Jake's a liar, eh lawyer.

I know. That joke is so bad and so old, but I couldn't help myself. Yes, law school done, BAR passed, licensing fees paid, and oath taken. On October 22nd, we went down to Abravanel Hall for Jake to take an oath and be sworn in as a lawyer for the State of Utah. 

Random question, if it is a swearing in ceremony, other than a welcome speaker, is there a need for any other remarks? Regardless, what I heard from the speakers wasn't bad at all. Some of it quite interesting. Overall, well done. 

All the new lawyers taking the oath. 

 We are so proud of Jake for all his hard work and dedication. Even with challenges, he never let that stop him. Great job, babe. Thanks to all of our family and friends who helped and supported us through this journey. Even though you may not feel like you did much, we feel like you did and are grateful for your help.

FYI, he took care of the finding a job part as well. He isn't working for a firm, but as a law clerk for the 1st district court with buildings in Logan and Brigham City. Stay tuned for updates on how that's going.

Cousin fun

I'm not sure how much I would like year-round school for my kids, but we love it when Annie's kids are off track. She always plans fun stuff and we usually tag along. 

We went to Classic, which is weird since I used to go back when teenagers were really into that kind of stuff (before razor scooters and other such items were allowed on the rink). They have a ton for kids to do. 

Sammi and Ellie heading up the bounce house. 

WEEEEE!!!

 Of course we had to go search for witches and eat cookies at Gardner Village. The kids also convinced grandma they needed these little monster stuffed toys.

Cheeser Braden and everyone else take a bite. 

Then we went to Corn Belly's. Sadly it was windier and colder down there than when we left our house so we were unprepared and were really cold. We still managed to have a good time. Ellie and Sammi weren't that interested in the maze.

Corn head's

What a bunch of animals!

 There was a giant hay bale tower/playground the kids loved and this cart racing.

I am a big kid. Mom can you push.

Surprise!

 After the kids shot some corn out of the corn (aka potato) gun, Jake and Grandpa wanted to try the pumpkin cannon. They had some tire to shoot through and a car to hit. Some kids never grow up.

Go Grandpa.

Ready, Aim, Fire.

We ate some food, played dress-up, played on a playground some more, got lost in the maze and then rode the giant slide. Fun times were had by all, even if it was a little chilly.

Family Night at the Conference Center

The week before General Conference I thought it would be fun to go down to Temple Square and the Conference Center so that Ellie could see it. Every time we watch General Conference she comments about the choir and where they sing. So we headed downtown and took the tour they offer at the center. Although I didn't hear much because that's what happens when you have kids, I had fun and I think the girls did too. 

As we walked into the auditorium at the Conference Center, Ellie said in a loud voice, "That's where they sing on TV." Then we pointed out the following week would be General Conference and the Prophet and the Apostles along with others would speak and teach us about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She loved it, especially when we turned on conference and she said, "We went to that place."

Awkward posing for the camera

More awkward posing.

 Is anyone else sensing a theme?

Seriously?!?!?

So much for cute family pictures by the Temple.

Finally.

 Ellie loves water and asked all night to touch every stream of water that flows around the Conference Center.

Healing Field and Dirty Dash

I love the Healing Field. It really keeps things in perspective. I was able to go twice in one day. In the afternoon, I went with the kids and family. Later that night, I went with the Young Women of our ward. 

While there with the Young Women, I realized that the girls who had just turned 12 to come into the program, were only just born when 9/11 took place. To most of them, what happened is just another story in a history lesson. We were able to converse a bit about how grateful we were for those who provide service to protect us, past or present; fire fighters, police officers, service members in any branch of the armed force. Then we talked about our duty to protect our rights and how we do that by studying, researching and voting; being involved. It was great.

Then there's Jake and his obstacle races; his new passion. Another Dirty Dash with his family. It had been raining a few days before and that morning. Someone had ordered extra mud. The obstacles where even better this time.

Being cute waiting for dad to run by.

We love umbrellas.

Yea Daddy. 

He finished in good time. Even some of his younger nieces and nephew ran this time. I think this is becoming a new family tradition.

Mickey Mouse

My kids love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It was one of the first TV shows Ellie watched when she was little. Luckily for me, Sammi loves it too.  

(She is saying Oh Toodles like in the show and then notices I have the camera out.)

Well almost all of it. We borrowed the new Minnie adventure Wizard of Dizz from the library and Sammi didn't like it so much.  

Utah State Fair

We made our annual visit to the Utah State Fair and All-you-can-eat ice cream tent. 

Sammi's uni brow

Poppy's milk mustache (sticker)

Future Farmers of Utah.

 And of course the Giant slide. If you look closely at the picture below, Sammi wasn't so happy at the bottom of the slide. It could had been for a few reasons; one, JT was holding her and not mommy; two, JT was recording her face the whole time and only had one arm around her; three, she just didn't like the slide. She started out liking it but about half way down things changed. Ellie loved it.

We saw some animals, looked at booths, and ate fair food. I'm not sure who sponsors it but next to the DNR building is a science/learning area. Kids of all ages like this place. I enjoyed it so much, I didn't take any pics. 

Kids? Totally worth it!

So I have finally pulled pictures from my camera and realized I have a lot to write about, but I'll start with a fun post. I have the funniest kids, hands down. Don't believe me. Check these out. (Yes, I am displaying my children forever on the Internet.)

Ellie posing for her cheer-leading picture.

 One day Ellie got into my make-up. The only thing that seemed to bother her was me taking a picture. She asked for time out or have something taken. I guess the best punishment is the thing they want to happen the least.

Don't you love my eye brows?

Sammi super excited about this cup.

I feel pretty. Oh so pretty. 

I'm not sure if this one is more of my kid or my sisters. Baxter was desperately wanting a bite of Sammi's bread. 

Yummy!

My bear. 

 She just had to put on the life jacket herself.

Ready to go skiing. 

 I caught her trying to put her cousin Braden into a head lock while playing at a fast food place.

Say Uncle.

 The girls love playing in the rain, especially if they can use umbrellas.

No matter how bad things seem to be, I have these 2 goof balls to cheer me up.