no boys allowed

You know when you plan and commit to something 6 months in advance there is a part of you that's certain it's not actually going to happen? I feel like that happens a lot, everything in the best of intentions. Well 6 months ago my girlfriends and I started planning a weekend away at the cabin, and luckily we found a weekend that worked for everyone. I think that is the first trick, we picked the weekend first. Then we forgot about it, until a few weeks before hand. As it all came together it was complicated. It felt complicated and messy. Who was driving with who, how were they going to get up the mountain, who was cooking what meals and sleeping where. Let alone who was watching the kids. But after everything fell into place, babysitters were found, Kevin's flight arrived home earlier, people backed out then were convinced otherwise, we were ready.

My very best friends, all 7 of them, were able to get away for the weekend. A weekend with no husbands, no children and no agenda. They managed through their messy schedules as well and coordinated everything on their ends so we could all be together. It's been ten years since we were in high school together spending the nights giggling. and thats a long time. 

Molly, Jess, Ash and I arrived on Friday evening ready for the best weekend. We were greeted with a small rodent problem. A decomposing pica had caused havoc on the place and then there was a living pica that had that look in it's eyes, it was going to finish the job that the first pica had started. After some heavy gloves, boots and a lot, I mean a lot, of squealing took place, we caught the pica. Then it crawled up Molly's hair and we had to catch it again. Because obviously we squealed, shook, jumped and freaked it of her hair. Let's just say in the end it was taken care of. 

We cleaned up the pica destruction, started a fire that never went out, cooked dinner,  and as everyone else arrived we settled in. Meaning we all changed into our sweats and slippers. We drank more Diet Cokes than I predicted, didn't eat nearly all the snacks we brought, and we talked and talked. We talked in a group, we talked in little groups. The seats on the couches were rotated and everyone reconnected with each other. The fire kept us warm as we laughed until 4am, and even when we went to bed it was because we felt like it was the responsible thing to do. Everyone contributed to the weekend, everyone helped clean and took care of things when they saw them, not when asked. It was easy in all it's chaos, not because we didn't have to do work, clean, or cook; but easy because we all were doing it together, contributing together.

The next day repeated itself entirely and at the end of it we realized that together, we were women. Not just wives, mothers and employees. Not just volunteers at school or the Primary president. Nobody sat around and complained about our children or husbands. Really, nobody did. We talked about religion, life, futures, dreams and our own insecurities and fears. We buoyed each other up and held each other as we cried. We allowed ourselves to be women. 

6 months ago when we scheduled this weekend, nobody anticipated it actually happening, and I guarantee that nobody knew how much we each needed it. Of all the travels I have done this year, and I feel like I have been gone on vacation an unrealistic amount of time, this has been the very most rejuvenating trip. I am a better mother and wife because of spending 48 hours with these 7 women. 

Thank you girls for making the time to run away together, to be with each other, to help each other. To laugh until we cried, to feel normal in this crazy life. I love you all. 

love love

Brimhalls go to Washington

So there was this one time that I was talking to my sister on the phone and we somehow decided that I needed to come and see her. In Washington. With all of the kids. I didn't really ask Kevin and I'm not sure she asked Travis if it was ok. We just decided it. Because really who doesn't want to take a 12 hour road trip with 3 children under the age of 5?
The trip was relatively spontaneous for an epic road trip. We decided to go only a week before hand. That was enough time for Micall to have everything all planned, our agenda was set and ready to go. I pretty much just planned on snacks, toy bags, snacks, dvd's, snacks, bags of yarn, snacks, blankets, snacks, crayons, and more snacks. Because the only way to get through a 12 hour road trip is snacks. Ok, the only way to get through the day is snacks.
We piled everyone and everything in the car and left Thursday at 1pm. We drove and drove and kept on driving until we arrived in Pullman, Washington around 11pm.  Thats a serious road trip. And the kids apparently are made for road trips because they never even opened their toy bags, snack bags or coloring the entire drive up. They watched 4 movies and then fell fast asleep. They are pretty awesome.
We spent the weekend hanging out, exploring WSU and the town of Pullman and Moscow. We played and played and played some more with their new dog, Molly. The girls giggled with Aunt Colly and TTTTT-J. Gus took his first steps, but apparently only wants to walk in Washington since he hasn't done it again. We stayed up late, and when we went to bed we listened to Gus whine and cry. There is nothing like a baby in apartments on vacation. We pretty much just drank more Diet Coke to overcome Gus's inability to sleep on vacation. Sorry about that again...

