Pumkin Patch

We decided to go to the same pumpkin patch as we did last year.  When we pulled in there were no signs or anything showing they were open.  Casey knocked on the door and come to find out they had decided not to do it this year.  They had planted lots of pumpkins so the sweet lady decided to let us pick some anyway - phew!  We don't think our friends would have been thrilled if it was closed after we drove at least 20 minutes to get there.  Spencer definitely was more into it this year.  We ended up with 5 pumpkins. 

Spencer and Casey scoping out their options

Just the perfect size of pumpkin for Spencer

 

This one was a little big for him but it didn't stop him from trying to pick it up. 

 

Spencer spotting another pumpkin while Ryanne poses for a picture

 

Family photo

The Smith family

 

Casey hauling out all our pumpkins plus some other special cargo:) 

We got a steal of a deal on pumpkin prices.  The lady said she would only charge $0.10 per pound which was at least $0.20 cheaper than any of the stores around.  We ended up paying her more because we were so grateful she let us in. 

Spencer around the house

Our little boy loves to cook, bake, eat, and be in the kitchen.  If you try to fix a meal without him he absolutely melts down.  Mommy doesn't mind the mess, but daddy can't stand it.  

Spencer really likes chocolate and we don't know why or how.  Both Casey and I don't like it so we rarely have it in the house.  Maybe it was his aunts, uncles, or grandparents that introduced him to it.

Spencer also loves, loves, loves books.  He likes being read to or doing it on his own.  Sometimes he will have you read the same book over and over and over again.  I have most of our books memorized which is quite impressive since we have a small library.

Another favorite pastime of his is playing in the dirt.  He takes my kitchen utensils outside and digs forever.  Many times he eats the dirt while playing.  He doesn't think it's gross yet.

One afternoon Spencer grabbed Casey's bike helmet and was obessed with wearing it.  We had to put mine on him instead because it fit better and stayed on.  He hasn't really worn the helmet since, but that day it was his favorite thing. 

 

Spencer wondering why mommy is taking pictures of him doing nothing.

Spencer showing his mouthful of teeth for the camera.

Spencer really likes to help with the laundry - highlight of his week!  He has now figured out how to climb into the dryer and likes to play in there.  Don't worry, I watch him close.

This is what happened when I told him I would shut the door:)

Our little big guy is now officially a toddler.  Where did the time go?

3rd Anniversary

So I don't have any pictures for this post but I wanted to let everyone know how great my husband is.  Our anniversary was actually on Tuesday the 18th however; we had decided to celebrate last night since Casey has fall break today and tomorrow.  We said we were keeping things simple so I thought we were going to dinner and maybe a movie.  Along the way Casey tells me that we are going to see the movie The Help in Salt Lake City.  I was excited because I just finished the book for my book club.  Anyway, he said we had to make one stop first.  He pulled into a Little America Hotel and I looked at him and said "are you lost?  Tell me what restaurant you're looking for and I'll help you find it."  He looks at me at says "I got us a room for the night."  I was so surprised and excited at the same time.  I had no clue he was planning this.  I think I was more shocked that my good friend didn't say anything to me.  It was so fun to sneak away for a night and enjoy a good movie and a nice dinner.  Sleeping in this morning was equally as great.  I am so blessed to have Casey as my husband.  He always knows what I need even when I don't know myself.  I'm thankful everyday for it working out between us.  It might have taken a long time to figure things out, but it was worth it.  Here's to another 50 years! 

Montana

After spending time in Idaho with Ryanne's mom we went to Montana to spend time with the rest of Ryanne's family.  Below are the highlights of our trip.

 Spencer with his cousins - Justin, Caleb, and Jessica

 Spencer and Casey

Because Ryanne had to work she didn't get to do a lot of the activities during the day.  It didn't stop Casey and Spencer from exploring Libby.

 Uncle Josh was a trooper.  He put the kids into his kayak and pulled them around.  They just loved it!

 Casey taught the kids the fine art of parading.  First, stand as close to the edge as possible second, make eye contact, and third say "happy 4th of July".  The kids came home with triple the amount of candy as anyone around us. 

 The grandparents surprised the grandkids with a day trip out to a friends farm.  They had lots of horses and 2 minis.  All the kids loved the pony rides.

 In the evenings after grandad got off work he'd take the kids on 4-wheeler rides.  Spencer got to stop at the creek and throw rocks in.  He was the happiest boy ever.

Spencer getting into the fire crackers.  We did not go to the firework show in Troy because it didn't start until 11:00 pm.  That's right, it stays light until around 11 pm in the summer time.  We splurged on our own fireworks so the kids would still have a show.

Spencer went to bed before we lit all the fireworks, but we think the sound woke him up.  Perfect time to take a family photo!

Grandad loves to fish and so do the grandkids.  We went to the pond a couple of times and caught lots of fish. 

Justin with the big catch of the day.

For Casey's birthday we spent the day at Glacier National Park.  He had never been nor had Spencer so it was time.  Unfortunately not all the snow was melted so half the park was closed.  I guess that means we have to go back next year.

The only hike we did was along the road that was closed to cars.  Most of the other trails were closed off.  It was still beautiful scenery even though we were on the road. 

We went on one hike for maybe 5 minutes before Ryanne wussed out.  At the entrance a sign was posted about a mountain lion who had been frequenting the area.  Ryanne does not liked to be stalked and made us turn back.  Maybe next year we'll be able to go on the hike!

Hiawatha Bike Trail

 As you know it's been awhile since we've updated our blog.  We had such a fun summer that we didn't make time for blog posts.  Even though we don't have a lot of spare time now we've finally committed ourselves. 

We visited Ryanne's mom this summer for a week.  During that time we biked the Hiawatha Bike Trail.  It starts off with a 2 mile long tunnel that is pitch black and freezing cold.  We were not prepared for it and poor Spencer screamed the whole way through the tunnel.  The other tunnels along the 15 miles trail weren't as long so he did fine.  The beautiful scenery definitely made up for that one scary tunnel. 

 Spencer chillin in his bike carrier. 

 Ryanne, Amber, Leslie, and Josh

 We stopped half way to eat lunch and to rest our legs.  Spencer did not want to get back into his carrier, but he had no choice.

 It took us a few hours to complete the trail.  Somehow Spencer found a comfortable spot and fell asleep for an hour.  This is a family photo at the very end of the trail.

Instead of biking 15 miles uphill back to our cars we paid to take the shuttle.  However, it doesn't take you the full way back.  You still have to go through the 2 mile long dark, scary tunnel.  Spencer was not happy about this but Casey sang and I rode behind him so he had a light on him.  He did much better this time, but we can't say the same for Amber.  She looked right into an oncoming bikers light, lost her balance, and crashed.  We all laughed because painful accidents are funny, but we're glad she had a helmet on because otherwise it would have been her head that cracked open.  Her legs were pretty beat up  but she survived to tell the tale.  What a fun trip!