First Annual Mabey Fall Kickoff

I have recently been reading the book "Three Steps to a Strong Family" (found here).  And it emphasizes the need for tradition in families.  Now, Jordan and I dreamed of fun traditions we would have as a family before we even had kids, so when I read about this I was super excited to sit down with Jordan and brainstorm more traditions.  Daily, weekly, and ones for special occasions....and one tradition I have wanted to do for years we finally started today!

I LOVE fall and Halloween so we decided to celebrate the first day of fall.  We made scones, drank hot cocoa, watched some Ichabod and cuddled together...Someday when we own a house I want to add a crackling fire to that list ;).  After a bit of a rough day for me it livened up my spirits and made me feel extra grateful for my little family and that any time I want to celebrate ANYTHING I have the power to...and I love that!

I desperately hope that these little traditions we are making for our kids will do the same for them, that perhaps after a hard day they can end it feeling loved.

Utah

Here are just a few snaps from Utah.  

My Parents have oodles of Lilac in their yard and I am all heart eyes over them.

Climbing ladders now and scaring me half to death- but I am learning to let it go and just let her PLAY!!!!

Jordan showing her the deliciousness that is honeysuckle... Now she walks around trying to suck nectar out of every flower she sees, which is funny but could prove to be dangerous.  When I was little I was trying to do the same and my brothers gave me a flower that was actually poisonous if consumed.  My mom ended up having to call poison control after I ate the dang flower they told me would taste "like candy".

One of the few times he actually let me put him down the entire trip. hahaha  This boy loves him momma.  

The yummiest maple bars in all the land.

Just roaming around in the "secret garden" at the Tulip Festival. 

Before Church on Sunday!!! I could just SQUISH him... and I do.

Why is it that kids LOVE cardboard boxes?  I remember being little and playing for hours in our basement with a box that once had held our washing machine.  Give a kid a box and their imaginations run wild. :)

Arranging some flowers with nana. 

At "The Pancake House". My very favorite restaurant! I usually get crepes and Jordan usually gets this California eggs benedict.  Since he wasn't there I decided to order in and snap a pic to send to him and make him jealous.  He ended up actually being at a restaurant when I sent it, so it didn't work to well. haha

Amelia, Max and Myra.

Max and Max

Eating at Hires.  

Memorial day: Part 2

Memorial day evening we got to spend with my family in my parents backyard having a BBQ.

^^^ Zoe, my brothers daughter is just s few months younger than Myra so its really fun to watch them together^^^

^^^My sweet Grandparents.  I love them so. ^^^

^^^ Myra with my brother Brady ^^^

^^^ Papa and Zoe ^^^

^^^ Jordan and I made the yummiest Ice Cream.  Fickle Brickle! ^^^

I love this family so darn much.

Memorial Day: Part 1

We were so lucky to be able to be in Utah for memorial day!  That morning we went to some family graves in Salt Lake with some of Jordan's family.  This is something Jordan and I love to do.  Most of my family graves are a bit farther away so we don't get there every year, but being there and hearing stories about these past family members fills me with pride and humility all at the same time.  Pride that these people who were so amazing are my relatives and humility as I think about how desperately I need to try harder to leave such wonderful legacies like them.  

^^^When Jordan and I were dating his uncle passed away.  While at the grave side I looked to my side and saw this bench.  It said "Kern" (my maiden name), and "Mabey" just kitty corner from each other.  We laughed, thought it was bizarre and telling of the future! :) We still laugh every time we see this bench. ^^^

^^^Myra sitting next to Jordan's grandma's grave, the woman she was named after.  Myra disliked her name and went by "Peggy" so I imagine she's rolling in her grave over the fact that we used her name for our baby girl :) Personally, I much prefer "Myra".^^^

^^^Myra with her cousin Amelia.  Everyone comments how much they look like sisters.  And these two  ADORE each other!^^^

I hope you guys had a wonderful memorial day!  I am so grateful for those who have passed before me.