5K Turkey Trot

In October Alisa challenged me to do a Thanksgiving 5K with her. I was not about to enter a race where I knew I'd be the last to cross the finish line. The sweet sister I have suggested we hold our own where there is no "race" just everyone doing their best walk/jog. So the plans began. We decided to do it for a cause. She decided since our wonderful aunt was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has undergone a double mastecotomy that we would donate the $5 entry fee to the Hunstman Cancer Foundation. I emailed our friends and family to get ready and join us. We were hoping to have 20-30 people. How surprised I was when I pulled in the to temple parking lot this morning at 8:40 to find so many people! I got a little teary thinking how awesome these friends are to get up in freezing weather on a holiday when they could just sleep in but there were here!

We ended up with at least 92 people - mostly friends and family but several others who had just heard about it and others who stopped when they saw us and decided to join in.

The Smith girls

The Jacobs Clan

We raised over $775 to donate. AWESOME. It felt great and it was beautiful to be there. What a great opportunity.

I'm jumping for joy because I'm so thankful!

We are doing it again next year...maybe you can join us! :)

Mom's 60th

My mom is such a sweetie and so thoughtful that we had to throw her a surprise party! She threw surprise parties for all of us girls on our 30th birthday's and for my dad's 40th, 50th and 60th. So it was about time that she got hers! We planned for several months...the hardest part was simply whittling down a guest list since mom is friends with EVERYONE. McCall surprised her on Saturday the 14th by flying in with Brynlee, so if she was expecting any kind of surprise that surely threw her off. We were super busy but got everything ready for Sunday...the big day! I had Mom, Dad, McCall and Bryn for dinner and then we were "invited" for dessert at Alisa's where everyone was waiting.

We Barratt's always have to document the food!

Mom and some of her HIGH SCHOOL friends. How fun is that!

She was so surprised and it was a fabulous evening. She is definitely loved by all!

On Mom's actual birthday, the 17th, we had a yummy salmon and halibut dinner and of course cake. The grandkids made sure to help grandma blow out her candles!


Mom and the girls!

Dad and the girls!

I'm so grateful for the bestest mom around! She is the most cheeful, selfless person I know. She has taught me so much and has supported me in everything. Happy 60th Birthday! I love you!!!

Halloween Fun!

We celebrated Halloween all week long....

We had a party with our "foster kids", Natalie and Daniel (they're the kids I watch). We played Halloween bingo, made pumpkin and bat rice krispy treats, watched a spooky show...

and painted pumpkins!

Garrett had parties at Talking Time and Preschool so he was in heaven getting to dress up so many times. Little story here - Shellie had bought the darling fairy costume for Rylee and when we tried it on her Garrett started to cry. "Where's my costume?". He was devasted. I starting showing him costumes on the internet. "What does an indian do?" "What does a cowboy do?" "Spiderman is not my favorite!" So when I'd exhausted all my options a brilliant idea popped into my little brain...."Garrett, would you like to be a paleantologist?" "YES!" So there we had it, the perfect costume for my little buddy.

My parents had the grandkids over for a "super fun" (Garrett's words) party...

My kids were mystified by the witches brew!

A little leaf raking to consume a bit of time before trick-or-treating.

FINALLY! They waited until 4:00 and then couldn't stand it any longer. They were so cute knocking at the doors - this is why I love Halloween now.

Rylee as "Tinkerbell" or any fairy for that matter!

My little cuties anxiously awaiting their treats.

We hit our neighborhood then to Jon's Grandparents then to Shellie's for dinner and made it around her neighborhood.

We finished up at my parents house and Garrett was delighted with his ginormous carmel apple. Yummmmmmy!

October Highlights

Other than Halloween there wasn't a great deal of excitement at the Gray house. Here are a few standouts:

• On the 11th we went to my mom and dad's where the kids each got to pick out a pumpkin from their pumpkin patch. Although there were only 4 pumpkins that grew this year, somehow there was enough for all 6 kids plus a couple extras. Hmmm, the pumpkin fairy must have visited! They loved painting their pumpkins and chowing down on pumpkin bars.

• On the 16th I took the kids for an end of season trip to the Thanksgiving Point Gardens. Although there wasn't a ton of flowers blooming everywhere it was still breathtakingly gorgeous! The trees were all in various stages of colors and the sky was couldn't have been more blue. It was one of my favorite visits. My mom was able to come out and have lunch with us and luckily brought her camera. "Oh, beautiful, wish you were here!" (name that movie).
  

