Last week of August/Labor Day Weekend

Here are some highlights of the last week of August and into Labor Day weekend. 

Hudson got to start preschool this week.  He missed his 1st day last week since we drove up to Idaho for the funeral for Sage.  He was super excited to be going finally!

Hudson all ready for preschool.  Steve said he just went without him and didn't look back.  

With his teacher LaKesha Johnson at Sprucewood Elementary.

They finally got the parts in for our Honda and were able to get it done so we can now pull the camper trailer w/ our Honda.  We were pretty excited to have it done.  

Steve then got new tires for the camper trailer since they were pretty worn out.

While they were waiting for the new tires to be put on, Hudson and Steve explored Wal-Mart and got a pretzel at Sam's Club.

Hudson playing in his bed w/ his firetruck and rocket ship.  Hudson pretending to be a Dr. and checking Nyles' eye.  Hudson and Carter just swinging at the park.

On Friday, September 1st we packed up and drove up to the Perry/Brigham City KOA.  It was our first time to use our camper trailer, so we didn't want to be far away, just in case, and decided on a KOA for the amenities this time.  It was only just over an hour away, which was nice, and we were to our campsite.  We got the trailer leveled and a few things put up and we were set!  It sure was nice to pack the camper and not worry about things getting wet or flying out along the drive.  I wasn't sure if things would move around much in cupboards, so I just put them in bags.  Everything stayed put though, so that'll be even easier going forward knowing I can just pack the cupboards next time.  Either way, it was easier than packing a trailer and having to strap them all down so they don't fly out or get wet.

Hudson and Carter fell asleep on the way.  We made it to the KOA.  We were also happy to be able to bring Piper w/ us now, which is a lot easier to do vs sleeping in a tent.

We then drove a few minutes to Brigham City and got dinner at Peach City Restaurant.  The food was great!  There were cool Sycamore Trees along the road, along w/ the "new" Brigham City Temple.

When we got back after dinner, the kids wanted to play some of the games, and try the pool.

The next morning Steve wanted to try out the drains, so Nyles helped him.  I made pancakes and bacon for breakfast.  We then went over to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Center.  

We walked through the Visitors Center for a little bit, then took a walk outside.

There were lots of pretty Sunflowers along the way and LOTS of grasshoppers.  We all took turns smashing them :)  

A few family pictures and exploring the area.  We did see some birds as well, though we didn't go out very far from the Visitor's Center.

After our walk, we then came home, got some lunch, then I took Nyles and Carter to do a scavenger hunt around the KOA.  There were painted rocks hidden around different areas.  We had clues and had to find them.  When we were done they were able to turn in their paper for a flavored candy cane prize.  It was pretty fun!  While we were doing this, Steve was trying to get Hudson to take a nap.  He almost fell asleep, but then woke up.  So we then decided to go over to the pool to swim.

Finding the painted rocks around the KOA, then getting their treat/prize.

Going swimming at the pool.  Steve being silly.

They also set up a bouncy house, so the kids wanted to try that as well.  We also played the games more, like throwing plastic axes at a target.  It was really fun!

Carter kicking in bouncy house.

Dave, Joann and Diane drove up to have dinner w/ us.  

We had tacos and they brought Mickey Bars for dessert :)

Hudson enjoyed his Mickey Bar.  We played a quick game of Hudson's new face game from his birthday.  The boys then wanted to show everyone the "playground" and swings.

After cleaning up, we made a fire for s'mores.

Aunt Diane and Hudson enjoying their s'mores.  

Carter, Nyles, Steve, Joann and Dave relaxing around the fire.

After s'mores, Diane, Carter, Dave, Hudson and I played Five Crowns.  

Hudson showing us his light up sword.

After the game, they headed home.  It was fun having them come up to visit us for the evening.  Hudson was pretty exhausted, especially considering he didn't get a nap.  He fell asleep shortly after we got him in his PJs and had prayers.  Nyles and Carter in the bunkbeds, Steve on our queen bed, and Piper on her mat at the floor.  We fit just right!