I'm not really sure what's going on with Ruby and the above face, it's her new thing. She can tell you the funniest stories with her mouth like that.

Micall gave us a tour of the vet hospital and it is so cute to see how her eyes light up when she shows you the surgery rooms and freeze dried studying tools. That girl was born to be a vet, since she was Ruby's age thats all she's wanted and I can't imagine it any other way. We ate ice cream for our morning snack and played at the park in the best fall weather. Seriously the weather, it was amazing.

The girls wanted to be next to Aunt Colly the entire time, unless Ruby was looking for "Hanitizer" She really loves Hand Sanitizer.
On Saturday we went to an apple orchard and picked more apples than we knew what to do with.  We made fresh cider; which was totally worth the wait and the hilarity's of watching us pick apples. We are pretty efficient at making cider, like probably the fastest ones there.

On Sunday we were lazy and laid around with the kids, watching conference, and snuggled Molly. We played frisbee and ate some more food. Because snacks and food are pretty much essential.

Then, sadly it was over. In the wee hours of Monday morning, we loaded sleeping children back into the car and drove home. It was way too short, I could have used another couple of days just hanging out. But the kids were perfect on the 11 hour drive home, which makes it really easy to want to go back. (But really. The kids in the car for 11 hours, with only 3 stops, and those were just for the bathroom and grab food to eat in the car. They didn't fuss, they didn't whine, they played, they watched movies and slept. Gus was even awesome on the drive home. I was the one who was bored. At about hour 9, I was ready to be done. Mostly because my hand hurt so bad from knitting I couldn't do it anymore. Ok so I knit in the car. Whatever. I made 3 hats and a scarf on the trip. And I'm aware that it makes me like 80 years old.)
Spending time with Micall and Travis and just us, in their own world was amazing. Watching the kids adore them is the pretty much best. The only downside is that now everyone wants to know when they can see Molly again, or maybe get Molly's sister to live at our house. (not going to happen)

We had the best weekend, thanks so much Godderidge's for allowing us to overtake your "hotel" and ruin all the excellent training on your dog. You're the best!

love love

(We were kinda busy laughing, so I didn't take very many photos. And why don't I take any photos of Gus? He is always there I promise...)

a Weekend Ramble

I was writing my little brother an email yesterday and it hit me, I basically wrote the same letter last week. With the same words, the same undertones, and the same rambling on about basically nothing but how busy I feel like I am. How I sort of love it. I'm busy with a to do list, a purpose, a deadline or two. It's not just doing the laundry. Thats a huge win right?
 Last week I put my computer away for most of the week. For genuine fear that I would get flour all over it. I baked and baked and then baked some more. So much that I was genuinely tired of my kitchen. Which is a rare occasion.
I was in my kitchen wearing leggings, making jam with a baby on my hip, a 3 year old singing about being a princess outside, and the windows open with a perfect breeze coming through. My sweet kindergartener was at the table working on her homework talking to herself. I realized I am a mom. I am a mom like my mom was a mom. Except I didn't have any John Denver playing in the background. It felt good. It felt like how I always imagined motherhood would be. When I was done making jam I didn't have anything to put it on, so obviously I made a batch of bread. (who thinks like that?) And when I was done making another massive mess, I sat down on the floor, (because I was too covered in flour to sit on the couch) and curled up with my knitting needles and finished a scarf (My first one!) while my babies chased each other around. I think I should be like 75 years old. I mean seriously.
It was genuinely a happy weekend. Busy with people, and places to go and messes to make. But it was kinda fantastic. It doesn't happen very often that we have people over, go to parties and dinners. Especially in a weekend. And that's ok, I really enjoy just snuggling on the couch with my family. As long as I get to have weekends like this one every now and then it's perfect.

Oh boy do I love the fall.

love love

Goodbye Fall

We woke this morning to the departure of fall. But that's OK because it was a grand fall season. The leaves took their time changing, the air stayed crisp and fresh. And who doesn't love snuggling in watching the snow cover the bare earth?

