Maple Hollow

This morning I went bouldering at 7:50 am at Millcreek after dropping off carpool. I did 32 total. THEN, at 3:15 pm (since we still don't have violin lessons going) I was able to sneak away for a ride in Corner Canyon. I had it on my calendar to do this today, in hopes that the colors would be as amazing as they were last year at this time (the last Monday of September, and in the afternoon when the sun was low and shining through the trees). I did the whole Corner Canyon loop. 14.40 miles, 1929 elevation gain, 1 hour 55 min. This year the colors are not as brilliant as last years colors but it was still wonderful for my mental health and gorgeous. 

I think it's cause it was such a dry summer. Everything looks so dry and rusty this year. After I got to the top of Maple Hollow and started the descent on the other side, I was amazed at the mountains in Utah County. SO lovely! 

I reached for my phone to take a photo and as I pulled it up, the time said 4:28.  of checked my phone at 4:28 (I love you too Heavenly Father!) The south side of the mountain sure has a beautiful view of Utah county!

Back at home, Abi had taken good care of Katharine, getting her all dolled up.

Pretty bow, curled her hair, pink dress. 

You are such a pretty girl, Katharine!

And then they played dolls. 

The girls really are such good helpers when they turn on their "helper" mode. I think it they really do  great at that when I'm not at home to help. They are really good when I go on bike rides. Thank you girls, I appreciate it. They are good helpers on Sunday mornings too. Here's a pic that captures us walking in to church on a typical Sunday morning.

Katharine dressed in a royal gown, as usual. Owen's already down the hall. The teenager girls aren't usually always ready when I leave with the little kids (ODPK = boys and Katharine) - they are about 50/50 that they come with me. Corey stays behind cause he's eating breakfast or waiting for the slow pokes, which was Abi yesterday morning. A few other pics from yesterday - Owen and Daniel working on their pirate ships. 

Melodie and Christian and Ethan and Bella all came up for dinner yesterday, and we had fun loving on Alvie!

All of us trying to get him to smile. 

He's a hard one to crack. Christian almost got a response.

For FHE tonight, Corey worked late at his dad's, so it was me and the kids. We just played Bank and then ate ice cream then read scriptures. And of course it was great to visit with Wesley. His p-day is on Mondays, so that's when he calls. He got to hear Peter brag about how he won Bank!

After 11 rounds Peter was in 1st place with 764, Natalie got 2nd with 682, and Sophi and I tied for 3rd with 658 each. He's doing good and is going to be home so soon! Wesley has 101 days left, counting today, if he comes home Jan 7th, which is his return date right now. The kids were inspired when they heard that and wanted to make a countdown paper chain. Sounds good, a good additional FHE activity. 

I cut the strips, we used one color for each different week. We made the week of Christmas of red paper.

Natalie put it up above the valances around the kitchen table windows. Exciting! That will be over so quickly.