The next morning we had breakfast then packed up and headed home.  Again it was a lot easier to pack up in the camper than a tent.  We left most everything in the cupboards and they traveled great!  We all slept better as well and stayed warmer throughout the night.  We didn't need to turn on the heater, and Steve and I actually opened the windows by us during the night.  It was pretty warm during the day as well, so we turned on the A/C to cool off while in the camper, which was nice.  We thoroughly enjoyed our camping experience in our camper and are looking forward to many more :) 

When we got home, we unpacked, showered, made rice, then got ready to go up to Midway for the monthly family dinner.  Just before we got to Melanie/Brandon's place we saw a double rainbow.  It was so vibrant!

Carter and Hudson fell asleep again on the way home.  Beautiful rainbows!

The kids had fun playing, we had dinner, then sang Happy Birthday to Isaac (over the phone).

Monday, September 4th was Labor Day.  It started raining, then we had a big down pour.  It actually snowed up in the Unitas and at some of the ski resorts.  Our gutters got clogged and the rain started piling up in one of our window wells.  Steve worked to unclog the gutter then cover the window well.  While he was doing that, some of the water was coming through our basement window, so I was working to soak up the water that was coming downstairs.  Thankfully we got it covered, and thankfully we were home to take care of it right then.  Later that day we went to Home Depot and got a window covering to prevent water and other things from coming in our window well going forward. 

The downpour at our place.  Snow in the mountains.  The new window covering Steve put on.

Downpour on Labor Day.

Hudson playing in bed.

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4th Week of August

Here are some highlights from the 4th week of August.

On Monday, August 21st, Nyles and Carter started school.  

Nyles is in 5th grade and Carter is in 1st grade now.  

Nyles teacher is Mrs. Vinuesa, from Spain.  He had her in 3rd grade as well.  He doesn't have 2 teachers this year though, so his teacher does both the Spanish and English and they are all combined the whole day (like a normal class).  Carter is officially starting Dual Immersion w/ Spanish this year, just like Nyles.  So half of his day is in Spanish and half of his day is in English.  Carter's Spanish teacher is from Peru, Mr./Senor Laureano and his English teacher is Mrs. Bilbow.

Nyles w/ his teacher Mrs./Senora Vinuesa.  Nyles, Mrs. Vinuesa and his friend Lincoln.  They are happy to be together this year in the same classroom.  Carter's teacher was helping w/ parking so we couldn't get a picture.  He was super excited to start school though!

Silly Hudson playing before going to bed.  Hudson had an orientation to meet his teacher for preschool coming up.  He loved it!  He is pretty excited to go to school like his older brothers.  He also loves going through the car wash, so we got a monthly pass for his birthday.  He likes to use the air blowers.

We have been enjoying camping as a family the past couple years, so we decided to buy a little camper that fits our family.  It has a queen bed, bunk beds, and the table turns into a bed.  The boys are pretty excited to start to use it!

Thursday morning we drove up to Idaho for Sage's memorial service/Celebration of Life.  Hudson thankfully took a nap along the way.  We pulled the boat up so my dad could help Steve make a duck blind that's attaches to it.  They got to work on it that evening.

The boys had fun pulling each other around on chairs in the shop.

The boys playing in the shop while Steve and Grandpa work on the boat.

Lots of hummingbirds coming in.  My mom's brother Brad came up for the memorial as well.  We played several games w/ him while there.  Hudson had fun using scissors to cut paper.  He also loves to ride w/ my mom and her wheelchair.  He thinks her magnifying glass is pretty fun to play with too.

More hummingbirds.  Piper having fun at the kennel.  My dad and Steve working on the boat blind.

The boys and I took a little walk down by the field and looked at the big tractor.  

Hudson on the swing and riding on the back of my mom's wheelchair.

The boat duck blind about done.  It comes up, then Steve will add camo leaves/brush to it so they can hide under it.  Good work!  My dad did an awesome job!

Friday afternoon we drove up to Homedale for Sage's memorial/Celebration of Life.  It was a special service.  There were a lot of family and friends that came.  Memories were shared and of course I cried a lot.  It's still hard to say goodbye, even though it's temporary.  He know we will see her again, but we will definitely miss her in the meantime.  We are so grateful and thankful for the Plan of Salvation and our Savior Jesus Christ who made it all possible.

