Happy September!

 I love fall!  September is always a beautiful month (yet extremely lonely due to CONSTANT hunting).  However, the kids and I make the most of it.  We've made an annual tradition of camping with Gma and Gpa DeCoria at Emigrant Springs.  I LOVE this tradition!  Even 7+ months pregnant I couldn't resist packing up the kids and the tent and making the journey.  I also love sleeping in a tent, it's almost blissful to me :)

Couldn't resist these Halloween outfits on our trip to Costco.  Love my adorable kids!

Lydia in Gma and Gpa's trailer opening her much awaited birthday present (Polly Pockets and a bracelet).

We had loads and loads of fun and can't wait until next year!

I have to admit the decision to go camping at 7+ months pregnant is made quite a bit easier knowing once I get there I have two AMAZING helpers, and their trailer, which makes everything so much easier.

When he's exhausted, I find him exactly how I laid him down.  Zerin is such a joyful addition to our family.  It brings such joy to my life having him around.

This is Hyrum's first year of football, and it's tackle!  Not what I would choose for him, but what to you do?  Unfortunately, he loves it!

This little beauty started Kindergarten this year and of course she loves it!  Zerin only says a few words mom, dad, shoes, and Sis.  The necessities, really.  I am amazed daily with how good Lydia is with him.  He absolutely adores her and frequently gives her hugs.  She's as close to a second Mama as it gets!

Chillin' with the chair he stole from the neighbor's yard.

BSU vs BYU game

 Some friends in our ward offered us some tickets to the BSU vs BYU game that Hyrum really had been wanting to go to.  Here's the crew before we head out.

 BSU ended up winning but not by much.  It was a fun family experience!

Happy 6th Birthday, Lydia Jane!

 The beautiful birthday girl!

 Hyrum and Dad had been off hunting but arrived home in the afternoon (Hyrum looks like he's wearing makeup b/c of the dirt/dust from 4wheeling).

 Lydia spent all morning and early afternoon playing with the neighbor friends.  When Dad got home Lydia and I went and got manicures and that evening we went to our ward harvest dinner.  The kids all had a great time.

 With some of the birthday money she was sent she bought a blender and cash register.  I don't have any pictures of the presents from family which included a pink razor scooter, nail polish/manicure set, and chap stick.  Her neighbor friend gave her an ice cream maker.

 Ice cream cake (Lydia's request).  We love you more and more each day, Lydia!  Thank you so much for being a part of our family.  We love life with you!

Happy 35th Jon!

 Happy 35th Birthday to the best Husband and Father ever!  We love you, Jon!

Most of these photos turned out blurry :(  We celebrated the day with homemade waffles courtesy of Hyrum, dropped Lydia off at her first day of Kindergarten, and went shopping in Boise.  After cake and presents that night Jon left to go scouting.  Tis the season!! (Zucchini cake with homemade german chocolate frosting and the cupcake is also zucchini made by Hyrum while we were in Boise).

Hansen Reunion & Yellowstone

 

The Hansen Family (Gma Shauna's side) held a fun family reunion this year at West Piney Girl's Camp near Victor, ID.  Unfortunately, I slacked on picture taking!  Jon spent Saturday rafting with some of the family.  Hyrum took a run also and was thrown from the boat but thankfully not hurt.  The kids had a great time except poor Lydia who was sick with sores in her mouth and a slight fever.  Finally by the last day she was starting to feel better.  I have an amazing family on the Hansen side and it's always so nice to spend time with them.

 

 

Lydia won a couple prizes from the silent auction.

Zerin was his Gma's little shadow.  He sure loves her!

The reunion lasted until Monday but Jon left on Sunday to get back for work.  He took my parent's car and the kids and I and my parents took our van and spent a few days in Yellowstone and a day in Rigby with Gma and Gpa Hansen.  Most of these pictures were taken by Hyrum while I spent a day at the cabin with sick little Zerin.  My parents were so kind to take Hyrum and Lydia for a day and see the sights.  We also drove through parts of the park Monday and Wednesday so I still was able to see plenty.

One of my favorite things is to watch Zerin wave to EVERYBODY!  It reminds me that we are all brothers and sisters and not strangers here on this earth.  Unfortunately, as we get older we grow out of that awareness...

Zerin LOVES dogs!  He is the first of my kids to love them and spots EVERY dog!  Once he's able to pet them he'll happily move on.

We stopped at Mack's Inn on the way back from Yellowstone to let Hyrum fish and found this cute little thing while we were waiting.

My cousin, Shauntae, and her three daughters came over before we left Rigby and Zerin loved her little baby.  There's no doubt he'd going to love having one of his own soon!