The Salmon Run

It doesn't officially feel like fall where we are until we make our annual trip to Porcupine Dam to watch the salmon run and see the great fall colors. There is a breed of salmon in the dam called Kokanee Salmon and every year they swim up river from the dam to spawn. They will actually jump out of the water and up the rocks...against the current. And they are bright red, so you can see them really easily-whole schools of them. It is interesting because they work all summer to eat and get enough energy to make this one run...once they make it up river, they will spawn, lay their eggs and die. I know, a bit morbid, but interesting none-the-less. So if you are ever in our area during the middle of September, I highly recommend taking a little drive and watching this great phenomenon!Sam was a little exciting about trying to catch one and took a bit of a dip in the river. Lucky we had a blanket in the car--she donned a sarong the rest of the night.

The Harvest

Well, I didn't think the garden was going to do much this year because we planted it so darn late! It was well after Memorial Day before we got everything in the ground..so I was pretty skeptical that things would ripen in time and there were several times I thought the bindweed (morning glory) was going to devour my garden. I so love gardening, but it was a challenge keeping up with it this year...could having a baby have anything to do with it? In spite of my week weeding efforts we were blessed with a bounteous harvest...corn, peas, beans, onions, squash of all flavors (and shapes), potatoes (which some little critter devoured before we got to them), tomatoes, peppers , strawberries, raspberries, watermelon and cantaloupe. Wow-it was a lot of work, but it sure payed off-17 Banana squash later...

Alex's First Day of Preschool!!!

Alex is officially in preschool! I can't believe I have another dumpling going to school! What a milestone! She was so excited and knew just exactly what to do-didn't even look back as she dashed to the front door of her teacher's house. Oh my little dears are growing up so fast! She came home and give me a full report of what they learned. So much fun to hear what she is doing and learning (unlike her big sister who is just too cool to let her mom in on the happenings of her day).

The 1st Day of Kindergarten

I can't believe my little one is going to KINDERGARTEN! (she would hate it if I called her 'little one' while she was present). She is so smart and sassy and I am so excited for her to have fun new experiences at school! She is learning so much already and having a blast only after one week. She loves riding the bus ("Mom-you can fit 3 PEOPLE on ONE SEAT on the bus-it is so BIG!"), being in the same class with lots of her Paradise friends (there are quite a few from our church ward that are in her class), and sitting by her buddy, Ryder. (I think secretly the two of them are planning to get married when they grow up).
She laid her clothes out the night before in preparation-notice her undies and leggings are inside her skirt-exactly like they would be on her body. Love the details.There may or may not have been some tears shed and moments of anxiety after she left. In other news-Alex started preschool this past week too. Ack! I can't believe my babies are growing up so fast! More on Alex later-I have to go get a hanky!