**More Farmin'**

Today, we went out to my dad's to clean (Why do I clean my dad's house? That's another story...). While I was cleaning, Haylie got to go out in the tractor with him to "clean up the fields" as he calls it. She wanted to be "just like Papa," so she wore her red cow girl boots, and her jeans even though I told her it would be hot. Quite the persistent little thing... At one point, in the tractor, she told my dad she "needed to see Mom because she will leave me" He told her "Not right now; I gotta finish this field. She won't leave you." So, she told him ok, and not 2 minutes later she was passed out on the floor of the tractor; one hand holding a back of cereal/crackers and one hand holding onto the handle on the door. Anyway, right before we left, she wanted to sit up on the tailgate by Dad and I snapped a couple of pictures (which I think turned out hilarious!). I told Haylie to say "cheese" so she is telling Papa to say it too!
This picture is so funny... both knew I was taking the picture, and yet they both have a look of complete blankness. I love it.

Really, I shouldn't be surprised....

This kid is all over everything. Currently, I have all of my dining chairs on top of my dining table. We have a stool that is sitting on the counter. If I could put the high chair on the counter, I would. Because I don't have room for the high chair on the counter, he can push it all around the kitchen and can climb up, on top of it, and onto any part of the counter. This morning, I had Haylie in the bathtub. I walked out to get a towel, and when I walked back into the bathroom, this is what I saw:?????

Apparently he wanted to take a bath too. :]

Papa's Tractor

One thing I remember from growing up is riding in "Daddy's tractor." During harvest time, we'd ride up and down rows and rows of whatever they were harvesting: potatoes, onions, wheat, etc. So, there's nothing I love more than passing that on to my kids. They absolutely love riding in "Papa's tractor" and he loves it too. Today must have been a day of few breakdowns, because he was in a particularly good mood, so I was very happy we showed up. Connor kicked and screamed, arched his back, and banged his head over and over on his car seat when it was time to get out of the digger. They just love their Papa. I love that my kids are doing the same thing I did at their age. It's really amazing to watch a crop grow and then get to see the fruits of my dad's labor. He is such a hard worker and I am very proud of him. I love this picture. I might have to blow it up and frame it!
Haylie & Papa
:)
Corry helping Haylie down from her turn in the digger!
Now it's Connor's turn!
Connor just ooh'ed and ahh'ed at everything on the digger. He LOVES big machinery and I have a feeling that we'll be going back a few more times before harvest is done for the year!

*Temple Update*

Well.... it looks like Manti Temple is a no-go. We have decided to stay and go through the temple here. Not a disappointment... just not sure Joe's family will be able to attend and that's sad. We've also pushed the date back to probably sometime in mid-October. Reason being... temple prep classes won't be done in time for the date we originally had planned. It's ok, really. Gas prices are just so dang expensive, and all in all, it probably isn't the smartest thing to drive all the way down there. We would love it if anyone would like to come and share the day with us. :) We're very excited, so keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer for us!!

The Boy and His Dirt

SO, I hope you all aren't thinking, 'What is she thinking? Her child is naked!' Well...the moment was just to precious to pass a picture...! I was emptying the kiddie pool on some spots in the yard that weren't as green, and of course he jumped right in and got all muddy. So we stripped him! He had the best time playing in the dirt. I love seeing Connor "be a boy." I love Haylie more than words can describe, but there's just something about Connor... the way a little boy's mind works fascinates me. To see him play in the dirt makes me miss living in the country... I miss the quiet. I want my kids to be able to go outside and play, and me not have to worry. Someday...

Gymnastics

Haylie is always so eager to show us the things she learns in gymnastics. Today, she told Joe, "Dad, you take a picture of my bridge." So, of course, he unwrapped her off his little finger and did as he was told! :) She can't quite get her head off the floor yet, but this was her first try, so we were very proud!

Just another day...

Haylie + Pudding =

I don't think anyone will ever be able to completely break down the way a child's mind works. Haylie never ceases to amaze me. I'm trying really hard to relax more and to be more choosy when it comes time to "pick my battles." She decided that she was going to take a nap in "Mom and Dad's bed" today, so I let her. No harm done... she's getting sleep, right? I went in to check on her, and sure enough, she wasn't in the bed. In one corner of our room is a treadmill. Right above her head, is a dresser. To her right, as you can see, is a basket full of laundry. Why she had to pick the tightest spot in our room is beyond me. She did make sure to cover up her doll though.... :) (And why do I only have one outlet protected? Going downstairs to cover it up right now!)

The Birthday Girl!!

Zonked in the car..... BEFORE the party...

She got a little embarassed while we were singing to her.
Connor was feeling a little left out so we caught this picture of him trying to keep my sunglasses on his little face. :)
Her new Dora "Pa-pack"
Wonder what it is.... :) And she had it mastered within the first 10 minutes of riding! Sierra was such a big helper! She picked up all of the wrapping paper that Haylie threw on the ground and put it all in the garbage. Thanks Sierra :)

The fam... too bad Haylie's picking her nose and Connor's trying to get down.

Connor in the swing!

Perfect end to a beautiful day! Haylie had a wonderful 3rd birthday party, which we spent in Prosser at the park. Dad, Mom & Larry, Gma & Gpa E., Papa Bell, Aunt Shannie and Larry's grandkids Evan & Sierra were all there to help celebrate the big day. She received some very nice gifts and played with Evan and Sierra. Ms. Craig showed up, so we were very happy to have her hang out for a little bit [Thanks Ms. Craig :)]. All in all we had a great time!!