Family picture.  Beautiful sunset coming home.

Back Row: Will, Grant (dad), Graci, Wade, Rose, Riley, Sophia, Daron holding Dallas, Kristi, Pauline holding Lincoln, Chris, Steve holding Hudson, Tanner and Anna (Colby and Colten already left).

Middle row: Haley, Kolten, Dexter, Barbara, Ali, Dallin, Charlotte, and Penny.

Front row: Ezra, Carter, Cathleen (mom), Calley, Haley, Ayden, and Nyles.

We left Saturday mid morning to come home.  Hudson thankfully took a nap on the way home as well.  Funny he fell asleep w/ a sucker and would randomly suck on it, though still asleep.  We also hit a HUGE bug on the way home and thankfully it wasn't in our direct view.  Gross!

Piper doing some training at the kennel (K-9).  

We were able to pick her up Saturday evening, which she was pretty happy about.

Silly Hudson getting out of bed.

Nyles and Carter weren't feeling the best on the way home, nor on Sunday, so we ended up staying home from church.  Steve took Nyles into the Dr. Sunday afternoon and he was confirmed w/ Strep Throat.  He started taking antibiotics that day and started feeling better that evening.

The boys w/ their silly faces they made from a new game Hudson got for his birthday from Grandma/Grandpa McGrath.  The boys playing outside Sunday evening.  Hudson loves to play w/ the hose and get his brother's with it.

 Silly Hudson's hair after spraying it w/ the hose.  Piper loves to try to bite the water as well.

Great quotes.

3rd Week of August

Here are some highlights from the 3rd week of August.

We got back from camping up at the Uintas late Monday night.  Around 4:30am Carter came into our bedroom saying he didn't feel well and felt he was going to throw up.  He told him to run to the bathroom.  He then proceeded to throw up, a lot!  He didn't really feel better after throwing up and his right side kept hurting, so Steve decided to take him into the ER.  He was worried it was his appendix.  They did blood work and an ultrasound.  The blood work said he had an infection, but they couldn't tell if his appendix was infected or not in the ultrasound (it was inconclusive).  After several hours they ended up sending him home.  They said if his pain got worse to take him up to Primary Children's Hospital downtown SLC.  Thankfully he didn't get much worse the rest of the day/week, so we didn't have to take him in.

Carter's pain level was really high, so they ended up putting in an IV.  Thankfully the meds in the IV worked (pain and nausea meds) and he was finally able to get some sleep.  I already had the day off from work, so I was able to be w/ the other boys while Steve was with Carter all morning.  We called to say hi to Carter in the hospital.

After they got back, they both wanted to sleep, so I took Hudson and Nyles to Build-a-Bear to make their birthday bears.  We then went over to the Lego Store and make a mini figurine.  

Silly Hudson playing in bed, then asleep.  Nyles made a model metal toy (with Steve's help), his birthday gift from Dave and Joann.  Later Nyles asleep w/ his birthday bear.

Dave and Joann also took Nyles and Carter to a movie.  Most all other school districts had started school this week but ours, so they had the whole theater to themselves.  Sweet!  

Later the boys helping Steve w/ the boat.

Friday night we went to a couple stores.  Hudson got big spinning sucker at Zurcher's for his birthday, then Nyles and Carter got a treat at Trader Joe's.

Saturday morning Steve took the boys to Airborne, a trampoline place.  The Martial Art's owners had rented out the place for the student's and their families.  They had fun!  Poor Carter started coughing and couldn't get it to stop though.  He took his inhaler but it still didn't help, so he had to stop jumping.

Hudson wanted a donut for his birthday, so we got some and sang Happy Birthday to him!

Later just relaxing, watching a show, at Camping World.

We went to check out some camping trailers.  They were throwing a party for their 200th store opening, so the boys got cotton candy, candy, chips/hot dogs, popcorn, cookies, drinks, plus water bottles and light up sunglasses.  They hit the jackpot for snacks/swag for sure!

