SCHUTAH

We've decided to take the liberty and rename our new state of residence since we're such big stuff around here. I'm sure everybody knows us by now, especially since we've been getting out so much and everything. Actually, this is the first opportunity I've had to blog since we moved because we've been so busy, well, moving! I think I can officially say we're moved in now. The house is unpacked and decorated, and we're establishing a schedule and a regular rhythm to our lives here in Utah. I must give credit to my oh-so-clever husband for coming up with the term "Schutah." I'm a sucker for made-up nominal terms.
We love our new house. It comes with tons of storage space, and the backyard is fantastic. We have a two-story barn, a two-story playhouse, a koi pond, a playground, and a gazebo with a view! The house has new carpet and flooring and plenty of rooms and bathrooms, so start planning your visit. And what a place to see! Someone told us that Utah is America's best kept secret, and I believe they were right. The weather is perfect, and the sights are breathtaking. I'm in awe looking out the window each morning, much less driving a few minutes up the road to one of the country's best ski resorts. We actually got to take advantage of our proximity to the resorts this past Saturday when we went for a family hike at Alta. We hiked in the Albion Basin to a place called Cecret Lake. It was beautiful and a fantastic way to get exercise as a family. The weekdays are very busy for us. Will has started a new school, Hilltop Christian School, where he is in a Pre-k class five days a week. Brighton and I get out in the mornings on walks, shopping, and we've joined a local MOPS group. I have plenty of housework, and I volunteer at Will's school too. We had a good time at the Fall Festival on Friday night. We are slowly getting to know people, and we have finally gotten to visit a church after several weekends of sinus infections for everyone but Jon (the dry air and altitude have been working on us!) Brighton also had a little flare-up with her UC when she had the infection, but we are all on the mend now and feeling incredibly blessed. Enjoy the pictures of our new home (or at least the backyard) and our new home state!

Good morning sunshine! Time to hit the trail!

Brighton rode some, but we did letter hit the trail. She and Will stopped to look at just about everything along the way and to throw rocks, of course.

So proud of my little man who kept on walking.

We made it to the lake--9750 ft above sea level. Time for a rest!

During the summer months, the basin is full of wildflowers. We got to see a little bit of that, but we also got to see some beautiful fall foliage.

Show-off.

Fearless.

And what do we do when we make it to the top? Why, a climbing dance, of course! Get down wich yo bad self!

My little rock climbers :)

Jon hiked a little further to get some better views. The kids and I are in this picture, but we're the teeny tiny specks next to the rock on the left side...that's how far up he hiked!

Time to head down the mountain with some tired kiddos.

Yep, that's snow. It must never melt. While it was a little chilly once we made it to the lake, it wasn't that cold!

And back down we go. Jon is always bringing up the rear, so he can stop and take pictures...

...like these.

That's what my back felt like after having Brighton on it--Oye. And Jon carried her for the steepest part of the hike!

Hmmm...perhaps we take the easy route next time!

We do stay inside every once in a while. I had two little helpers bake pumpkin cookies with me last week for the fall festival at Will's school. They made quite a mess, but they really loved helping --especially when it was time to put in the chocolate chips, which is what they were getting ready to do in the left picture, and we were getting ready to put them in the oven in the right picture.

And what do we do while we wait for the cookies to bake? Why, do a cookie dance, of course!!!

Brighton's favorite indoor activity is getting all dressed up in her costumes and having a tea party or just twirling around. Her room came with a large wall-mounted mirror and a chandalier. It was move-in ready for our little princess. But don't let the costume fool you, Brighton still loves to play drums and sing "rock and roll" into her microphone.

I caught Will and Brighton having a "picnic" next to the pond (the pond is behind that short wall). Will only has school until 11:30 each day, so he and Brighton spend the afternoon playing outside and in their playhouse together. We have actually finished furnishing the playhouse too. It houses Will's tool bench, Brighton's kitchen, a table and chairs as well as some comfy chairs upstairs and little adirondak chairs on the balcony. The view from that playhouse balcony is incredible--too bad it's designed for short people!

The kids are really enjoying the backyard. There never seems to be a shortage of things to do.

From our gazebo looking West. You can also see straight into our bedroom. Note to self: always close curtains at night.

Harvest moon over the mountains. Jon took this from the backyard looking East.

Goodnight Schutah...I mean, Utah ;)