our cherry tree

The first year we lived in this house, there were a ton of birds that swooped in and ate all the cherries. Last year, we didn't get very many cherries, and the birds got all but about 10. This year, we have loads and loads of cherries. We have to give credit to one of our neighbors who is a tree expert that came down and helped Dave trim our fruit trees. The birds have gotten some, but not too many. The kids have had a lot of fun, especially Audrey, climbing in the tree picking the cherries. I keep wondering why the birds haven't eaten more. I finally came to the conclusion that maybe since they don't have worms in them, the birds don't like them as much. Not enough protein.
One day last week Audrey said she REALLY wanted to open a cherry stand to sell the cherries. She begged and begged. Just before I was about to get really mad at her for pestering me so much, I thought, what would it hurt? She can sit out there at her table and I can work in the yard. So I said yes. She got it all set up, we put up some signs and the umbrella for shade. She sold quart sized bags for $2 and gallon bags for $5. She ended up selling $30 that day and $30 the next. She was so happy! Maddi and Audrey sat at the table calling out "Cherries, $2, Fresh Picked!" It was soooo cute! Kimee got up in the tree and picked more cherries while they were at the stand. The next day, we put up the ladder another notch so we could reach more cherries.
This week, we could see the cherries we didn't pick last week had turned dark. And because it rained so much, they got really big and juicy. This time, we picked and picked and brought them in for us to use. Kimee pitted a TON. Here hands were stained red for a while:) We put some bags in the freezer and then I made: cherry limeade, cherry shortbread cookies, cherry pie filling (and the cheesecake to put it on), chocolate chip cherry ice cream.

December Events

Kimee had her winter orchestra concert on Dec. 6. Afterwards we had a chance to go to the Polar Express in Lindon. It is such a neat experience. First, the train takes you through some cutsey Christmas stuff and to the North Pole. There, the kids got to talk to Santa. Before moving on, he explains the meaning of Christmas. As you are leaving the North Pole, Santa asks everyone to sing Silent Night. The train then goes through a series of scenes and large pictures of the life of Christ. It is really reverent and special.

We got a lot of snow in December.

 Dec. 18

 Dec. 7

 Maddi had her Christmas program on Dec. 18.

The Christmas sing was extra special since Kimee was in the orchestra. They played a few songs at the beginning.

On Saturday, Dec. 21, we had a really fun family Christmas party at Pete's. Each family brought one type of Minute to Win It. We did everything from Oreos to cups to life savers. Then we played Christmas songs on the pipe bells. We love having time with our cousins and family!

Lots of Maddi

Maddi is such a hard worker. When she puts her mind to something, she sticks with it and there's nothing you can do to change it. This can be extremely annoying and also, amazing to watch. 

This summer, she decided she wanted to be able to snap her fingers. She worked at it over and over and over. On July 8, she got it. I was amazed at her determination.

Maddi loves playing with my camera. Pretty cute! Aug. 2

Maddi loves eating candy. Like really loves. I think they are days she eats more candy than all other food combined. It's not fun for the rest of us.

Maddi's first day of preschool was on September 3.

Maddi was so excited when it was finally her turn to fill the bucket with her favorite things to show her class. The picture she choose to bring of herself is from the top of the rock on our camping trip.

Maddi learned how to ride her bike on Sept. 7. She was 4 years old. We couldn't find the training wheels after we moved, so she never had a chance to use them. She just rode her scooter a lot. We finally found them and put them on Audrey's old bike for her. Maddi rode for a few weeks with them on and she was ready to have them off again. We were amazed at how quick she took off.

We went to the Loertscher's Fall Festival on Sept. 28 and had a great time eating delicious navajo tacos and scones, face painting, playing games and getting pumpkins:) It was so much fun! And so great to see old friends.

A tender mercy that happened was that we went to the Grovecrest carnival on Friday night. The kids really really wanted to get cotton candy. I told them we could get some after we ate dinner. We went into the cafeteria to eat dinner, and when we came out the cotton candy was all gone. They were so sad and I felt really bad. Then I remembered the Fall festival the next day. I told the kids they would have cotton candy there and I would buy them 2. I was so happy to see that cotton candy the next day!

Maddi's half birthday was on Oct. 13. Finally, 4 1/2! Such a cutie! I love this girl so much!

Haircuts

For most people this is not considered an event, but for my girls, they only get their hair cut by a professional once a year. Wendy makes them look and feel so pretty. It's a special event.
For a few years now, we have had a tradition of getting their hair cut on or near their birthday. So we set an appointment with Wendy for July 23 for both Kimee and Audrey.

Mom and Maddi got their back to school cuts on Aug. 13. Maddi had to be patient while mom was getting her hair done. She finished eating her hamburger, and then played with mom's phone:)