The Pumpkin Patch

It just isn't October unless we haul our tushies down to Jaker's Pumpkin Patch here in Springville.  It's a family tradition--the kids play in the corn pit, run around in the hay maze, and take a ride around the pumpkin fields pulled by a tractor.  Henry loved the small petting zoo, paying special attention to the llama and the little goats.  So cute!  These kids love going to the pumpkin patch.

Ben is 7!

Ben is an amazing kid who challenges me every day.  At the end of September, Ben turned 7.  He is one of the tallest kids in his class, he's an amazing reader, and all school subjects come easily to him.  He is one smart kid!  He loves school, playing Nintendo DS and Minecraft on the iPad, and building with his Legos.  He is so creative, and he needs to be busy to be happy.  I've never seen a kid so busy-just watching him makes me tired!  We love this wild boy to the moon and back.  

For Ben's birthday, we opened presents at home, and then went out to Red Robin for dinner.  Ben got some great gifts - video games from Grandpa Ben and Mom and Dad, some new shirts and underwear from Grandma Susan, and Mom and Dad got him Iron Man and Iron Patriot action figures, too.  He was thrilled with all of his gifts.

Ben also had a friend birthday party to celebrate the big 7.  The party was sports themed, and I got all crazy and made a football cake that actually turned out pretty cute.  There were actually more boys at the party than this picture shows, so our little house was overrun with wild and crazy boys going nuts!  We painted faces, danced to Jock Jams, played Minute to Win It games, and had a soccer shoot out.  Ben told us it was the best birthday ever, so we must have done something right!

Sylvia's Baptism

 Daddy and Sylvia before the baptism.

At the baptismal font. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again--Sylvia has the best grandparents ever.  

She doesn't know how good she has it!

Sylvia in her special baptism dress.  She looked radiant!

One week ago today, Sylvia was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It was such a special day for her!  Nate was excited to baptize her, and it was an absolutely beautiful service. Grandpa Benny gave the talk about baptism, and made Sylvia laugh when he told the funny story of when he baptized Aunt Bonnie many years ago.  Grandma Susan gave the talk about the Holy Ghost, and had visual aids that went with her talk that Sylvia got to keep!  A beautiful blanket, scriptures, hand warmers, and a flashlight--so neat!  Sylvia and I sang When I am Baptized, and guess who sang beautifully?  Sylvia was amazing, of course, and I cried all the way through the song.  Aunt Melissa played the music for us, and it was so wonderful. Nate baptized her and confirmed Sylvia, and afterwards, we had lots of yummy refreshments.  Sylvia got her wish--Grandma Susan brought BYU eclairs!  We are so grateful that both sets of grandparents could be there for Sylvia's baptism.  It was really fun going to lunch with all of them, too.  I know that Sylvia won't ever forget this special day.

The First Day of School

My Cuties in their "first day attire."  Isn't that skirt adorable on Sylvia?
 (lovingly made my Grandma Susan)

Sylvia and Ben had been counting down the days until school started.  They were so ready to go!  This year, Sylvia is in 3rd grade, and Ben is in 1st grade.  So far, they are loving their teachers, spending time with their friends, and getting back into the swing of routine and learning new things.  I am excited for them--I always loved school, too.  Henry waves the big kids off each morning, and misses them while they're gone.  After a few weeks now, he's gotten used to just hanging out with Mom.  I'm sure Sylvia and Ben are going to have a great school year.

Sylvia Turns 8

I love this girl.  

Sylvia turned 8 today.  We celebrated by buying her new purple headphones that she can use with her laptop.  ( I don't want to listen to www.barbie.com all afternoon, you know what I mean?! )  We also bought her a crayon maker, a messenger bag that she got to decorate herself, earrings, a soccer ball, and a few new clothes.  I bought the kids Happy Meals for lunch - a rarity at our house, and we had the dinner she requested, which was stir fry.  Then, after dance lessons and a soccer game, we enjoyed cake and ice cream with Grandma and Grandpa Goodrich, Uncle Eric, and Grandma Susan. It was a fun and busy day.

Sylvia is very excited to get baptized at the end of the month.  Last Sunday, she had her interview with the bishop, and we have been preparing by talking about baptism at our Family Home Evenings.  I think that she has a fairly good grasp on the kind of commitment she is making, and she is taking it very seriously.  Nathan and I are quite proud of Sylvia!  She is learning and progressing every day, and maturing as well.  She's a bright girl who is kind to others, and she is a wonderful artist and dancer.  And don't get me started on the singing!  She has such a beautiful voice.   Happy birthday, Sylvia!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

My Little Oompa Loompas

For the last month, my bigs have been practicing for Springville Playhouse's children's production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  They are the most adorable little Oompa Loompas that have ever been born!  Both of them have worked on their songs and routines very diligently, and their hard work has definitely paid off in their performance.  They have done so well!  This mom is definitely proud.  May I just say-my kids have it in their blood!!!