• Rylee and I got to join Garrett and his preschool on their fieldtrip to Hee Haws. They got to slide down giant slides, see a huge hog, go for a hayride, wind through a corn maze, and wander through a pumpkin patch to pick out their own pumpkin. It was a lot fun for all of us.

• Our sweet niece and nephew, Madi and Jaden, were visiting from Montana and we got to spend the afternoon with them at Pirate Island (Shellie's pick of course). They are such cute kids and grow up far too fast so it is always fun to hog them for a little while! We had lunch and then let the kids go to down on the games. Rylee hit the jackpot on one of those random games and was little shocked by all the tickets that kept coming. She was kind enough to split the wad with her brother so they could each get more than a tic tac at the prize counter. Ry was thrilled with her big pink bling ring!

Perfect Getaway

Last year when my mom in-law, Shellie, and I took the kids to Logan while Jon was on a hunt we decided it needed to become a tradition. We took off the last weekend in September to enjoy the beauties of Sardine and Logan Canyons. This year my mom was able to join us. So to start off a perfect getaway I have to admit how blessed I am to be able to spend a weekend with both my mommy and mommy in-law! I know...don't hate me :).

We left early Saturday morning and marveled at the gorgeous leaves of Sardine. Coming and going to school during the falls at USU was always a favorite. I don't know many places more beautiful. We called in some take out from The Bluebird, picked up Happy Meals for the kids and headed to a park to enjoy the fabulous weather. Garrett was insistent that we go check the hotel out, so that was our next stop. He was so excited and recounted every detail of our last experience there. He and Rylee immediately climbed into bed to watch a movie with the grandmas while I went shopping.

Next, I wanted to take them to one of my favorite spots up Logan Canyon...Tony Grove. The kids loved throwing rocks into lake and then we went "hiking" around the lake.

It was a little longer than I remember but they enjoyed climbing on the rocks, watching a hawk fly around with his dinner, and pointing out all the pretty colors.

Garrett wanted a turn taking a picture-he didn't do too bad!

Since we were on vacation we let them have dessert before dinner as we stopped at the Nutrition Building to have a scoop of the famous Aggie Ice Cream. YUMMY! Then we went to Fireside Pizzeria and had a delicious meal.

Garrett got a little impatient over dinner because he wanted to go swimming, but other than that the kids were super good! So back to the hotel and a little dip in the pool to finish of the night.

Sunday morning we enjoyed a tasty breakfast at the hotel, got ready for the day and then went to Willow Park Zoo. The kids LOVE this place.

We ended up staying there for most of the morning. It was so peaceful and relaxing! Around the zoo are 3 playgrounds,we went to the one with "THE PINK SLIDE, MOMMY!" so Rylee could indulge in her favorite color.

We had a picnic at the park and the kids played for 2 hours! We finally packed up in the car and headed home.

I love my munchkins!!!

It was the perfect company, the perfect weather, the perfect scenery, the perfect grub, the perfect (almost) behavior! It seriously couldn't have gone any better!

The Difference Between Boys and Girls

My friend Crystal has a daughter, Sydnee, who is in Garrett's preschool class. She told her family that she has a boyfriend at preschool. His name is Garrett! When informed of this budding romance I asked him, "Garrett what are the names of the kids in your class?". "I don't know". "Is there a girl named Sydnee?" "Yes." "Do you like her?" ....long pause, "okay."

Birthday Boy!

I had no intentions of throwing a "friend" party this year since Garrett had one last year. When he got an invite to his friend's party five days before his birthday you would think he would be excited. Quite the contrary. I read him the invite, he let it drop from his hands and with puppy dog eyes and a frown he says, "but what about my dinosaur birthday party?". Now, had he thrown a fit my "no party" idea would have stuck. But to see the absolute sadness in his voice and face killed me. So the next day we bought and delivered invitations (FOUR DAYS BEFORE PARTY) and I apologized profusely to their moms. Garrett was thrilled! He also had preschool the morning of his birthday so he wanted to bring dinosaur sugar cookies. Monday evening was spent making and decorating cookies, making a cake, and planning a party! I decorated the house before I went to bed and was exhausted when I finally hit the pillow. When Garrett woke up the next morning he was in awe. I brought him to the kitchen to see the cake and he went nuts! All morning he kept saying, "Thank you so much mama for my dinosaur birthday party!". The thing is, it was so heartfelt and sincere it made it all worth it. He thanked me when he saw the cookies he could take to preschool. He thanked me for the "Happy Birthday" signs that were hung up. He thanked me for the big dinosaur posters on the wall. He thanked me for the cake...over and over again. The thank you's just kept coming.

