Wow...two posts in one week!

This is a record for this year!

I actually found time to get back in the kitchen and make some bread this morning (between loads of laundry, dishes, a trip to Walgreens, and kindergarten drop-off/pick-up!). It was so wonderful to bake again! My heart was happy when I pulled these beautiful loaves out of the oven just in time for lunch. Every time I taste this bread I ask myself why I ever stop making it - absolutely nothing compares (even if I am tooting my own horn).

We had our second annual Horton family fall party Saturday. Although it was a toasty day, we had a lot of fun! The girls were also helping celebrate a cousin's birthday so had fun dressing up.
bouncing boys
Ammon, as usual, kept himself busy with a few trucks

Ella enjoying the bounce house

Mark enjoying the hammock. As long as he kept Bryce happy I didn't mind!

Blowing Big Bubbles

Cheese!

Ella and three of my great-nieces. yes, I am a great-Aunt. I don't feel old enough to be a great-aunt! My girls love to play with these girls ;)

Mark's innovative leveling tool: a big timber weighed down by some cute kids! Drag us around Daddy!

Everyone has worked hard to get rocks out of the back yard. Almost ready to lay sprinklers!

Happy September!

Lots of Updates

Wow! Who knew life with five kids would be so hard! I am amazed at how much things changed by adding #5. I have been busier and more tired than I ever thought possible. Tons has happened since my last post, but I will only touch on the highlights:

At the beginning of August Mark was gone for the good part of a week to scout camp and for the first time I was left on my own, days and nights, with five kids and an incredibly fussy newborn. The morning he left I was in tears. A few hours later these arrived. Need I say more?

Ella's first day of Kindergarten...she was so proud!
Walking to school with her new friend:

Showing off her "all about me" poster:

Bryce's blessing day: September 5. It was a beautiful blessing and focused a lot on what a great missionary he'll be. Grandpa Horton gave him his outfit. It was a nice day with good support from family & a nice dinner at our house after. Love his pouty face:

With Mom and Dad:

Can't get enough of these thumb-sucking pictures!

Mark used the bobcat to get all the [millions] of rocks out of our backyard. We are trying to get sod in [finally!] before the cold weather hits. The kids loved riding in it with Daddy:

Ammon is part tractor I think. He spent hours out there with Mark.

We had a fun trip to the cabin last weekend with our friends the Abeggs. The weather was so beautiful and a bonus of no bugs! I LOVE this picture of Mark and Bryce!

Three cute girls

Ella was so happy to have some time with her good friend Grace

I spent a good part of the time up there with Bryce like this. He slept great in the carrier:

Learning how to blow grass whistles:

Target practice with all the kids:

Cracking nuts for the "chippies"

Mark grew giant sunflowers this year - this shot is in August before the heads filled out. These were about 12 feet tall I think:

He entered his biggest head in the Utah State Fair and it took second place for size! Way to go Mark! We went up to the fair Monday, a fun family tradition, and were happy to see Daddy's ribbon! Too bad we didn't take a camera.

Today (Sept 17) - some more cute smiles:

Other than that I have been busy keeping up with three kids' homework, Holly's jazz class, Ella's "Broadway Bound" music dance theater class (with required at-home practice), canning peaches (although I swore I wouldn't can anything this year I couldn't turn down 2 bushels of free, beautiful peaches from my Dad!), potty training Ammon (incidentally he's doing quite well, but still - ugh!) and all the other general mommy/wife duties that run me ragged! I have been able to get "out" and play volleyball with the ward a few times & although it's not at the level I would prefer, it is fun and a much needed break. Now I'm just really glad it's fall - my favorite time of year!

Some smiles

Our little guy has really sweet smiles - here he is learning to smile, in order approximately 6, 7, and 8 weeks old. All of these I did alone - I'm sure we could capture even better smiles with someone helping me man the camera!

Good think he's a cutie - payback for all those times I get up with him at night :)

A funny

Ammon's latest gem: When wearing his brother's watch yesterday, Ammon said

"It's hurting the neck of my arm. I can't wear it any more; it's hurting the neck of my arm."

A two-year-old's description of the watch hurting his WRIST. So cute!

The past few weeks...

We had a wonderful family reunion in Bear Lake with the Stum family. Preparing for the trip was a beast - it took me DAYS to get laundry, grocery shopping, and packing done. Nursing every 2 hours will do that to you. We looked like we were heading out of town for a month with gear & food for 7 people - the van packed tight, a cartop carrier, and our trailer. Crazy! We camped (in cabins, thank goodness) at the KOA and spent a good amount of time at the beach. Lots of yummy meals, fun activities, and visiting. I was really nervous about taking Bryce, being only one month old, but we managed ok and although I didn't participate in as much as I would have liked, I don't regret going. It was great to see everyone and especially wonderful to get out of the house and have a change of scenery. The kids had an absolutely great time with all their "new" cousins! They wish we could to it every year!

Josh...mud...water...have at it!

Holly

Ella

Ammon fell asleep watching the horseshoe tournament. Must not be his sport of choice. He slept forever - it was awesome.

Ammon loved having his dump truck to play with in the sand

mmmmm....cheetos!

no words...just adorable!

Mark and the kids rafting

Ammon and Ella konked out after playing hard at the beach

Uncle Karl helped the kids make a way fun sand castle

Marci (in the background) and I were debating whether it was harder to be at the reunion with a newborn (me) or very pregnant (her). I still think it's debatable. I was way tired, caring for a rather unpredictable baby, and couldn't get in the water, but I'm positive she was more uncomfortable!

Mark, Em, baby Bryce (4 weeks old)

Bryce sleeping - August 1. I LOVE how he's holding his hands

His cord FINALLY came off when he was three weeks old so he was no longer banned from the tub. Here is his first real bath - he loved it! Even got a little finger sucking time.

Watch that finger, Bryce!

Sleeping peacefully at the beach - 4 weeks old - July 30, 2010