family weekend

I love weekends.

On this particular weekend, we were making a trip to my parents house.  We left Friday when Daddy got home from work and we meandered up the canyon.  Along the way we stopped for Daddy to make a quick errand.  But the girls were becoming increasingly loud and distracting so I hauled them outside for a walk.  We passed a Pets Smart store and my brilliant little girls bolted in to pet the ADORABLE dogs and cars that were almost too charming to resist.  I rather fell in love with one in particular and had to have Daddy talk some sense into me before we did something I would probably regret.   I love animals. and I really want a dog.  but I'm already raising three kids and have to remind myself that I truly cannot handle a fourth right now.)  eventually we made it to my parents house, ran around like wild monkeys for awhile and went to bed.  except Lovely.  She hit a second wind and crawled around with lightening speed until nearly midnight leaving a disaster or toys, snacks and all other forms of clutter in her wake.

Saturday was a blast.  Having been joined by my brother and his five kids, we played and lounged around the house all morning.  The girls dragged out all the dress up dresses and played princess.  In the afternoon, we sent the men and boys to the gun range while the girls watched a princess movie and did at-home spa pedicures.  (even little Lovely got her toes painted.)  Then we headed to town for some shopping and a playdate at the park with more cousins.  Daddy and I had to sneak away for a couples baby shower and had a great time teasing the soon-to-be-parents.  After the shower we rejoined the family for pizza and more playtime in my brother's backyard, enjoying a perfect late summer evening.  The kids ran and laughed and played.  The babies crawled and explored and giggled.  The adults lounged on the grass, chatting, watching kids and devouring pizza.  What a great night.

On Sunday morning, we showered and readied the girls for our third attempt at family pictures this summer. (the first attempt went well but the photographer turned out to be a crook, the second attempt was with a great photographer but cranky kids.)  So we met a long time friend (who happens to be a photographer) up the canyon for a photo session in the beautiful red and orange leaves.  The kids loved throwing the leaves around and were generally cooperative and as always, adorable.

In the afternoon, we returned to Grammy's house, attended the temple dedication being broadcasted at their stake building, made a feast for dinner (chile rellenos--possibly my new go-to recipe for impressing company) and played with cousins again.

All in all, a great weekend.