Fancy

Katharine was feeling fancy at church today. She took a hair elastic off of my wrist and stretched it out and put it around her head. She felt pretty. I took a pic of her so she could re-evaluate and change her mind if she wanted. 

She saw, she approved. Well, she was good to leave it, so then I took it cause it's my hair elastic and you're gonna stretch it out! And I didn't want her to get a deep imprint on her head before class. Silly girl. Hyrum looking pretty rugged in the pic there. He leaves for Iceland tomorrow, and he's doing great with the Sean Penn look he's goin' for (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty). 

Yesterday I did soccer games for Daniel and Owen. Their coach, Meghan, won't be at the last game in two weeks, so they got a group photo today. 

Daniel's team got a pic on Thursday. After games were done yesterday I did some blogging, a bit of this and that. I checked in with Wes, who I haven't talked to for a while. He sent some pics of a color run that he did with friends.

Fun! Wes you look a bit cold!

I need to remember that I can check his social media to see what he's doing.

But it's good to reach out directly too. I'm glad he's doing well up at BYUI.

Around 3pm I drove L to work, then took Natalie babysitting at 5, and with that I saw my window of opportunity - I drove up the canyon at 5:10 for a quick hike at ruins after dropping off N and before I had to pick up Lily at work at 6pm. 1.5 miles on south side of creek (I've named it "Tiff's Trail"), 40 minutes. Fall colors are still here. 

And I love the red leaves!

Then pick up L, take L over to babysit and I pick up N as drop off L. So lots of soccer and running around today. The cool fall temps will be here this week and there's going to be a lot of rain over the next few days, so I'm glad I was able to get in a few more moments of fall joy. Gotta grab it while you can.

Earthquake

There was a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Panama today. We didn't know about it until she texted us at 1:27pm and told us, followed by another text saying "I'm alive". 

She felt it, but it was smaller where she was in Panama City. She said it hit closer to Santiago. She sent a few pics and videos, most of which I think were not her own but ones people shared with her (members or other missionaries). 

One video was of a tall suspension bridge shaking pretty badly, and she said she and her companion had crossed it a few hours ago. We are glad that she is safe.

Katharine and I had a good day. We practiced the ABCs this morning. I drew each letter and then she copied the letter next to mine. She was very cute and proud of herself, such a smart girl.

Peter made his school skeleton and was finished with it today. He was waiting to give his Jack Skeleton a Christmas hat, which I did for him before school. Now it is done! 

And his skeleton is wearing the same outfit he will be wearing on Halloween (Natalie made him a Jack Skeleton costume). 

Katharine is good to always give her brothers their morning hugs before school. Daniel left early this morning for book Blitz.

I did a kettlebell workout a the rec center this afternoon, then went and sat by the creek for a few before Corey and I went down to Provo for an MBA reunion dinner. 

There was a neighborhood chili cook off and pot luck, but we just told the kids to go without us. I had signed up to bring a salad but we had Natalie make cookies instead. Corey and I had a nice visit on our almost TWO HOUR (1 our 53 min) drive down to Provo. The freeway was totally backed up, from Point of the mountain all the way to Lindon. And then there was also a BYU football game, so there was still lots of traffic when we got off the freeway. But it was nice to have his mostly undivided attention. We talked about a few of the usual news items, and then I read to him a Deseret News article I liked about why people believe conspiracies ~ 

"In his book “Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational,” science historian Michael Shermer explains that the greater the significance of the victim or event, the harder it can be for people to accept an explanation that feels comparatively small — a psychology term called “proportionality bias.” In an excerpt of his book that he shared with the Deseret News, Shermer demonstrated that with Kirk — a famous and politically influential person — a lone individual or a straightforward motive can feel psychologically inadequate. “Highly influential people and events feel like they need a highly influential cause of their death,” he wrote. In another excerpt, he wrote the following: “9/11 is a type specimen: the most consequential terrorist attack in U.S. history can’t possibly have been caused by 19 guys with box cutters, could it? Well, as a matter of fact, yes, that’s exactly how such a massive event could happen, in contrast with the hundreds of thousands of people who would have had to be involved to pull it off as an inside job by the Bush administration.” His point is that it can be more psychologically satisfying to believe that a powerful organization or government orchestrated an event than to accept that history can be dramatically altered by just one person or circumstance. It also helps people have both an explanation and the feeling that they understand what is really happening, he explained. Jessica Pounds believes the origins of a conspiracy begin with distrust."

