Girls

Kara decided it was time to learn to ride her bike without training wheels.  So sometime at the end of September, in her nightgown, was the perfect time.  Erin couldn't be shown up by her little sister, so she learned that same night.  I don't have a picture of her though.

As a result of riding, Kara's poor legs were covered in bruises.

This is how Brent found Ashleigh sleeping one night.  Looks so comfy, doesn't it?

 

 Kara has always loved music.  She loves to sing (we have the Taylor Swift Christmas Album memorized because that is all that she would let us listen to.)  I caught her singing, "I've Been Working on the Railroad", but as soon as I got the camera, she toned it down a bit.  Still cute though. 

 Erin dressed up one night and asked if we had any money for the poor.

 Got to love this face, even if it is grumpy at times!

We are blessed to have so many girls.  We love that the little ones love each other so much.  They are often mistaken for triplets.  Janiel is such a great big sister to them.  She loves to help.  Then there is poor Wes.  He'll survive and hopefully be a better husband and father because of his experience with sisters!

Baby Jake

Baby Jake has been a fun addition to our family.  He is a sweet kitty.  He was born in June and found without his mother.  He was bottle fed by a family in my brother's ward.   

 He loves to find trouble and adventure.

 We have lots of pictures of him because the little girls think he is so adorable.

 One of his favorite spots is by the back door in the sun.

 Erin thought he was cute camouflaged in her white toys.

 Tiger Lily drinks out of the sink.  Jake got up there one day wondering why Tiger Lily did.  I guess he found a good spot for a nap.

 He is so patient with Kara and all the loves she gives him.  Can you tell by his eyes?

 He has learned to come running when the can opener runs.  Tiger Lily taught him this trick.  Good thing we have a big family and usually open two cans.

 Nose and cheeks look a little orange from the Spaghettios.

 He found a snugly spot under the tree.

 I thought this was funny.  Kara made a sign for her room.  The sign listed those allowed in her room.  Good thing Tiger Lily made the list.

 See how patient he is!!!  He held still for a picture in a Santa hat!

 He sits by the door and meows when he wants in or out.  Unfortunately, it was a snowy day and he didn't want to go out.

 He was found snuggling in the neighbor cat's bed.

 He is so funny with a flashlight.  He loves to chase it.  He even tries to catch it when it is on the ceiling.  Makes us laugh every time.

 Tiger Lily does not like Jake.  She hisses and swats at him whenever he is near.  The only time they get close is when she doesn't know he is there or when they are licking their cans.  She is fine as long as she has a can.  But if Jake acts like he wants it, she will run away.  Silly old cat!

Tiger Lily might never be Jake's friend.  At least he has some neighbor cats to have a healthy relationship with!

Mount Timpanogos

Brent has always wanted to hike Mount Timpanogos.  He finally achieved that goal this fall.  He and my brother, Jonathan, made a date to do the hike.  They left at 6 in the morning to make sure they were back by dinner.  They enjoyed the hike although it tested their fitness!  Brent came home with sore knees and bruised toenails.  He said it wore him out, but was totally worth it.

This is just some information on the mountain: Mount Timpanogos is the second highest mountain in Utah's Wasatch Range. Timpanogos rises to an elevation of 11,749 feet.  Mount Timpanogos is one of Utah's most popular hiking/climbing destinations and is climbed year round.  Although it is a 14-mile round-trip hike, with almost a mile of elevation gain, Timp's summit is one of the most-visited in the Rocky Mountains.  Hikers on the trails climb through montane forest, subalpine and alpine zones. The hike is marked by waterfalls, conifers, rocky slopes and ridges, mountain goats, and a small lake, Emerald Lake, at 10,380 feet.  Viewed from Heber Valley to the northeast, Mount Timpanogos resembles the profile of a sleeping woman. Various legends are told of an Indian maiden who died of grief after her lover was killed, with one version the basis for a ballet, but there is no evidence that any of these are actual Native American myths.

Brent's pictures are beautiful.  He could write more about them than I can.  Enjoy the beautiful mountains!