Huckleberries and a hike

Things are going well here in Oremland. We picked tons of tomatoes this week and need to make them into salsa or tomato sauce (feel free to come get some if you need any). We also have zucchini and yellow squash overtaking our property (That much less lawn that needs to be mowed). Christian is growing like a weed and eats like starving grizzly. He's starting to smile a little more, but has a good knack for stopping when the camera comes out. School, work, preschool, primary, and the rest of life is keeping us happily hopping.

This morning we had crepes with huckleberry sauce. Clara (our little bear cub) would eat all of the huckleberries off of her crepe and then ask for more without eating the crepe. We made her eat the crepe before having more, which she did promptly. It was a great feast.

Yesterday we went on a hike up to Battle Creek Falls in Pleasant Grove with Aunt Mel. It was a perfect length (about 3/4 of a mile). The best part was the feast of popcorn, apples, and gummy worms once we got there. Clara stomped around the entire creek, but Nathan was scared of the cold water. It was very refreshing.

We went to Foothill Elementary's Fall Festival. David got to be in the dunk tank. Nathan had first dibs on dunking him. Luckily the water was pretty warm. The wind did make it a little cold after being dunked. Nathan and Clara enjoyed the air pressure rocket launcher. Nathan was talking about it for the next two days and had figured out how to build one. He even designed it on a piece of paper. We might have to build one (birthdays are coming up!).

preschool and potty training

Grandma and Grandpa Boren visited last week for a couple days. Nathan got to spend a day with Grandpa, Daddy, and Uncle Stephen, building the set for Aunt Mel's upcoming play, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," at Lehi Jr. High. Grandpa also brought his chainsaw and cut down the diseased tree next to our garage. We loved having Grandma and Grandpa visit, and were sad that we couldn't find an excuse to get them to stay longer! That's how it is when you have to share your wonderful in-laws with 6 other siblings.

Nathan started preschool this week. He is teary-eyed and dramatic when I drop him off, as if we're saying goodbye forever. "Goodbye Mom"...chin quivers..."I love you"...sniffle..."Good bye"...waves as he slowly backs away..."Goodbyyyeee." It could break a person's heart, but he comes running with a big smile on his face when I pick him up. He insists that he doesn't like preschool at all, but I think it's just because he's worried that he's missing all the "fun" with me and the other kids while he's gone.

Clara has been resistant to potty-training for the past several months, but suddenly this week, she has decided that she wants to be done with diapers. She's been practically accident-free for several days now. Hooray!!! David and I have had almost nothing to do with it. She has potty-trained herself. (And for those of you who know Clara, you understand why it wouldn't work any other way!)

Swimming at Aunt Mel's pool

Set-building at Aunt Mel's school

Christian smiles for the camera

Timber!!