That article was referring to conspiracies around Charlie Kirk's assassination, and it also applied to some stuff that's been on my mind cause of a few podcasts that I listen to of people that seem sincere but it all just leaves me confused about life and the world (We are the people, happy lady, etc). But by believing these conspiracies, they feel like they understand what is "really" happening (bolded above) on this planet and all the wicked people in a cabal behind it. How can we know what is true? How do we discern truth from error? I really loved how Latter Daily Saints guest Jonah R. Barnes articulated a defense for church leaders. Bring specifics - bring a time and a place, make a claim, stake your position! These arguments live on vagaries. I've shared some of the sra accusations that I've heard with Corey and he said that Jonah said everything he feels about it perfectly. It was a breath of fresh air to me too, he put into words my feelings. I'm grateful that when I go to church, listen to general conference, or visit BYU, I have interactions with good people whose lives bear good fruit. The ground feels solid under my feet again. Same with the reunion tonight. We had a good visit with some of his MBA friends. Good honest people, I love BYU and members of the church. Salt of the earth. So there's where my thoughts are ending with that and I feel closure to move on. Tonight a few of Corey's classmates know about Ethan and the stuff he's doing at iHub. Some of Corey's classmates have had interactions with him at iHub. When one of Corey's friends put it together, he said "You're Ethan's dad?!?!" which Corey actually gets quite a lot when he has visited Ihub. "THE Ethan???" We stayed for about an hour, left  with plenty of time to beat all the football traffic. It was good and we were given all the Costa Vida catered leftovers, which the kids were happy about. We also got some ice cream before we started the drive back home. The Creamery on 9th is all new and remodeled, it was really nice!! We'll have to take the kids there soon. 

Costco Run

It's been a few weeks since I've been able to do a Costco run. I think last time we went was on date night? Yeah that was the last time, Sept 18th! So that's almost been three weeks! Thus we were once again low on supplies. I've been disappointed at the Sandy Costco lately cause they never have the Chipotle sauce. So Katharine and I made the little bit longer trip out to the Salt Lake Costco where I was sure they'd have the 'itchin sauce, and they did. We made a budget of $200 bucks, but then upped it to $300 so I could get Aubergine gift cards for date night. Then up another $80 so I could fill up his car. Then I remembered that our membership comes due in October, so add another $130... man it adds up fast. I thought I'd ask for them to let me buy this week without the membership, and also gave myself some wiggle room by pushing the gift card pushup to next week, cause for date night tomorrow we'll be going to a neighborhood chili cook off. I was able to stock up quite a bit, we will be ok for two weeks if needed. 

I bought two containers of the chipotle sauce, one regular container and one sriracha bottle. Got other good stuff cause Natalie made a request list that Corey wanted me to honor. Plus a big box of frozen raspberries. I made a throne for Katharine out of flour and potatoes. Then I realized I forgot snacks for school/granola bars, so I got out of line and went back for that. Katharine wanted a toy, but I told her we could get a treat instead, and she accepted that offer. We got macaroons cause they were Abi's favorite.

We ate them in her honor. Back at home, I unloaded by myself, which always takes forever but it's fine. Corey was doing taxes so it's ok. Corey had to stay home after was back with his car, cause Lily needed the van to go to SNAP tonight, and I would need his car to pick up Daniel from soccer practice. So he kept plugging away, I did more mom stuff, soon the kids were home and they they did kid stuff. Katharine playing with the "Watch Your Mouth" mouthguard, kid sized. 

