving Point with Amber and Jaxon. We invited lots of friends but we were the only ones that ended up going. We missed them but ended up having a great time. There was a big field filled with Fall activities for kids of all ages. We ate lunch and then went into this huge blow-up monster. It turns out that it was pitch dark and it was haunted. We turned around real quick but Nolan was a little timid for a while after that. I'm happy to see that he might actually have a healthy dose of fear somewhere inside. He warmed up after going on the tractor train ride. The other favorite (for both boys, I think) was the water play area with rubber ducks and old-fashioned pumps. Nolan soaked his sleeves and didn't give it a thought. It was a nice day out. I wish this Fall weather would last!

I got a little camera happy at one point, but only because he kept smiling so much! I couldn't resist!

Worn out

I'm having one of those days that makes me feel worn out. Recently at aerobics, Nolan has been able to open the gym doors and escape. This wouldn't be too bad in itself (churches are pretty kid-proof usually) but then he tries to find any possible way to get outside. Last week, he snuck out and I couldn't even find him. This was the first time and I didn't even know he could push the doors open. After searching the building, I finally found him watching a man fixing the drinking fountain. On Monday, I actually saw him slip out so I immediately went after him. Within 10 seconds he had run out the kitchen side door to the parking lot! I don't know why the door was unlocked (if the church doors are locked then he can't reach the bar to push it in). Today I tried to go to aerobics again and he went up on the stage to play with the other tots. I thought this was a pretty good way to keep him contained. Next thing I know, Sienna (my friend's 4-yr. old) is telling me to come quick. There was some back door on the other side and down some steps that I didn't know existed! I caught him as he was slipping out. Needless to say, we left early and I hate to say it, but I don't think I'll be able to come for a while until he stops being an escape artist! Here we are at aerobics. We set the camera timer and, of course, Nolan wandered into the picture. Me, Holly, Jen, Tracy, Kirsten, and Amber.
We just got home from having lunch at McDonald's. Our ward just divided so the Young Women's presidency was all split up (I was the only one left in our ward, so technically I've been released too). We went for one last get-together and figured McDonald's would keep the kiddos happy. Over the course of 50 minutes, Nolan escaped the play area 5 times. One of those times he ran straight into a man's lap - a complete stranger! He stole someone's drink and was walking around with it. He got lost in the playplace so I had to climb up there and rescue him (this was expected but still tiresome). He stole a chicken nugget from a table nearby, and eventually stole an ice cream cone from a table across the way! These things are embarrassing and possibly unsanitary. And I know what you're thinking: Kenzee, start keeping an eye on your child! All I'm going to say is: I do! Just look at the mischief in his eyes!
I wish he'd do this more often!

I will never lay sod again!

We have finally finished laying sod in the yard. Justin and I laid 1200 sq. ft. by ourselves on Thursday evening and Friday. I think it took about 6 or 7 hours in all. I feel like I spent the whole time hurrying Justin along because he always wants to smooth out the dirt perfectly (too perfectly, if you ask me) and remove every bit of gravel before it goes down. Hopefully we'll have better grass for it. We're glad to have it done. I told Justin we'll either never build a new house to landscape or we'll hire out the yard to completion. Along with the main area, there was a small corner that we had to finish on the other side too. Here are the before and after pics.

Right after laying sod, we quickly packed up and went to Logan for the weekend. What a crazy day! It was nice to visit family again. Nolan had a good time bonding with Grandma Kathi.

And lastly, I've been tagged by my sister-in-law Jodi. My answers will be brief, but here it goes:

10 years ago, I... was about to turn 15. I was boy crazy (but never talked to any) and still wore glasses (no contacts or laser surgery yet).

5 things on today's "to do" list: visit the Petersen grandparents, have dinner with the Moulton grandparents, attend our ward split meeting, empty the dishwasher, and read the scriptures

5 places I have lived: in St. George growing up, in Provo as a single BYU student, in Logan attending USU, in Taylorsville before our home was built, and our current place (first home) west of Salt Lake City.

5 jobs I've had: selling tickets to Tuacahn's Festival of Lights, as a consultant for professors at BYU, at Jamba Juice, as an aide and after school counselor for an elementary school, as a substitute teacher just before having Nolan

7 Random/Weird facts about me:

1. I'm a picker... I can't help but love a good zit!

2. I gave a monologue in an off-broadway show in New York City (age 17)

3. I've been trying to stop popping my knuckles since 5th grade (I've given up trying recently; a physical therapist promised it won't cause arthritis... hope he's right!)

4. I used to want to be in Riverdance; I even learned Irish dancing at BYU

5. I can slowly assume headstand position using my stomach muscles and no wall and then hold it (a yoga pose)

6. I have a feeling I'll have all boys

7. I rarely ever have dreams but while I was employed at Jamba Juice, I once sleep talked the following with Justin one night: I said, "You can't handle it." He said, "handle what, honey?" I then replied, "Frozen fruit!"

I'll tag a few people but don't feel obligated... Ashley, Jen, and Amber!

Long week

Nolan and I made it back from St. George last Thursday. My parents drove me home since they needed to catch a flight the next day. They're in Palmyra and Niagra Falls with my sister, Lacey, this week... lucky! It was so great to be in St. George, but I have to admit that Nolan made it difficult to relax at all. He can open my parents' doors throughout the house so we'd continually find him in their bathroom. It seems like we were always walking through the house trying to find him. The problem with him climbing out of the pack 'n play wasn't too bad. At night I would make sure it was pitch dark and he didn't climb out. Naps took some coaxing, but it didn't take him long to settle down. I hope my Mom and Dad realize how grateful I am that we could move in for the week. You always spoil us!

I was looking forward to a quiet Conference weekend at home, but that' not what we got! Nolan had a low fever from Wednesday through Saturday. There were no other symptoms, so we don't know what caused it. He's also getting his incisors in, which I've heard can be the worse teeth of them all. The combination was horrible! He was either clinging to me with his blanket and puppy, or screaming and whining. It was very tiring emotionally for both Justin and me. Justin wanted to help but it was a "mommy only" type of weekend. Here's a rare moment of peace... not pretty, but it was finally a quiet moment! Thank goodness he's made a turnaround this morning. I'm glad to have my happy boy back. And I look forward to reading the Conference talks next month... it was hard to focus this time around. What I heard was great though. I just love President Monson's stories.

On Sunday after the last session, I just HAD to get out of the house. Nolan desperately needed to run around so we went up Tooele canyon to see the Fall colors. What a relief to see a big grin on Nolan's face as he ran up the hill.