Lately . . .

Lately I've been amazed at this seemingly endless autumn we are having - not typical of the Utah I have known in the past. This has meant more time strolling from work to school to other work (which is spread out from the Park Building on lower campus to Tanner Dance on upper campus). This has also meant wonderfully pleasant soccer games for the girls, leaf frolicking for all of us, and happy U of U game days - not that we actually go, but the spirit is so nice when the weather is as well. It's fun to see fans walking all the way from where we live near Emigration Market!



This past month or so has been one of the most hectic in my life so far, which means I just need to let go of something. Unfortunately, the only thing I can tone down is my photography - the thing I love almost the most. I won't ever put a complete halt to it, of course. I just don't have time to edit hundreds of photos these days. School is absolutely enjoyable, and absolutely demanding at the same time. Work is absolutely necessary, and kids . . . well, of course I wouldn't even consider toning down on the little time I have with them.

We had a blast squeezing in little bits of Halloween over the last couple of weeks in October. Our favorite activity was going to Red Butte for "Garden After Dark", where the kids made brooms and magic potions, painted pumpkins, and enjoyed exploring haunted woods. It was a pleasant event for all involved, including Grandma (thanks for coming Mom!). We also had fun heading up to Park City for a Haunted House at the Kimball Arts Center. It was the perfect way to cure my kids of wanting to go to the super scary Haunted Houses. They let us choose a "kid friendly" version of the tour, and then you could take the "scarier version" if you wanted to go through a second time (which Olivia and Isaac did). The first version was scary enough for even me and Aunt Susan. Grace would barely open her eyes, and the other kids were pretty frightened as well. As a bonus, we got to see the amazing Lego exhibit - also at the Kimball Arts Center - which I highly recommend if it is still up and running.

Right along side Halloween were the usual Reflections projects that take place this time of year. I admit that I wasn't thrilled about my role in the process this year - mainly filming (with help from Grandma - thanks again Mom!) and finding time/materials for the kiddos. Next time, I think I may not allow Olivia to use Isaac and Grace in her dance - exciting at first, then sort of distastrous as it progressed into a power struggle between Olivia's over perfectionist approach and her siblings' lack of responsiveness to that approach. I just can't say no to artistic endeavors, no matter how crazy life gets!