There always seems to be one of these kicking around the house, which the kids will find, pick up, and put in their mouths (I'm assuming without washing it off). I was impressed she could fit it in her mouth. 

And that it didn't seem to be uncomfortable for her.

She played with it for a while.

They always look so funny with the mouth guards in. Makes me laugh. 

Lily dropped off Daniel at practice while I went took another ride to the ruins. I justified this ride cause #1) I hadn't exercised yet today and #2) cause I didn't do the full ride yesterday (got rained out). 

I drove to the trailhead and took my sweet time, it was lovely. 

There were leaves all over the creek at the top of the ruins. 

Interesting how it changes day to day and that there's such a difference week to week. 

I finished in time to pick up Daniel at soccer practice. Last practice of the season cause of fall break and cause his coach will be gone for the make up game. 

Daniel doesn't love soccer as much as Owen: I have to nag D sometimes to go to practice and his games. Owen is never dragging his feet for anything soccer. But once Daniel is there he likes it and he's a good player!

Alvie & Autumn

Last week on Bella's birthday, I offered to come down and babysit Alvie. Her mom beat me to it on Bella's actual birthday, but we arranged for me to come today. Alvie and I became friends today! 

We took a few selfies and these are all actual smiles! 

Like I didn't have to use a trick or get a smile from a sound I made or from tickling him. This is just us enjoying time together and capturing the moment. 

So this morning I helped older kids get up and out the door, and then after getting Daniel and Peter off to school, I'm not sure what happened but time passed too quickly and so I didn't eat my breakfast but I was able to take it to go. Katharine and I left around 9:30 and she played with Alvie while I had some carrot cilantro salad, yum. Katharine and Alvie both came to me for a few bites in between their play. 

Hyrum stayed down to Provo last night after hiking the Y, so he was still at Ethan and Bella's place after they left for school. But when Hyrum tried to leave, Alvie went up and wanted him to hold him. Hyrum "You have not cared about me being here at all until now when I need to leave..." 

Hyrum laughed at how cute he is and H felt special that Alvie wanted him, but alas he had to go. Bella had left a few cookies to use in a bribe if needed, and I was able to hold Alvie and give him a few bites of that treat while Hyrum made his escape. So now it's just the three of us. We let Alvie call the shots, and we went on a walk outside, following him around to wherever his curiosity led him, so we picked dandelions and went over to a trailer

Their feet got dirty and I washed them clean after we went back inside. We played watched some Bluey, ate cheerios and chicken, read books, and played with cars in the kitchen.

Good times. 

Final hour of fun was having a dance party. Katharine was singing "Prince Ali" and we changed that part of the chorus to "Prince Alvie!" This can be his new theme song! 

Katharine and I headed back home at 3:40, and Owen had to leave for a jazz concert at 4. Concert was at 5:15, so call time was 4:15, and takes 15 min to get there from our house. So Corey got to take Owen to that, cause Lily was back with the van. Corey also took him to get some concert black clothes first (sorry I hadn't taken care of that). Owen playing trumpet, he's a little smaller than the other players (back row)...

Corey got a video of him playing a solo, but there was a big bat decoration on the microphone, so Owen's face was totally covered so that was lame. Well, after I got home, Corey was gone, kids were doing their thing, and I seized the chance to get in my exercise by going on a ride. I hadn't been up the Quarry trail since Friday (cause I went to Park City on Saturday and Monday)... This summer I've been averaging a ride three times a week, but I only went twice last week cause we then I hadn't gone at all yet this week! So when I had a chance I made my escape to see my canyon. I didn't check the weather and thus didn't see there was any rain in the forecast. It did started to sprinkle on me after the 3rd bridge. It was starting to come down a little faster at Lisa, and looked worse further up, so I turned around instead of continuing on to the ruins. There was a very faint rainbow, so pretty!!!

It looked beautiful! 

I listened to my autumn playlist and I breathed in the glory around me. "Light" by Emma Nissen particularly hit the spot. Just lovely everywhere. The rain towards the west had stopped by the time I was at the 1st bridge, and the sun was setting, the whole sky was pink - took this pic of a gorgeous gorgeous autumn sunset.

