We Got a Trailer

After that first night of setting up a tent, in the dark, in the rain, with a dog and three very tired kids on our last camping trip, we decided we were getting a trailer. Afterward we talked about it and decided it was something we would definitely use for many, many years. So we started looking and doing our research because, well, they're not exactly cheap so we wanted to make the best choice.
Today we brought home our new home away from home and I couldn't love it more.
My only requirement was that it have at least 3 bunks in it for the boys so I wouldn't have to put a table or couch down to a bed all the time and, more importantly, listen to the fights over who had to sleep on the couch or table bed. Also, after walking through some with the boys running around, I insisted on at least one slide.
We ended up getting a stellar deal on a new Jayco. It has my 3 bunks, plus what they call j cubes (think little kid couches that fold out into mats to lay on). Those are all in a huge bunkroom in the back with slides on both sides. It has one more slide where the couch and dinette are as well.
We are super excited about it, and hope to get to use it at least once this year, but we will see, time is running out fast.
If nothing else, I look forward to all the many years of amazing, fun memories I know will be made with it in tow!

Zoo Field Trip with Cooper

One of my favorite parts about the preschool we go to is the monthly field trips. It makes me make time to do things I might put off with my kiddos. Today that field trip was to the zoo. Jason had never been on a field trip with us so he decided to take a day off and go as well.
Fall is the perfect time to go to the zoo. It's not busy and the animals are more active since it's cooler outside.
Even Emmett, who wasn't feeling to great, had a great time. He especially loved the monkeys, getting right up to the glass and waving his arms excitedly.
Coop loved to see the giraffes and ride the zoo train. We were excited to see that one of the two new polar bears was out in the exhibit and couldn't wait to show Jake the pictures because they are his very favorite.

Mystery Solved

For a couple of weeks now, the toilets in our house have been getting clogged far more than they should.
Today, as I went to help Coop in the bathroom I figured out why. It had to be the football sized balls of toilet paper he was rolling up to wipe his little bum with. Oi!

Field Trip Back in Time

I was lucky to spend the day with Jacob on his field trip to the American West Heritage Center in Logan. It's a farm that is celebrating it's 100th birthday this year. The kids got to go around to different presenters and learn about how a farm was run 100 years ago.

We went inside a chicken coop with actual chickens living in it and the smell to prove it. Next we learned about and went inside a root cellar, and a smokehouse. Last we stopped by the woodshed. As we went to each stop, the kids thought it was pretty crazy that many of the jobs they saw would have been theirs if they lived on a farm back then.

Next we went to the barn where they got to milk a cow. Jake's reaction when he reached for the teat and the cow started to pee was priceless. I've never seen him move so fast. 

After that we got to shuck and grind corn, use an apple press to make cider, watch the blacksmith, go inside the old farmhouse kitchen, thresh wheat, and wash laundry with an old washboard.

Watching the kids disbelief as they learned about all the hard work it took to live day to day was entertaining. 

Before going home we went to the bowery to eat our lunch. I ended up giving mine to two kids to share since they somehow ended up without anything. Had to stop at Maddox after, darn!

Maccarthy Party!

Last night, for the first time ever, I had the entire Maccarthy family under my roof. Maccarthy is my maiden name for those that don't know. Also, for those that don't know, we are a fun bunch. I kid you not. This side of my family is so easy to be around and always fun.
This was also the first time in many years the Maccarthy's were in full force in one place. A lot of them live in California or Arizona, and up until recently we've had some out on missions. I really wish we could do this more, especially now that there's been many new spouses added to the family that I haven't had the chance to really get to know.

Of course, as in most cases, this didn't happen under the best circumstances. We had all gathered for a memorial service today for my aunt Carolen that recently passed after a long battle with cancer. Her passing was a surprise, not because we didn't know she was incredibly ill, but because she never ever complained, so we never knew she was so close to being done. Needless to say, she will be missed, but I am so happy to be a part of the family that I am that can take any circumstance and bring the happy. And of course we are so happy for her to be reunited with her son along with so many others we've lost.

Emmett the Monkey

This little monkey is always keeping me on my toes. I thought my other two were climbers, but he has put them to shame! It seems as though every time I turn around, he's climbed up something else, including all the way to the top of the ladder on his older brother's bunk bed. Heaven help me!

Buddy Birthdays

This morning we got a last minute text inviting Jake to join our neighbors, Ayden and Lilly, at Boondocks to celebrate their birthday. Jake was a bit nervous and asked me to go with him, and I am so glad I did. Not only do I just love the two birthday kiddos, but it was so fun to watch Jake trying some new things. We had a great time and I am very much looking forward to taking him again soon.

Can't believe he is big enough to drive his own go cart!