Hayride

We have been meaning to go for a hayride at the big red barn in Santaquin all week. Today is our last full day in Utah so we decided we had better go. We climbed onto the trailer and the "Big Green Tractor" pulled us through the orchards.

It was supposed to be warmer today than it has been, but it wasn't. It was FRIGID! We were soooo cold! I had baby Zac inside his snowsuit and inside my jacket. I looked like I was fully pregnant again.

You know it's cold outside if Ty is bundled up. He never wears a coat!

Here I am hoping we survive the elements and make it back to the barn for some hot chocolate!

The tractor took us to the pumpkin patch and because today is the day before Halloween all of the pumpkins were free! We quickly picked out some potential jack-o-lanterns and got back onto the trailer and under our blankets! We made it back to the barn and asked Max and Mia if they wanted a warm drink. They didn't. They both wanted ice cream!
After our hayride adventure we came home and ate lunch in front of the fireplace. Ty picked up some Taco Time for us. How we miss Taco Time and their deep fried bean burritos in Tennessee!

3 Amigos

(Jose, Ty, and Dustin)
Ty served his mission in Lima, Peru. He met wonderful people and ate lots of delicious food. Last night we went to a Peruvian restaurant with some of Ty's mission companions. (Dustin brought his amazing wife, Caren, so I was not the only lady)
We had a great time and Ty got to catch up with everyone. I had some seriously delish Pollo a la Brasa. Can't wait until we can do it again!

A Cold Date with Ty!

Today Ty and I were able to leave the kids with the grandparents for a few hours. We took the horses out for a nice ride through the cherry orchards. It was freezing! Besides the cold we had a great time. I was a little nervous about the whole thing because it has been years since I have been on a horse, but my Father in law put me on his oldest horse (116 human years old!) and I had no problems!

(I know it looks like this horse is missing it's head, but every time we stopped it would bend it's head down and start to eat the grass.)

Dinosaurs!

We were pretty excited for our day out in Provo. We met up with Ty's parents at the BYU Creamery on Ninth for lunch. We had cheeseburgers and fries. I hold a special place in my heart for the creamery because I worked there while I went to college at BYU and it is still my most favorite job ever. I told Max that I had worked there and I think he was very confused.
After lunch we went to the Paleontology Museum on campus.

Max is a HUGE dinosaur fan so he was really looking forward to this stop. We got to see all sorts of bones and fossils. Max's favorite was the brontosaurus.

Mia has no fear and tested the sharpness level of the T-Rex's teeth, even though the signs said not to touch. Nothing fell off or broke, so I guess it was okay!
After the museum we visited some friends and shopped at our favorite Provo stores.
When the kids were tired of Provo we came home and ate homeade caramels and toffee until we were sick.
We are very much enjoying our little Utah vacation!

Zac is 5...

weeks old today! Such a little lump of love.

Hogle Zoo!

We got to spend the day at Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City with both sets of grandparents. Having 6 adults to 3 kids makes for one happy day!

It was a perfect day to visit the zoo. It was cold enough that we needed to be pretty bundled, but not so cold that we couldn't stand to be outside. The zoo was not too crowded and it was great to take our time at each exhibit.

Right from the start Max was asking to see the tigers. We finally made it to see this big guy. He kept growling and it was totally creeping me out. I was sure he was going to get out and we were going to have to run for our lives. He stayed put though. We made it home safely :)

We are in Cougar Country so it was only appropriate to see a cougar. Go BYU! (even though you lost really badly on Saturday night we still love you!)

Max and Mia took a ride on the carousel. Max chose a gorilla and Mia picked out a zebra.

Max and Mia with Grandma Newman

Babies were in abundance at the zoo today. Animals and humans alike, we are in Utah after all! This baby Elephant was the cutest! I had never seen an elephant so small. Elephants are pregnant for 22 months and their babies are between 200 and 250 pounds at birth!

Max, Mia, and Grandpa Sheffer get a good look at the little elephant

Mama and baby

The Giraffes are always a favorite

A Baby Giraffe made it all the more fun

It was great to be outside in the sunshine all day. Zac was so good! He stayed bundled up and warm and happy. After the zoo we had a late lunch at the Paradise Bakery and Cafe in Sugarhouse. It was very delicious and I ate a ton because I was starving after walking all day at the zoo!
I am so glad we got to take the kids to see all of the animals! It was a great day!

Little Buckaroos

We are having a fabulous time in Utah with Ty's family. This evening Ty's dad took the kids for a horse ride and they loved it! Max has been before when he was very small and when we were still living in Utah, but Mia had never been for a ride.

Max was first on the little brown horse. Her name is Belle and in human years she is 116 years old! A very gentle horse for my little riders.

Max had a blast. He took the reins like a real cowboy and shouted to Grandpa to make the horse go faster. Check out those gorgeous views! Utah is beautiful this time of year!

Mia got her turn for a ride. She loved it. She had a great big grin on her face the whole time. I am glad she is such a little cowgirl.

Baby Zack decided to wait until he can hold his head up before he takes up horse back riding.

Friday!

How did you spend the day? Mia spent the day as a butterfly, Max spent the day as Superman, Zackary spent the day as a baby, and I spent the day doing a little bit of everything.

I was able to get all of the packing and cleaning done. We should be able to wake up tomorrow and leave right away! I hope everyone has a great week. I leave you with one more pumpkin recipe before Halloween.

Pumpkin Bread
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup oil + 1/4 cup butter
1 cup pumpkin
1 2/3 cup flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt

Chocolate Chips and Nuts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine butter and oil with the sugars and mix well. Add the eggs and the pumpkin.
3. Blend the dry ingredients together and add to the wet ingredients.
4. At this point you can add chocolate chips or nuts.
5. Pour batter into greased pans (we topped ours with some sprinkles and I think it really made them fabulous.
Bake for 30-40 minutes (depending on loaf size)

Wednesday!

It was a really beautiful day in Lawrenceburg. The kids and I found a really great playground and park where we could spend the morning.

It was great to be outside in the sunshine. Mia picked out her usual favorite place to be...the swings! Zackary stayed cozied up in his favorite place to be...in a blanket in my arms. How is it that babies totally know whether they are being held or not?

The fabulous playground

We stayed as long as we could until Max and Mia were way grumpy and in need of food. After lunch we headed out of town into Amish country and hit up some of the markets. It was a great day. We are headed back home tomorrow and will be getting ready for our trip to Utah this Saturday!

4 Weeks

Zackary is 4 weeks old today and weighing in at 10 pounds! I can't believe how quickly the month has gone and how many of his little newborn outfits no longer fit!
Zack loves music and singing. He has had a difficult time with colic and we have all been a bit frustrated, but singing to him always helps. Max and Mia are very willing to sing primary songs to him. It is a great help!