AHH I LOVE FALL!

I'm grateful for lots of joy today playing with Alvie and Katharine and spending time up the canyon. 

Hike the Y

We hiked the Y tonight! 

Good job us keeping up a family tradition! We didn't leave as soon as I wanted, cause we were waiting for Owen to get back from a band rehearsal (he has a school Halloween music concert tomorrow). So 4pm departure turned into 5pm, and we went by to pick up Mel in Lehi, and there was traffic all along I-15 and I thought that the lighting was going to be at 7:30 based on a few years ago but I couldn't find anywhere online that officially stated the time of the lighting... They ended up doing it at like 7:15 so we missed it. We started up the trail at 6:56. Daniel invited a friend Millie, and then Owen wanted a friend, and after trying a few friends he was glad when Joseph was able to come. The Y is far away on the mountain behind us. Off we go ~

Lily had work so she missed our hike. Sophi stayed to do homework cause it's the last week of the term. Corey needed to get his temple recommend renewed, so CLS stayed in Sandy and it was MNODPK in our car plus two friends, and Hyrum drove down separately and he picked up Seth, so there was a decent Wride turn out. I was thinking we'd be ok to make it for the lighting if we started hiking by 7.  Sunset today was 7:01 pm, which meant it would be getting dark from 7:20-7:30. From looking at my Strava for last year, I recorded that it was a 30 min hike up. But then around 7:20 we saw Cosmo and a bunch of students coming down around... doh, did they light it already!?!? We couldn't see the Y yet, but we just assumed it was, and by the time it did come into view, yes it was lit. We kept a pretty good pace but didn't get to the bottom of the Y until 7:34. Oh well, but that's ok, we still made it!

Mel and Daniel were the last ones up. Mel, you win for doing this hike at 36 weeks pregnant!! Wow!

She's healthy and strong.

Ok, so for next year... (I'm putting this in my calendar...) we are going to start hiking by 6, so leave home at 4:30. We all got free BYU flashlights again this year, plus "light the Y" stickers for our water bottles, and of course there was warm cider and maple bars or glazed donuts at the trailhead after we were done with the hike. Katharine had been a bit whimpery on the hike up, but after it was done and as she started to eat her maple bar, Mel and I laughed when she chipperly said "That was fun!" A little sugar at the end to mold the memory, I'll take it. I'm glad that it makes my kids willing to hike with me, I'm know they'll be up for next year. We got home at 9:45 so it wasn't too late, and they're all getting ready for bed now. 

Other things from today - I went to the temple for 5 am initiatories, and that was when I discovered that the Jordan River Temple is closed. I took a right turn in and didn't hit the gate but did a quick U-turn out with a "darn it!" stupid me. And that is why I should set an appointment. I got online to set and appointment for when it's open again and it's closed until December 7th! What?!?! Usually it's just two weeks, not two months! I'm not sure when I can go if it's not Tuesday mornings at 5am, ugh. I gotta look at my calendar and talk to Corey to figure that out. So sad. But I'm glad that my early morning trip allowed me to see in the eastern horizon the Cheshire cat smile shaped moon and Jupiter right above it, it looked beautiful. I sent Nicole a polo on my way in and I was going to call her later today before she went to work, but I got caught in a good to-do reading to Katharine, so I did that instead and let Nicole know I'd try to call her another time. Katharine and I like to read together. 

She's my little friend. Hyrum is her friend too. He played princesses with her. He had the "Evermore" song playing from the live action movie. It makes Katharine emotional when the Beast says he is lonely... "I feel bad for the beast..." she says almost with tears. I think she's a sensitive soul like her big sister Abi.

Here's a video of one of the beast singing scenes. Hyrum is the best.

