Bickering

Bickering. Fighting. Arguing.

I just couldn't stand it any longer. I had reached my breaking point last week.

It seemed like nothing was working. 

And then, I decided to take away their television privileges.

 They are behaving so much better. And I am behaving so much better.

It's amazing to see the change that has come over them.

They are playing so much better and they are being so much kinder to one another.

They are working together and working things out. 

 Yesterday they played puppies for hours, and they built a secret hide out today.

I know it wasn't really the television that made the change. 

It was a change in them. And in me. I love to hear their laughter and see their imaginations.

Nothings perfect yet, but it's so much better. Love these sweet kids.

Lights

There were jack o lanterns on the porch and Thanksgiving decorations inside,

But we decided to put up our Christmas lights. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

To the mountains

This trip seems like ages ago, but it was really only two months.

It was only hours before loading up the car, that we made the final decision where we were going.

Michael had a long weekend, and we wanted to make the most of it.

So we headed to Sun Valley and the beautiful mountains. 

Sawtooth Mountain Range

We took our bikes along for the ride.

The fringe on Kathryn's handlebars cracked us up the way they were flapping in the breeze.

It was almost like they were super excited for the trip too.

Alturas Lake

  

Feeding the ducks is always a must in the Sun Valley Resort.
As was the jumping spider and bike riding. Oh, and lets not forget eating yummy ice cream.
A lot of shops were closing down for the fall and winter months, so it was pretty quiet.

One of the perks from the condo that we stayed in, was a pass to the local YMCA.

It was truly an AMAZING place!!! We even contemplated moving there just for the gym:)

There was a giant water slide, splash pad and lazy river. 

We dropped Sam off for a while at the daycare center, and took Kathryn and Max swimming.

We all had a blast! Even Sammy loved playing with all the toys.

While we were at the gym, we put Sam in a locker, just because he is so darn cute.

We also made a quick detour to this fine little mineral pool called Russian John Hot Spring.

20 years ago, Michael's brother fixed this little place up for his Eagle Project.

We always have to stop and check up on the place when we are passing by.

This trip was just what we all needed.