Cecret Lake

Cecret Lake is a place I've wanted to visit for a very long time. Finally, on Labor Day we made it a reality. My mom accompanied us up Little Cottonwood Canyon, past Alta and Snowbird ski resorts, until we reached the trail head.

The hike is not long and is easy enough for children. In fact, on the day we went, there were lots of families with young ones.

(My mom hiking the trail)

Kellie, Travis, and Abby had to RUN the trail, of course. Parts of it were slow-going so my mom insisted that Brian and I not wait for her. She would travel at her own pace.

Fall beauty was everywhere.

At the top, we found the kids on the other side of the lake skipping rocks and exploring the shore.

(Travis, Abby, Kellie)

(Brian and I with photo-bombing Abby)

The best surprise of the day was when I spied a mama moose and her calf meandering down the slope and over the path we had just crossed.

The mother was indifferent to us and all the other visitors. She and her baby calmly munched on the shrubbery around her. We were really surprised at how close we could get.

As the pair made their way to the lake, we eased on past to take pictures from a different angle.

It was a pretty amazing experience--one that definitely put a smile on our faces.

(Travis)

Dear Rachel (#14)

Dear Rachel,
I really like this picture of Timp your Dad took with his phone last week. It was taken along the trail to Squaw Peak (the one that starts from the parking lot, not from Rock Canyon.) Since your Dad isn't teaching this semester he is much more flexible during the day. I was surprised one morning when he suggested we have a hiking adventure after the kids left for school. We didn't make it all the way to Squaw Peak--it took longer than we anticipated, but now we know which of the three forks of the trail to take next time.

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Basketball tryouts are on Travis' birthday this year so every day after school you'll find him at "open gym." Practice today produced a jammed finger and yesterday a sore back. Ever the clever one, he rigged up a system of keeping our old heating pad attached to his back while he did his homework at the kitchen counter. I couldn't help but chuckle. It reminded me of his solution to handling a runny nose.

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We are in high destruction mode downstairs as we redo the basement. So, Travis and Abby have to share a bathroom upstairs for a while. Horrors! I think it was Travis (again with the tape) that devised this arrangement so their "stuff" would never touch.

I like to remind them that this really is a "First World Problem" and that there should be NO complaining whatsoever. (I was introduced to that term recently, and, boy, does it help keep things in perspective.) Have you heard that phrase?

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Speaking of "problems", the cats do not like the weather getting colder. They are much more snugly and affectionate these days, and are always looking for new places to settle. Linus found our pile of clean clothes.

I suppose this would never become an issue if I would just fold the laundry as soon as each dryer load finished. Oh well. At least we keep the lint roller company in business.

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I'll bookend this letter with another view of autumn in Utah. This one is of the backyard taken from our closet window. The colors were so brilliant and beautiful on Monday. They will be nice to remember during the gray of winter.

I'm glad your Dad has meetings in Atlanta next week so he gets to see you--even if it is only for a day or two. Make sure he gives you the things I've sent along.

Love you and David lots!

Mom

It's Really Fall

(Aspens on the Alpine Loop)

Darkness lingers longer in the mornings. There is a chill when I wake that can only be dissipated by turning on the heater for an hour or so. Hearty oatmeal and warm soups satisfy now. Colors are brilliant and beautiful.

(Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon)

(Provo Canyon)

(Provo Canyon)

It's time for our annual visit to Tyler's Pumpkin Patch. 

This year a tin man and a scarecrow greeted us.

Tyler's Pumpkin Patch is just down the street from our home, and Tyler is one of Travis' good friends. For years Travis has loved working on Tyler's "farm". It was (and is) the perfect spot to explore, create, and celebrate good old-fashioned childhood.

(Tyler and Travis)

Abby insisted we visit the chickens. They all scurried towards us and cooperated fairly well for their group shot. The rooster even serenaded us with his "cock-a-doodle-do".

It was hard work wheeling those pumpkins, butternut squash, and cornstalks home. Thanks, Travis.

Abby's prize of the day was the colorful farm fresh eggs. No one can touch the green ones. She's claimed them as her own.

Yes, it's really Fall.

Dear Rachel (#3)

Dear Rachel,

What does Fall look like in Atlanta? Take some pictures and post them on your blog when you can. Here's a peek at our yard this year. You know I love all the red. :)

(Our apples are few, but the ones we do have are big and beautiful.)

(burning bushes in the backyard)

(Too many leaves! We are waiting for a windstorm to blow them into the Ogden's yard--just kidding!)

(Virginia Creeper edging up the front of the house)

(Remember the little bird nibbling on the apple in my last letter? This blue bird is finishing the job.)

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Abby had the toughest time deciding what to be for Halloween this year. In fact, she wasn't even sure she was going trick or treating until the very last minute. She wore her poodle skirt from last year to school, but when she got home, she got to work on her original idea--a Rubik's Cube. She cut, designed, and painted it all by herself.

The kids' pumpkins were pretty spooky. Travis' toothy snarl was especially intimidating.

We love you and miss you--especially since it was the first year we didn't get to see you in your traditional "poor sailor boy" costume. Have a good weekend!

Mom

Juxtaposition

Snow powdered the mountains above our home today and there was a definite chill in the air.

Yet, in our yard on the bench below, hot pink chrysanthemums were nearing full bloom.

Their white sisters had already arrived.

I even found (a very sedate) bee enjoying the last frostless day.

Rose Petals and Animal Prints

I think it's time to rake (or maybe mow the lawn one last time.)

 

The leaves almost look like rose petals.

 almost

Love the burning bushes

and animal print leaves

The Pumpkin Patch

Tyler's pumpkin patch is a half block from our home and has become an annual tradition. It is an oasis of "country" in our neighborhood.

It was nice to have Kellie home for her Fall break especially since Brian was en route to New Jersey and couldn't join the family outing.

Everyone found the pumpkin that was "just right".

Abby had never seen green eggs before. She insisted we buy a few. All we need now is the ham!

Happiness