Silly Hudson chewing on the sea horse stuffed animal, playing w/ Mickey Mouse, catching some of the light figures on his wall, and more Mickey Mouse playing, before going to bed.

Sunday, August 20th was Hudson's 3rd birthday.  Carter still wasn't feeling the best and had his cough still, so I stayed home w/ him and Hudson.  Steve went w/ Nyles to a youth meeting in the morning, then they helped direct traffic for Stake Conference.  

Nyles helping direct traffic w/ Brother Hamilton in our ward while Steve ran home to start the ribs on the smoker.  Hudson can't help himself.  He has to play in the sandbox :)

We also played w/ bubbles outside and Piper had to join in on the fun.  

She likes to pop the bubbles w/ her mouth.

Hudson got to open his gift from Grandma and Grandpa on the farm; a fun tool set!  Carter wanted to "help" him make things :)  Steve getting the ribs out to the smoker.  

Hudson w/ his new Rocketship for his birthday.

Sunday afternoon we went to have dinner w/ Dave, Joann, Diane and LuDean.  Stacie and Phill's family came as well.  We had ribs, baked potatoes, salad, fruit and Diane's yummy breadsticks!  Afterwards Hudson and Nyles opened their birthday gifts.  Thank you everyone who helped make their birthdays special.  We really appreciate all you do and for loving our boys :)

Dave helping Hudson open his gifts.  Hudson excited for his new Mickey dinosaur truck.

Nyles w/ his new "camo" gloves from Aunt Diane, haha. :)

Nyles opening his "camo" gloves.  Haha

We then played the fishing game Diane put together, where you get prizes, which everyone loves!

Then taking turns singing Happy Birthday to Hudson then Nyles.  

Hudson got a little mirror as a prize and wanted to check out Grandpa's teeth :)

Here are some fun facts about Cute Hudson.  We are so thankful to have him in our family.  He definitely brings a lot of joy and happiness to our family :)

• He is very energetic and full of life!
• He's on the go from the time he is awake in the morning to the time he goes to sleep at night.  Thankfully we can still get his to take an afternoon nap to get a quick breather :)
• He loves to play with just about anything including dinosaurs, his brother's Lego's, grabbers, tools, blocks, trucks, etc.
• He loves be outside, especially playing in the sandbox ie sand or dirt.
• He doesn't like to wear shoes or socks and takes them off as soon as he can.
• He likes to watch shows any chance he can, especially ones w/ music in them.
• He likes cheeseburgers, donuts, crepes, macaroni, grapes, watermelon, steak, plain noodles w/ parmesan, shredded cheese, Diane's breadsticks, French Bread, cake, candy, chocolate milk, my mom's pancakes, popcorn and Popsicles!  This hot Summer he's been having Popsicles all throughout the day, even first thing in the morning!
• He likes music and we learned at Chandler's wedding, he also really likes dancing. :)
• He loves to play w/ his brothers, including wrestling them.
• He wants to do whatever his brothers are doing.
• He likes space and rocket ships.
• He likes bubbles.
• He loves water and splashing.
• He loves his blankets and we take them everywhere to sleep with.
• He knows many for his letters and numbers already.
• He knows how to count backwards from 10 to 1, like a rocket ship countdown.  
• He's excited to start preschool this year and go to school like his brothers.
• He enjoys going to nursery on Sundays.
• He loves all his family, immediate and extended and enjoys spending time w/ them.
• He's not very shy and will ask everyone "what's your name?" even if he already knows it.
• He's got quite the vocabulary already and says pretty funny stuff like "why you talking about it?"
  
• He's really independent and wants to do just about everything himself.  He says, "I do it."
• He knows his mom loves flowers, so he stops and smells them wherever we see them, even at the grocery store.

Sunday night, Steve and I watched the movie "Heaven is for Real."  It was really good; based on a true story. You should watch it if you haven't.  It's free on BYU-TV.  We know life continues after this one and we will see our family members again.  Death is not the end.  I'm so thankful for this knowledge and the peace it provides us.  As President Nelson said, "The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life."  

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