Papa Gray came over and Grandma and Grandpa Smith all to wish Garrett a happy birthday.

When 3:30 finally came he could hardly contain himself when his friends starting showing up. We colored dinosaur pictures for their placemats, played pin the horn on the triceratops, dinosaur "bone"lling alley, had cake, opened presents and decorated cookies to take home.

The boy couldn't have been happier. Nana, Grandma Sue and cousin Alek were there to help....and with 8 kids I needed it! After the party Nana let Garrett pick a place for dinner so we headed to Wingers. They have popcorn you know! We came home just in time for a visit from Great Grandma and Grandpa Gray and Aunt Mary. He finally made it to bed and fell asleep with a smile on his face! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARBEAR!

F-I-V-E

Garrett,

Today is your 5th birthday! It's hard to believe that just five short years ago you were born. I couldn't wait to see your little face, count your fingers and toes and hear you cry. Luckily, you didn't cry too much! You have been such a great little boy and I have loved watching you grow and learn new things. Recently I told you that you were getting so grown up and you, in a very concerned voice replied, "But I don't want to grow up, I want to stay little. I want a machine to keep me small." How I wish that were possible! You are such a great big brother to Rylee and a big helper to me and dad. I love you so much and am so thankful that I get to be your mom!

Love,
Mommy

Preschool!

Garrett started his first day of preschool yesterday! He got his backpack on and was ready to go long before we needed to leave. Luckily he was excited and didn't turn back when I told him goodbye. I thought I'd have a hard time - not so much - I was just as excited for him! It's just hard to believe how quickly time flies! He'll be graduating high school before I know it.

August Highlights

August was a little more tame than July, but we still managed to have some fun. On the 7th we went to our ward campout. This was Rylee's first camping experience and she was so excited. They had their backpacks, sleeping bags and flashlights ready hours before Jon was even going to be home. Once we got there and set up our tent it was time for dinner. We enjoyed visiting with our friends and getting to know others better. Garrett couldn't wait to get in his sleeping bag and officially start camping. Rylee on the other had wasn't going to bed without a ceremonial marshmallow roast - and how can I blame her!

While we were roasting marshmallows, Garrett and Jon were laying in the tent when Garrett told Jon, "this is the best place ever!". We slept pretty good and woke up to the lovely smells and sounds of the canyon.

Most of the ward opted not to sleepover since there was a chance or rain so there were only 14 of us for breakfast. Considering they planned for 50 - there was plenty of food and my kids loved it! More pancakes please!

We went hiking around the campground and then loaded up for home. Although we were gone only 16 hours Garrett and Rylee thought it was fabulous and want to go again.



On the 23rd we had the Oquirrh Temple Dedication. I watched some of our little friends so their parents and older siblings could attend. After breakfast they all wanted to get right in and play. I'm sure the Hoehne's would be so happy to see their sweet Henry running around with his partner in crime and their machine guns. It doesn't exactly scream Sabbath Day activity, but they were having so much fun!

We went to my parents for a yummy Alaskan salmon and halibut lunch. My dad was kind enough to share his catch with us. Then I went to the dedication with Shellie and really enjoyed the spirit that was there. It was one of those days where I kept thinking how nice it would be to just take a nap but it was definitely worth going!

On the 27th I went with Kristie, Amanda and Ashleigh for girls night. We got to see Kris' remodeled kitchen which is amazing and then headed up Ogden canyon to one of her favorite restaurants-Taggart's Grill. This is 1 1/2 hours from my home but I would go there again in a heartbeat. Although the service was less than stellar, the food was awesome, and the atmosphere (peacocks wandering around the rock fountains, beautiful flowers, etc) was great. Go there - it's in Morgan! The longish drive only meant more chatting with girls so it was a wonderful evening!

On the 28th Rylee had her first haircut. She was so excited to go until we walked in - then she froze. It didn't look so fun to her anymore and I couldn't get a smile to save me. She kept looking over at Garrett getting his hair cut also to make sure this was all okay. The girl layered her hair and cut some bangs.

Honestly, it doesn't look that different to me but at least it's not so crazy when she gets up from sleeping! After haircuts my parents offered to watch the kids so Jon and I went on our second date of the month! I think that's a record for us!

On the 29th we celebrated Shellie's birthday with a tasty dinner at Tepanyaki's - a family favorite! She's the best mom in-law a gal could have. Happy Birthday!!!