Fall Fix

I had plans today to go on a long ride. I arranged for Hyrum to stay home with Katharine while I went, and I told him I thought I'd be gone for 2-3 hours, plus the drive up and back... I'd leave after Daniel and Peter left for school (8:30) so adding the time for the drive, maybe I'd be back around 2? Hyrum drove Lily and Sophi to school cause he had to get his computer from Wayne's house. I planned to pick up Lily after school, who had to stay for SBO stuff. I told Sophi to find a ride. Corey took Churchill carpool in the van so I could use his car. All these logistics were in my mind as I went to bed last night and I was dreaming about them all night (not a very restful sleep). I woke up wide awake at 4, made myself lay in bed and rest until 4:50 then, even though I was going on a ride, I decided to go to the rec center and I did some upper body stuff. It was good. Hyrum left with Lily and Sophi, I got back before Corey left. I got Daniel and Peter off to school and I took Katharine to a playgroup at 9, and little things kept coming up, so I wasn't on my way up the canyon until 10. I enjoyed my drive up Big Cottonwood, I stopped at took photos at Solitude and of Brighton, it was all lovely. I drove over Guardsmans like I did yesterday, soaking it all up again, and then I parked at the Mid Mountain Trailhead by the Montage. I went west towards Park City, not the Deer Valley way, and within 20 minutes I was in the heavenly golden aspens of the Mid Mountain trail. 

It was so gorgeous!

I was loving it and thought I'd do a small climb by going up Tommy's Two Step. That was nice, I wasn't watching the time, I was just being present. 

I decided to go down Silver Queen. That trail intersected with Mid Mountain. I didn't know that section of Mid Mountain, but I knew Silver Queen went down to Jenny's, so I decided to just keep going. At the end of Jenny's I didn't feel like biking up, I wanted to go down more! So I did, and I went all the way to the base. 90 min in and that was fun. Unfortunately, however, now I was starting to feel "done", but now I also had to bike all the way back up to the car! I started biking towards Armstrong and considered my options... I could call Corey to come get me... I could see where the bus stop is and see if they go up to the Montage? I only thought of those things as I biked, I didn't look them up, and thus I decided by default that the fastest way to solve this problem was for me to own my choices and just bike back to the car. So up Armstrong I went (2 hours in now) and I went past HAM up to Mid Mountain. I sent a message at 12:30 to Hyrum letting him know that it didn't look like I was going to be back home at 2, since I was still on Armstrong. Sent another voice message at 1:30 that I was at Mid Mountain again, yay... 

Message at 2:20 - I'm so done, but I'm not done... I think/hope that I'm close to the Montage but I'm not sure (I was on the unknown section of Mid Mountain). It was really pretty though! 

I finally did know where I was at 2:50 and at 3:15 I was back at the car. UGH! 40 min drive home after I stopped by 7-11 for some electrolytes. SO, what I thought would be a get my fill of autumn ride really did give me my fill after 22.64 miles and 3308 ft of elevation. 4 straight hours and zero minutes of biking and I think I should be good for the rest of the season. 

I was home at 4:30, and then I turned around and went to pick up Lily. She was so happy to be getting out of hiking the Y tomorrow cause she has work (she doesn't love to hike) but then today she had to go chalk the S at Skyline for Skyline homecoming, and that was a longer and steeper and more sun exposed hike than the Y would have been, ha, so she got stuck with a homecoming hike anyway. She told me how tired she was, and I told her that after my 4 hour ride, I felt for her, esp cause she didn't any of the pretty colors. I don't plan to get up early tomorrow. I'm gonna rest and we'll see how my legs feel tomorrow! I still love fall! But my take aways for the day are:

1. Always park at the base
2. For a long ride, remember to factor in that noon and afternoon sunshine = heat
3. Go with Corey or a friend (they will provide common sense to help stop you from doing too long of a ride)
4. Backpacks make you sweat more, but I'm glad I had the extra water

And when I was almost back at the car, going through pretty aspens again, I was thinking I should have just biked the 20 min to this spot, pulled out a blanket, layed down and stared at the sky for 3 hours. 

Maybe I'll do that next year to get my fall fix instead of all that biking work!