Author: McAdmin

This time last weekend we were on a fun family vacation in Idaho! Our good friends Bracken & Katie invited us to a cabin up there with them and the Fears. We really enjoyed this short, but fun-packed trip.

The best part of all was going to Yellowstone National Park! We went through part of Montana and into Wyoming just to get there (haha but that part only took like 25 minutes). We were shocked to discover that it costs $25 per car to get into the park, but we soon found out that it was well worth it!

Gorgeous scenery, and some good friends! (Sarah was taking this photo.) I believe this waterfall was called Firestone Falls or something; Pace had read about it and it was a really pretty spot.

Chase & Charlotte loved having kids to play with the whole time. Charlotte apparently wanted to get hit by a car because she kept charging wildly into the road. Luckily, she never got hurt!

                                    

We saw lots of bison & elk, a coyote, some interesting birds, and even some funny little mice. The animals (and the views) were fascinating!

My family went to Yellowstone when I was like 5, and I vividly remember the bubbling mud pots with the stinky sulfur smell. So of course we had to visit those, too. I loved the smell because it brought back memories!  (I think I was the only one who didn’t mind the stink.) We just had a couple of videos of those, but the photo below is of a hot spot that was bubbling right next to the river. It was a little chilly outside, so a few of us were tempted to jump in there to warm up, but we resisted. We also saw several geysers, which were interesting!

Some from our group went up to a mountaintop to hit golf balls off the cliffs. I just heard it was freezing up there!

The whole thing was a great trip and we loved having some family and friend time all rolled into one.

           

MAN these two drive me crazy, but I love them! Just look at ‘em …And their LONG-SLEEVED shirts!

It’s been a slightly chilly week all of a sudden, so we’ve busted out the cooler weather clothing. Chase loves superheroes, so of course I had to stock up on a few of his favorite type of shirt so they would actually get worn.

As for Charlotte’s festive shirt, my disclaimer is that I don’t generally purchase holiday clothing that will only be worn for 1 month’s time. But Charlotte’s shirt was a post-Halloween 2009 steal of a deal. And she’ll be able to wear it next year, too. AND it’s cute. …Justified.

The photo below makes me chuckle! Chase was trying to give Charlotte a kiss for the picture, but she squealed and shoved him away. Typical behavior. These two have their fair share of squabbles, but overall, I am shocked by how well they get along, and especially by how well Chase treats his little sister. TENDER. He even oohs and aahs when I put a new little outfit on her, which amuses me!

Chase put on his lined cargo pants the other day and came in the room to show me. I praised him for getting dressed, and looking super handsome wearing those pants. He responded sweetly, “I knew you’d like them.”

Chase looks a little funky in the picture below. But I just had to show off the skinny jeans I found for Charlotte. Couldn’t resist! And her black Mary Jane Crocs are replacing the gold ones that she demanded to wear every single day in the summertime (can you tell that these two have definite opinions about what they will and will not wear?!?).

                                                  

And just one more fun pic for good measure!

What have we been up to?

Well. Life has been busy and good. We’ve been enjoying these warm October days. This summer weather can stay as long as it wants to!

We went to 2nd cousin Katelin’s 6th birthday party! We loved all the sugar we got to have there.

Chase and Charlotte have mainly just been busy being cute.

Chase loves to create things. Especially his own concoctions and recipes in the kitchen that make a HUGE mess. I just hyperventilate, that’s all. I don’t want to curb his creativity, but MAN our kitchen has just been trashed lately. Sometimes it’s good that Chase is so eager and curious because it motivates us to make cute things like these wheat pancakes.

Yesterday we made a volcano together with play dough, (add baking soda & vinegar to make it erupt), which was really fun. That was one of the tidier projects he’s done, along with the Lego one below. I love seeing what he builds.

We have also been spending money, which stresses me out. I’ve bought some new clothes for the kids, including some snow clothes. Today I found some good deals at 7 Circles Outlet in Orem. But kids are expensive, I’ve decided.

So are houses! We had to buy a new garbage disposal and Pace chose and put in a new kitchen faucet as well. I love it. Yay for Costco being way cheaper than Lowe’s! And yay for Pace knowing how to perform such intense home repairs! He does a TON around the house. I can’t believe his skills—how did I catch such a guy??

Chase enjoys preschool almost as much as I enjoy having him at preschool. I went with his class to the pet store for their monthly field trip. Chase & Charlotte were both very brave, petting the snakes, iguana, the hyper chinchilla, etc. Chase loved this blue parrot that kept vigorously flapping its wings.

OK I’m sure everyone already knows how to make homemade play dough.  I’ve tried a few recipes myself. But I want to share this one because it makes a very soft, low-mess play dough. It’s my favorite recipe so far because it doesn’t stick to the counter much like some of the other recipes I’ve tried!

Play Dough Recipe

2 c. Flour
½ c. Salt
2 c. Water
2 T. Vegetable Oil
¼ c. Cream of Tartar (found in spice section)

Pour all ingredients into a large saucepan. Food coloring can be added here if desired, 5-7 drops. Turn to med-high heat and stir constantly until the mix becomes very warm and starts to form together, about 3-5 minutes. Do not over heat, it will burn. Continue stirring until the mix forms into a playdough ball. Remove from heat and pour ball onto a wax paper sheet. Let cool for a few minutes and then knead until soft, 2-3 minutes. Food coloring can also be added during the kneading process as well, especially if you want to split the dough and use 2 or more colors. I suggest wearing baggies over your hands if doing this. Store your play dough in a ziplock bag and in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, or until little white spots develop.