Quick Get Away

After 14 hrs. in the car arriving at the coast was a welcoming site. We had the time and at the last minute decided to jump in the car and take a quick trip to Cannon Beach.

 Avery happily greeted her favorite seal!  Actually the only seal that she will even get near!  She was terrified of the Seals at the Seaside Aquarium while Addie couldn't get enough of them!

 After a fun day of chasing waves and digging holes those two liked to get in a few rounds of Just Dance 4.

 Why would I even think that Avery would love the beach, she is polar opposite of her sister! Avery was doing alright until a sneaker wave came up and totally got us. But still it was Paul and I who got soaked the girls were safe and sound high in our arms! Yet, after that Avery was very skeptical of the water, she like to keep her distance!

 The first 2 days were a bit hazy then rainy in the afternoons, but have no fear we managed to keep busy!

 After 2 fun filled days, Avery decided to stir things up a bit and have a bout of Croup that scared her parents half to death.  But after a ride in an ambulance, a couple hours in the ER, and a really long night, the sun decided to shine and give up 2 absolutely beautiful days.

 We managed to get out a bit and enjoy the sunshine, but not too long!  2/3 of the family needed a nap.  Addie managed to sleep thru the entire thing, she thought it was a dream.

 A little ice cream will make everything all better!  We managed to create several masterpieces!  The girls discovered the fun of watercolors.  They wanted to paint just like Abby's grandma!  

 We didn't dare take Avery out, but I couldn't resist a beautiful sunset! 

 The rest of the family enjoyed the sunset from the warmth of the house!  What can I say we were a little protective of Avery, and Addie didn't want to leave her Dad.  

 Let the Madagascar marathon begin!  

 Lots of movies, games, art work, dress up it was time to tell Mr. Bear Good-Bye.  

It was extremely fun and exhausting trip.  We are forever Thankful for the Parkers and their generosity and preparedness.  As Avery needed a humidifier and some cold medicine and then when Paul got a stomach bug, they had everything we needed form medicine to movies.  We were all able to relax and enjoy our quick get away to the coast.

P.S. If you are ever in Cannon Beach their EMTs are amazing, not even a dirty shoe mark to be found!

Family Picture

Wow we are a good looking family! 

As I looked and admired our last family portrait I realized that we were missing someone!

 How could we not include this cute little Monster!

 We are seriously blessed with 2 amazing girls! 

 Every time I look at Addie she seems to have grown another inch!  

 Addie and her best friend Ellie.  Addie informed me that Ellie was her dog, we were just taking care of her until Addie joined our family.

 I look at these beauties and if I didn't know that they came from my body I would have to wonder!  Are any of my traits dominant? I never ever have thought of myself as recessive! Good thing Paul and all my Dad's genes make cute kids!

Field Trip

Addie had her 1st field trip, thus Mom and Ave did too!

Addie's pre-school took a field trip to meet Smokey the Bear. 

 They learned all about the animals and plants in the forest, what happens when there is a fire and how Smokey the Bear came about!

 Lets just say they were skeptical about Smokey, Avery wanted nothing to do with him and didn't want to be near him!

The fire truck was by far the coolest part of the field trip!  All the kids loved getting to man the hose!  All in All I think it was a fun outing.

A few Noteworthy Things

Being Fall in all, tis the season of projects at our house!  I find that fall and spring are the best times to get things done!  The kids can play and and you can get things done!  Works wonderfully when the stars are alined. 

 I updated our outdoor light fixtures.  They were looking a little worn, but nothing a can of Rustoleum couldn't fix.  Now they are good as new!

 Avery has mastered the art of undressing herself!  Leave this kid unattended to too long, and she might be naked the next time you see her!

 Addie still loves our Ellie, but now she insists that she is her dog.  I have tried to tell her that we had Ellie before we had her, but she insists we were keeping Ellie for her!

 Avery thinks that she is a big girl, loves all bags of any size!

 This Month has been one Halloween wreath after another.  But who could resist when they turn out so cute!

 Our neighbor grew a bunch of pumpkins and let the neighborhood kids pick one.  Addie was happy to point out hers and let me carry it, Avery on the other hand had to carry hers all by herself.

Most of all we were just happy to hang out with our Dad! We always love it when he is in town!

Our Great Adventure

I think I love Fall almost as much as summer!  Beautiful fall colors, warm afternoons, cool evenings, yup I love it!

 We headed up the canyon and were off to explore Stewart Falls!

 What a beautiful view! The Girls actually were amazing.  Avery loves the packpack as she calls it.  Addie walked the entire 4 miles, she tripped once, but she bounced back and was ready to find the waterfall.

 When we made it to the waterfall, Avery didn't want out of the backpack.  She was a sleepy bugger and ended up sleeping most of the hike back.

 We a blessed to live in  beautiful place and fortunate enough to be able to get out and enjoy a bit of what Utah has to offer!

 It was a nice reminder to get more often and enjoy the beautiful scenery of our backyard, more like our front yard but you know what I mean!

After a nice afternoon hiking, Mi Ranchito was just what the doctor ordered!  

Another Great Saturday

What a beautiful afternoon!  The sun was shinning, it was warm, and the kids were happy! Even better Dad was happy! FOOTBALL is in full swing at our house!

 While the kids were playing and running wild, know that the TV was on and tuned into FOOTBALL!

 It may have been a sad day for the Hogs, but not for us Hannants!  We were all smiles.  The girls had trees to climb neighbor kids to play with and treats to be eaten! 

 Good thing this little munchie doesn't know her numbers, or she might not be so smiley!  

 BIY BIY GO COUGS!

Tate refers to BYU as BIY, I haven't had to heart to tell Addie that it isn't BIY. Our neighborhood is split with lots of BYU fans and several Utes.  So while some Ute fans were out all the BYU fans set up a tailgate party in their driveway!  As we were all tailgating, the rest of the neighborhood drove by in their church clothes for Stake Conference! Better luck next time, maybe!

Great Fall afternoon, sun, friends & lots of football! 

(Yes I even enjoyed it, but in a month or so I'm sure i'll be sick of football)

Afternoon at the Zoo

Paul & Addie absolutely LOVE the Zoo!

 The bird show was a definite hit!  

 The girls were not very pleased that the birds had to go back into their cages!  Even Avery loved the Bird Show. WHich is saying a lot, she isn't my animal lover, sometimes she is even afraid of her "lellie" at times.

 Rocky Shores the new exhibit was amazing!  The girls loved watching the polar bear and the seals swim and play!

 Where did that cute otter come from, Oh wait it's just my Addie!

 AHHHHH the lion is trying to eat my family!  

We had a great afternoon at the Zoo.  Avery might have been a bit grumpy, but we were only able to leave with the promise of going again another day!