Pioneer Day

The Orme Kids Really Like Parades

Well, we've been busy working on the house, but we took a time out to head out to Mapleton to go to the Pioneer Day parade.  Lots of kids riding their bikes, firetrucks, a few floats, and lots of horses.  Small town parades are great.  We lit some fireworks with the kids to celebrate the day as well.  Too fun!

The 4th

Independence Day Fun

It was so much fun to have my family come to Utah and visit for the week of the 4th of July.  We hung out, ate yummy food, drank lots of Dr. Pepper, and sweltered in the awful triple digit heat.  On the 4th of July, we went to the Freedom Festival Parade in Provo, enjoyed KFC for lunch, took naps, and then headed to Rock Canyon Park to watch the fireworks display from the Stadium of Fire.  Holidays are always better with family!

Kelley's Grove

After Chase Acheson's farewell on June 30th, we were too hot to function down in the valley.  So, we decided to take the kiddos up to Kelley's Grove in Hobble Creek Canyon.

We found this weird creeper in the bushes. 

 This little guy slept most of the afternoon.



These kids had a blast playing in the cool water.

We love Auntie Margaret! 

Henry decided it would be a good idea to strip down and take a stroll through the clover.

Family Pictures

Nate's baby sister Melissa was married at the end of June, and the wedding was absolutely beautiful.  It was a great occasion to have a few pictures taken of our little family.  I absolutely love these cute pics-they really capture my kids' personalities.  Fun pictures from a very fun day.

Henry Is A Handful

We really like this kid, but he makes watching the ball game a little hard.

Softball Sylvia

Sylvia is adorable on the softball field.  We love watching her play.  Her swing is improving with each game, and she is a fast little runner.  I asked her to look at me so I could take a picture of her on the field, and she jumped up and down, and did a shimmy!  Her personality shines through, no matter what activity she is engaged in.

Classic Skating Fun

My sweet friend Sara invited us to Classic Skating to have some air conditioned summer fun last week.  We ate pizza, played in bouncy houses, and skated (or scooted) to our hearts content.  Sara and I let the kids play for hours! It is rare to find a place that keeps this many kids entertained for such a long stretch.  We'll have to go to Classic Skating again sometime, before the summer is over.

Aunt Janie's Funeral

Nathan and me at Janie's grave site. 

An awesome "Y" for the lady who dedicated her life to BYU. 

The pallbearers carrying Janie's casket. 

Janie's beautiful pink casket. 

Great Uncle Sam dedicated Janie's grave. 

Henry really enjoyed the luncheon after the service.

Aunt Janie's funeral service was lovely.  We attended her viewing on Friday evening, which was nice because it wasn't packed with family, and I got a chance to see her without a lot of interruptions.  BYU brought down her portrait for the viewing, and it was neat to see so many beautiful displays of pictures of Janie's adventures from her life.  Saturday morning, we attended the funeral service, which was packed with family, friends, and Janie's former BYU students.  The speakers were wonderful, the music was spiritual, and there was just a nice feeling of love that permeated the room.  The family attended the grave site service, where Uncle Sam dedicated Janie's grave.  We sang hymns, and it felt like a wonderful celebration.  After that, we went to a family luncheon, where we ate, talked, laughed and had lots of fun with cousins, aunts and uncles.  It was long, lovely day dedicated to the memory of dear, sweet Aunt Janie.

Art City Days Fun

The carnival is always fun!

I love Ben's "Blue Steel" face in this picture.

 

In the stands watching Sylvia in the Springville High Mini Cheer Spectacular

 Getting ready to ride in the Childrens' Parade.

Snow cones are a great reward for being good parade participants.

 

                   

 And as always, the Childrens' Art Festival was a hit with Sylvia, and a miss with Ben.  Hey, at least he got a balloon sword out of it!

Besides the 4th of July, Art City Days in Springville is probably my most favorite time of year.  There are so many fun things to do, and we pretty much do most of them!  We had to miss the Grand Parade this year, so that we could attend the much more important funeral of sweet Aunt Janie, but we made up for it by going down to the high school baseball fields to watch the fireworks on Saturday night.  All in all, Art City Days was a ton of fun this year!