Spooky!

Last Friday, Bryce and I went on a ghost-story tour around Salt Lake with Shannon and Lance. It was super fun, and it was cool to hear all of the local legends. There may have even been a ghost sighting - some of us could swear we saw a nun ghost in the hallway at the old Holy Cross hospital. My favorite story was the one of Jean-Baptiste, a grave robber who was banished to Fremont Island for his crimes and never seen again. (It's true - look it up!) Anyway, it was a good time, and I'd recommend it for a fun Halloween-y date night.

Oooh, spooky, haunted...tour bus.....
We just barely missed Emo's grave - the cemetary had already closed. Shan and I tried to get a picture of "orbs" but were sadly disappointed.Up at the Fort at the U, trying to catch a glimpse of "Clem," the "colorful" (aka icky skirt chaser) ghost that haunts it.I knew it - we got an "orb" on camera! It's spooky, it's creepy, it's......the moon. Oh well, I need to have a ghost story of my own, right?

New-Found Appreciation

On Saturday night, we had to take Cole to Primary Children's. He was running a temperature of nearly 106, which was scaring both Bryce and I to death. They took a bunch of tests and gave him a healthy dose of Motrin, and at about midnight, we were able to go home. He seems to be doing okay, keeping around 103, and should be back to normal within the next couple of days.

Even though it wasn't a huge emergency on the grand scheme of things, I couldn't believe how upsetting the experience was. It gave me an enormous sense of appreciation of families who have to go through having a child who is truly sick. I cannot imagine living with that sense of panic and helplessness day in and day out. I am so grateful Cole has been healthy so far, and hope he will continue down that path. Bryce and I are also appreciative for all the support we had from our families - including putting up with our late-night phone calls.

On one final note: can you bubble-wrap kids?

Fall, How Do I Love Thee?

Last weekend, we ventured up to Silver Lake. This is becoming an annual tradition, and we love seeing the beautiful colors. We figured out that last year we went up on the exact same weekend, which was about a week before my due date. It was fun to go up with Cole and talk about all the changes this year has brought. I think we'll continue this tradition!

17 Again

Our friends Heather and Chad got married last night, and so last week, the girls had a good old fashioned bachelorette party. We played the underwear matching game...(basically, buy a bunch of ugly, cheap underwear and vote on which one matches which person. Then, you get to wear them all night.)And had delicious raspberry chocolate cake...
And gave Heather ridiculously ugly "lingerie."
The wedding was a great time, and we had a little fun with the fact that I was the only non-bridesmaid...
Cole was incredibly good, and Bryce was so nice to watch him while we talked. Cole has learned to back down stairs, but it's hilarious, because he turns and starts backing up a good 6 feet from the stairs.
Happy Wedding, Heather and Chad!

Brawler

Many of you know Bryce had surgery on Monday, so sorry if you've heard all this before! He had his nose broken, and it's been hard to breathe for a long time. So, they went ahead and took care of all the extra cartilage and smoothed things up a bit. I don't think either of us was quite prepared for how much it would take out of him (and I was definitely not prepared for the passing out he did the night of his surgery), but he's doing great. I want to thank everyone who has helped us out - you have been awesome!!! Here's a pic of my little street fighter.
On two other completely random notes:

While I was waiting for Bryce on Monday, I walked around Salt Lake a bit. I found this house, and it made me absolutely ache to be back in London. Can I get a "Huzzah" from anyone?!
Someone found a new cubby to enjoy....And guess who else loves Mommy's Rainbow vacuum..

Random Bits & Pieces

This is kind of a clearinghouse posting, with some pics that don't necessarily go together, but aren't enough for a posting on their own. Enjoy the buffet!

Tearing up paper = super fun times!Cole loves to empty out his toy cupboard, and then crawl in.I call this "Cole's Money Shot." Look at that boot-tay!
Hiking with the Thomsen's over Labor Day Weekend. The good parents we are, we forgot a jacket, so he wore his cousin Mitchell's pj top...which was a bit long.So cute!A little sleepy on the way back. Going, going....Gone.
(Thanks for the adorable hat, Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Randy!)

Mmm...the Chuck-a-rama of pictures. Delightful!

I Remember Camping!

Last weekend, Bryce and I had a short camping trip with Kelly and Jeremy. My mom and dad were so nice, and volunteered to watch Cole. (I heard they had a fantastic time showing him off at church!) We went up to the Uintahs, and had an awesome campsite. It was within walking distance of the Provo river, which was absolutely beautiful.
Bryce couldn't resist the temptation to wade across the river. I guess he's got a little Cap'n in him.We had an absolutely delicious dutch oven dinner of pot roast and potatoes, complete with peach cobbler for dessert.
We also had some ghetto-fun and duct-taped our tent together after the zipper broke.
That night, we made s'mores, watched the stars come out, and talked and laughed.The next morning - bacon and pancakes. The dogs suddenly had a new best friend.
Thank you, Kelly and Jeremy, for inviting us. This trip made me remember that, despite how much work it is, camping is one of my favorite things to do!!!