We love fall!

Don't you just love autumn? It is finally cooling off here, and the leaves are falling...this has definitely always been my favorite time of year, no matter where we have lived. Even chores are fun in the fall!Lately, we have been enjoying books by the fireplace in the evening and jumping in leaves during the day; just enjoying the season, and spending time together! This is Maya, certain she has found fairy footprints...Happy worker!Yes, we definitely love fall!!!

Isn't it nice...

Isn't it nice when you walk in the room and see your wild child reading sweetly to her little sister? I love these kinds of moments...Now it is Belle's turn... This is just a random picture I like...

Our Trip to Utah

In September, I decided to take the girls to Utah, so they could see real mountains, and we could see some old friends, and visit family. We had a really fun time, despite the extremely long drive, and the girls finally got to meet some more cousins!

This is us at an arch. The girls were really excited to find one, so we got out and took some pictures...As you can see, they LOVED staying in a hotel :)The girls got a taste of country life in the suburbs at their Aunt Misty's house...this is Belle picking plums.And Ksenia feeding chickens...Here are some pictures from our excursion to Bridal Veil Falls--Belle and cousin Abby really became fast friends, as did Ksenia and cousin Esther.Here with all of the cousins in a tree.The falls!And what would a trip to Provo be without hiking the Y?! Why, yes, I did drag Ksenia and Maya, and Mom up to the top of the Y, along with my old roommate, Farrah--we used to do this quite often as students with Sariah and Meijken, back before the Y trail became a tourist attraction! See how much fun they are having! :)

And just so you don't think I forced the girls to climb mountains all week, we did spend a day resting at peaceful Temple Square in Salt Lake.
We had a really fun time, and a huge thanks to Mom for going with us--we couldn't have done it without her, and the girls had a great time with their Baba!

Fun with lorakeets!

We went to the zoo today, and for the first time, the girls got to hold and feed the lorakeets--they had so much fun, especially Belle, who is always trying to catch birds in the back yard. Thanks to Baba for helping the girls! We went to the Science Museum before the zoo where they painted their faces, but I think the colors match nicely with the lorakeets!Notice the one on Maya's shoulder... We had a great time; we love the zoo!

Swimming at Baba's House

Just some fun videos of the girls jumping in the pool-this year Ksenia, Maya and cousin Sadie mastered the diving board!

More fun from Woodward...

A picture of Belle that I liked. The girls were not old enough to go horseback riding on the trails, but they did get to ride around in a few circles.

Here are some photos from a nice hike that we went on--the girls favorite part was throwing rocks. These pictures were taken just before Belle threw a huge stone up in the air and it landed right on top of her head. I then had to carry her to the camp infirmary screaming, etc. Good thing we got the nice pictures first!

Summer Walk

This could definitely be my favorite picture from this summer...

Playing Dress Up...

I think dressing up is one of the girls' favorite things to do--the pretend 90% of the time that they are playing. It is so fun to listen to them come up with interesting stories and ideas! Imagination is so fun!!!! Not sure what Maya and Belle are dressed as--leotards, flower girl dress, crowns, wigs, gloves...

Pioneers!
Cowgirl Belle!
So much fun!

Dance Recital...

So we had our dance recital this year back in June--father's day weekend. I was trying to get the video to work, but had no luck, so here are a few pictures of the girls in costume. Not sure how much longer we will be doing dance, so we are trying to enjoy it while we can! :) Ksenia's ballet costume.

Maya's tap... And ballet.

Even Belle joined in this year! She actually really enjoyed the class, but when they got up on stage, she froze! It was really funny!

Maybe eventually I will get the video to work on my computer, so you can see their dances!