 Especially when you know it's too soon for the snow to stay long.
Goodbye fall, thank you for being so good to us.

love love

Bon-d-Jac

Every Saturday morning at 6:30, there is a group of guys that tour the Heber valley on bicycles. You can believe that more yapping than riding actually happens. These guys have really pushed Kevin to ride more and more. So much so that he willingly signed up for the first annual Bon-d-Jac. And really can you imagine a pretty 100 miles to ride? I have been to a few bike races and rides in my day and I promise you that I have never seen a more beautiful course. The weather held out, the rain didn't fall and the temperatures stayed steady at around 50 degrees. 

 Bon-d-Jac is a hundred mile ride from the center of Jackson, WY out to Kelly, then Moose Junction, up and around Jenny Lake, out to Teton Village then to Wilson and that's where I stopped paying attention because they no longer needed support, they just needed to finish. But I know they had to do another 20 miles from there, so I'm guessing they went out to the outskirts of Jackson and then came back. Also, Bon-d-Jac is something Trace and Alan made up and executed beautifully. 

Unfortunately I failed as the official photographer of the event, because about 100 yards before this photo was taken they rode through a giant herd of buffalos. Fail on my part.

Bobby, as always, is really happy to be there.

Shawn Kelly is real strong...

I would really like to thank those that wore neon, even though you looked like a scuba diver, I could always find you and as the support crew I appreciate that.

Moose!

Brian, ride leader and organizer setting the pace.

 Amazing how they were all smiling all the time. Well until about mile 85, then they were a little tired.

Mr. Bobby Salazar, Tyler Bluth and Trace motoring along up to Jenny Lake.

For the record, I ran across the parking lot and down the path looking like an idiot to get this photograph. Which wouldn't be a big deal except I'm nine months pregnant. And it was worth every step.

Does it get prettier than that in October?

Trace, the official time and milage keeper, strolls into the finish spot at 101.2 miles. And he is still smiling. Success!

Clearly you can see that Deb and I's support truck was full of food and an opportunity to yap, because the actual ride time was about six hours. Which means that they spent three hours eating fig newtons and orange slices.
I can't wait to ride in the second annual Bon-d-Jac ride, well at least the parts I want to ride in. Thanks to all those who rode, helped support. And a huge thanks to the Tolbert's for hosting it all. It made for an exceptional weekend.

love love

a wyoming weekend

My love for buck rail fences hasn't stopped since my last time at the barn. I'm not really sure why I have such a thing for those fences, it just resonates with my soul. We ventured to Wyoming this weekend for a bike ride. Well all that means is that I am just enjoying the barn with my camera. And boy does my mother knows how to accessorize. It's my favorite part of coming to the barn, to see what she has added.
Oh that mom of mine, she's a keeper.

Then we have this river... You should be jealous. It's that good.

Enjoy your weekend!

love love

Check out my latest post about weekends

 over at Today's Mama !

Pumpkins

I'm not really into pumpkin patches that have ... stuff. Ya know what I'm talking about? The corn mazes and the hay rides, along with the blow up lawn ornaments and I'm especially opposed to the hefty price tag of those pumpkins. One pumpkin is great, but 25 are better, so my budget doesn't really allow for fancy pumpkin patch pumpkins. When I was pregnant with Ruby I searched high and low for a perfect pumpkin patch. One that was prime for photographs and had just pumpkins. I had found it. 35 minutes from our house, across the Salt Lake valley was the most glorious pumpkin patch around. I loved it so much that I took my mom back a few days later and bought more pumpkins. Well, that great pumpkin patch was pretty far away from Heber and since my discovery I hadn't been back. But now, now(!!!) I have time to drive an hour down the canyons on the freeway to the greatest pumpkin patch ever.  I convinced Heather that she had the time too. So we loaded up the mini van, {Thanks for having a mini van, it was very handy! ;)} and we ventured to the pumpkin patch. 

When Heather and I got home, exhausted from wrangling: 5 little girls under the age of 5 on a sunny afternoon, a belly the size of a basketball, 65 pumpkins, 2 bundles of cornstalks, and 6 wheelbarrows, we both agreed we should have bought more. 

So if you are in the need of an afternoon activity strictly dedicated to pumpkins, and ok they have a row of antique tractors,  go to the Best Pumpkin Patch Around.

(They did not ask me to say that or pay me anything for my endorsement, I just thought you should know if you are in Utah, this place is worth it.)

And now for the photos!

She picked a dozen pumpkins exactly like this. Funny how only one made it home...

A truck full of sugar pumpkins!!!! How charming and so practical for my baking addiction.

Five little girls and a bazillion pumpkins...

Enjoy your pumpkin picking!
love love