The Whirlwind that was September

*not sure why certain pictures are sideways, upside down, or not working*

September was a crazy busy month for us. (Molly and I were only home 10 out of the 30 days.) Despite getting Molly completely off her schedule, missing Jake for a week, and having laundry pile up between trips--we couldn't have asked for a better month :) We were able to spend a lot of time with family and make a lot of fun memories.
A little bit of what we've been up to...

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We welcomed in fall with a weekend at Grandpa's Cabin. We went up Labor Day weekend. The weather was perfect.
All 3 vehicles involved in the trip broke down. Not kidding.  First our mazda on the freeway on the way down (Left it in Pleasant Grove to get fixed, no one open labor day weekend)...then the suburban at the top of the mountain...and in dowtown SLC (ended up getting left with us to get it fixed in SLC) ...so...we sent my family with the truck to make it home...and yep...it broke down on the way.
Thankfully it started again and they were able to make it home safely.
Despite all the car trouble, we really were blessed. The car broke down right where there was a big shoulder (the only place in many miles in either direction)...When the suburban broke down on the top of the mountain there just happened to be a mechanic camping up there.

So...a few cabin highlights...
I caught a fish! and Jake caught 3 :) ...in fact everyone who fished caught at least one.
Once again ate the best toast on earth! There is just something magical about that big cast iron grill- it always makes the most delicious food.
4 wheeling. One night Molly stayed and Played with Nana and Papa and Jake, Cami, and I took off to the top of the mountain. We saw the most amazing sunset! I was dying that I hadn't brought my camera.
Games. Laughing. Eating. Relaxing. Snuggling together under lots of big heavy blankets in the mornings because it was so cold. ...one of my favorite things! Watching the quakies blow in the wind...another favorite. Nature walks. Four Square. Apple Crisp. Playing with cousins and aunts and uncles.

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The next weekend we headed to Tremonton. We had our 1st canning experience...and have decided that this will become a yearly fall tradition. Its funny how happy it makes me when I see all of our jars stacked up in a nice row. ...Thanks Grandpa Elmo and Uncle Eugene for sharing! and Becky for teaching! We were also able to watch one of Tanner's soccer games while we were up there. Jake's brothers are so fun to watch. They are both very talented athletes. Molly couldn't get enough of the two kitties...and also had fun playing the tomatoes.

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Molly and I were able to help my Mom with her Black Sheep Woolens Open House. Holy cow- my mom is creative. All the sweet decorations, yummy food, fall colors, fun textures, and little inspirations everywhere you look---no one else I know inspires others to create like she does. Her sweet friend, Ronda, did a trunk show. I love her and her style too.
We had a blast. You can see all the fun things if you go to her blog and checkout the slideshow...(thedeerhollow@blogspot.com)

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We spent the better part of a week inYellowstone with the Christensens. We stayed in West Yellowstone at an R.V. park. It was fun to be just right outside the park...and have a nice, warm place to sleep. We were lucky to have grandma and grandpa come along...and couldn't have asked for better tourguides or company. We saw a lot of animals, geysers, waterfalls, and beautiful scenery, and soaked in the cool weather. I even got to spend some time playing with my camera with Jake.  I have been meaning to learn more about shooting in manual since I got it--but have had a hard time finding (or making) time to do it. I couldn't have been happier when Jake offered to help. We had a fun time learning together.
The trip was filled with a lot of driving, but Molly was a trooper. We played the traditional Progressive Rummy at night, and had a lot of fun visiting and laughing together. The leaves changed a lot while we were there. Fall colors are the best.

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Molly and I were able to go to Washington DC with my Mom to visit Brady, Danielle, Liam, and Elsie, and see the sites. It was so great to see where they are living. What a neat area it is.
We went to quite a few museums: natural history, air and space (probably my two favorite), the botanical gardens, national art, and American Indian. We also were able to take a personal tour of the capitol building-very cool. We toured the National Archives and were able to see the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution. This was one of my favorite parts. It was so cool to see those important documents. We really are so blessed to live in this country. We went to the National Cathedral, which was amazing. I couldn't believe how detailed and ornate that building was. I've never been a fan of stained glass but wow! it was beautiful there. It really looked like it was on fire-the way those colors were amplified was very impressive. We saw embassy row and, of course, the White House. We had fresh seafood off the warf. Had an adventure getting lost in the ghettos. Ate at a delicious Italian Restaurant where we tried a pizza with green tomatoes and eggs. (and a lot of other delicious food.) We got our own private room in a fun restaurant. Saw the DC Temple. Toured the city via the metro. Ate delicious carrot soup and had a birthday party for Nana which we celebrated by eating a delicious chocolate cake and having a "family dance party" with Liam. We stayed up late visiting and laughing. We slept far too little. It was a fast, busy trip. It was so much fun to get to know the area together.
We miss Brady, Dani, Liam and Elsie already! Thanks, you guys, for letting us crash your house and for making it such fun trip!
*pictures to come*
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Molly turned 9 months on October 1st.  A few things she loves to do...
Get dressed. Try to feed herself. Smile at strangers. Captivate the hearts of "ornamentals"...she is famous in other countries--we are pretty sure :) wave. clap for herself. say dadada and mum mum mu and keekee-she loves kittys, or really any animal. walk...all over if you'll help, or a few steps on her own. cruise around furniture. read books. play peek a boo. wrestle with dad. help mom cook. play with her piano, train, and walker. cuddle with her bunny. play under the table (even though she is too tall now). rip tissues into teeny tiny pieces. eat icecream. still loves squash...as well as most any "real" food. would live outside if she could.
we love our molly.

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We are all home now and have enjoyed just hanging out the past few days. Listening to conference and spending time just the three of us was the perfect way to unwind from all our traveling. Life can be crazy

I am filled with a lot of gratitude for all that I have. I am so blessed to have the most amazing husband, and the sweetest little girl. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have them, and the joy they bring.

Jake and I both have such great families. Our siblings, parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, everyone. We are blessed to have such giving, talented, wise, kind, fun, intelligent, loving, strong people to call ours, and to look to as examples, as to have as friends.

I am also so grateful for the gospel and the peace, happiness, and understanding it gives me. I am blessed to know what I do and have what I have.