Oktoberfest!

When I was really young, I remember going to Snowbird with Grandpa & Grandma Sorensen for Oktoberfest. It was always one of my favorite things....so I've tried to continue the tradition with my family. Even though the event in itself has changed dramatically since I was 5, I still like to go & remember the moments like doing the "Chicken Dance" with Grandpa, and singing along to Edelweiss.

  This year I was able to go with just the boys, and we had SO MUCH FUN! Sawyer kept saying-"Let's come back here tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day!" We caught the Tram up to Hidden Peak, and walked around for a while, played with rocks, and even were able to find some snow. After we got back down to the festivities, we were able to grab a Brat to eat, and listen to the "Polkatonics." Kayson loved dancing to the music! Especially the yodeling! He was so funny! It was a wonderful day for all of us!

Kayson's Dance moves

Sawyer

The boys-waiting to load the Tram

Kayson & I on the Tram

The boys chillin' on the ski lift

All 3 of us on top of Hidden Peak

Maiden

Jason decided to get the baby out this afternoon & give her a bath before the weather got super cold. She is already getting so big, and her personality is amazing! She is doing great at walking with a lead, even though she does have her stubborn moments. We can't wait for her to get big enough for the saddle! Jason has big plans to possibly take her to Denver in January for the National Draft Horse Competition....but we will wait & see how she is progressing before we commit to anything! Here are a few pics! 

Sawyer & Jason scrubbing her down!

Drying Time!

Kayson & Daisy watching from the cheap seats!

Swimming At Grandma & Grandpa's House!

You would think that we would go swimming more often when Jason's parents have a wonderful, big pool in their backyard...but the truth is, we have only been swimming a couple of times this year! Today is was needed though. After a long hot morning at the baseball field with Sawyer, and then playing with the horses in the afternoon, a dip in the pool sounded nice!

The kids love the water! I used to get so nervous everytime Sawyer would try & jump in the deep end (15 1/2 ft deep to be more precise), but he is a fish! I just make sure he wears a life jacket-and I don't worry as much. Today was a special day for Sawyer though, because he jumped off the high dive, even though he was a "little scared." It took him 3 trys to go up the ladder, then come back down...but the last time he walked to the edge of the board, and stepped off! We were so proud!

  

Jason playing with the kids

Kayson-he wasn't really sure he wanted to get in the water

Sawyer-Our Brave High Dive Jumper!

Kayson's First Haircut!

I finally broke down and had the baby's haircut. I loved all those little blonde curls, but it was getting awfully long. Thank goodness we have Kim who was able to cut his hair while I held him, and grandma entertained him!

Before

After

First Day Of School!

Sawyer started Preschool yesterday! I can't believe it! Part of me is sad, because he is growing up so fast, and the other part of me is overjoyed at the thought of having 3 hours a day, 4 days a week-with just one child again!

He is attending Preschool at Pioneer Elementary. It is just about a block away from home, and he LOVE'S it! Sawyer & I both went to a "preview" of the class on Tuesday, where he loudly informed me in the parking lot that he didn't need me to hold his hand anymore, because he is a grown up now because he is old enough to go to school! I guess I don't have to worry about him crying when I leave him alone with the teachers anymore.
He is already learning how to write his name, and making all sorts of fun pictures to hang on the fridge! I can't wait to see what he brings home today!

Bradley's Mission Call

My little brother Brad has been waiting SO patiently to recieve his mission call, and it was no surprise that he got it the day we had planned the kids birthday party. SO, since the whole family was at my house anyway, we decided to sneak away from the party long wnough for Brad to open the call with everyone there!

He will be serving in the Mexico, Veracruz Mission! We are so excited for him, and so very proud of the decision he made to serve a mission! He will be entering the MTC on December 23rd, (Horrible timing-he will miss Christmas with his family!) and he will be leaving for Mexico in February!

Congratulations Elder Sorensen! We love you!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

August is a BIG birthday month in our family-celebrating 8 birthdays in a month-2 of those being our own kids! We decided this year that we would celebrate Kayson's 1st Birthday & Constence's 11th Birthday together. We had a huge party in our backyard, complete with hot dogs, lemonade, plenty of cake & ice cream, pinatas, and of course.....the bounce house!

The kids had a lot of fun, and Kayson managed to get a little bit of cake on himself. It is amazing to me how different he is from Sawyer. He is so mild mannered, and acted like he didn't want to ruin his little cake I made him. Eventually, he dug into it though.

Both of the kids received way too many gifts-but loved every minute of it! Special thanks to Aunt Jill & Uncle Neil who go out of their way to find toys that will annoy both Jason & myself. This year it was a xylophone for Kayson. It seems to be his favorite toy....especially in the mornings when the rest of us are trying to sleep.

It's hard to believe my baby is already one! Time fly's when they are that little-but we are so happy to have such wonderful kids! They are all so very different, but we wouldn't change any of them if we had the chance! Happy Birthday Kayson & Constence!