Who knew?

There is a Check it Out program here in Utah, where State Parks and libraries have teamed up together to help the effort of getting everyone outside. Use your library card, check out an Annual Pass and enjoy a FREE day in the park!  AND, even Santa Clara participates!  Now if the Parks will stay open!

October means Staheli Farms

 My kids love Staheli Farms and can't wait to go again the next year.  And it keeps getting better each year. 

Greg's Little Utes

 College Football season takes over our house in a huge way!  In the beginning, the kids love it and help Greg cheer on the Utes.  By the end, they are done and so am I.  Not Greg- he is a die hard fan.  However, the kids loving wearing their Utah shirts when Greg wears his.  They love to match him and get excited for him whenever we are out and they see "U".  He even has them trained to say "Pee U BYU" when they see anything BYU.  Of course he's never around when they say it to someone at the Target checkout line like myself!

New Tradition

We have a new tradition at our house.  When it's your birthday- you get to sleep on the birthday pillowcase all week!  Lauren was the first one and thought it was pretty cool!

Favorite Game

Zingo has been a family favorite for awhile now. My parents got it for the kids right when we were ready for a new game. Greg and I had had enough of Chutes and Ladders and Candyland. We needed a break. Zingo has been the perfect break. And here's why..

- We're not constantly telling both kids it's your turn, it's your turn, it's your turn

- We're not arguing over what color person everyone gets

- We can play a quick game and play one side, or a longer game and play both sides

- you can mix it up a little and play 2 cards to make it more challenging

- and it's actually FUN!

Good Behavior = Fun

Most kids just get to go to Jumpin' Jacks! Not the Gardner kiddos- they have to earn it. We had a week long behavior chart on the fridge. Both kids- all or nothing. Taylor gets the whole bribe idea. Lauren... really doesn't care! I was feelin' bad for Taylor in the beginning- he was carrying them both. After some peer pressure from Taylor, Lauren finally stepped up and helped the cause. They barely made it- but they made it.

And had a great time!
Even Greg had fun!
Lindsey was just glad her sleep wasn't interrupted!

Snow Day? Really?

Yes, if you live in St. George, this constitutes as a "Snow Day". Being from Iowa- it makes me laugh! A "Snow Day" in Iowa is 4 ft. drifts at your door and -35 F with the wind chill. Fun nonetheless!!