Cornbelly's & Farm Country

Clay and I have a tradition of going to Cornbelly's every fall. It's something we started when we first got married and we always look forward to it every year because it means Halloween and all the other holidays are right around the corner.

We went last year when I was pregnant, and we were so excited to think the next year we went would be with our little Ellie. It was so fun to bring her this year, and even more fun that my sister Jeni and her kids were here too!

First slide experience . . .

I guess she is finally growing out of her newborn-size jeans!

While Jen was here, we went to Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point. So much fun! Ellie can't get enough of animals. Her favorite books at home are her animal books and she loves to make the animal sounds for cow, horse, monkey, dog, cat, duck and sometimes owl. Every time we see a dog or cat she starts jabbering in a high-pitched tone and reaches out for it. I just hope she's not allergic to them like her mom is!

How cute is Ellie's cousin Katers?

Bird's the Word

I miss having a camera. In the meantime, I am borrowing pictures from friends. (Thanks, Jessie!)

Danny, Jessie and Max made the trek from Nephi and we went to the Tracy Aviary. So many birds, so little time.

An Australian Kookaburra (obviously my favorite bird at the aviary) They sound like monkeys! This one was just chillin' with a mouse in it's beak.

 Our little family

 Max goin in for the hand

 Check out Ellie's new diva smile (tilted head and everything)

 Meant to be

Thanks Jessie and Danny for the fun outing (and the pictures).

A Bridal Shower + Funny Photobooth Pics

This girl is getting married.

{My sister, Kira}

Her bridal shower was quite a hoot.

 {The hostess, Ashley. A great party-thrower and photographer!}

My neice, Katers. 

She has really slimmed down from this: 

 I loved seeing Kira's sheepish expression when she opened "naughty" gifts.

 Isn't her smile infectious?

 The happy couple

The fun really started with some quality photo booth time. Prepare for a picture overload and probably some laughs.

 

Can you tell which one is me?

 I think my nose looks pretty attractive in this one.

awkward arms ...

thumbs up!

I hate this one because I look almost normal—just slightly deformed.

Another really hot look for me

I look like a weird man here. Jeff Goldblum-ish?

My sister Haley looks like John Travolta in Hairspray, right?

Don't ask about my skeleton arm pose.

Solo shot #1. I'm thinking about entering the Cosmopolitan model search with this one.

Or should I go with this one?

If she's my competition, I'm in big trouble . . .



 The end.

Calling all Christmas {things}

I am planning our holiday 2010-2011 issue of Latter Day Woman Magazine and it is going to be a fun one.

I am looking for all things Christmas to include in the magazine. If you know of any products, crafts, services or stories that would appeal to LDS women, send them my way so I can see if they'll fit with our next issue.

Sisters.

I have ten.

Every one of them is crazy-fun.

Can you tell?

Fall Treats

Something about fall makes me feel warm, cozy and happy.

Yummy fall foods do the same.

This week, I made the most delicious butternut squash soup I've ever tasted. I think the apples made all the difference. Find the recipe here.

I also made pumpkin muffins with dark chocolate chunks from this recipe. Heaven.

What are some of your favorite fall foods to make? I am ready for more!

Don't Rain on My Parade

We just went to this.

It was the best possible way we could have spent our Saturday morning. I can't believe I've lived in Provo for 8 years  (I know.) and this was my first time going.

Ellie was mezmerized the whole time. She kept boppin' her head to the beat of the bands and screaming with joy whenever she saw puppies. Clay enjoyed the candy we caught "for Ellie" and I liked the dancing and singing the different BYU groups did. We couldn't hack the long line for the free blue chocolate chip pancakes, but since we will be going every year from now on I guess there's always next time!

P.S. We saw NieNie and Mr. Nelson!

P.S. (again) Sorry for the lack of photos. Ellie dropped our camera and it is no more. :( Know of any good deals on good cameras?