This past weekend, I took Eva to Riverwoods for trick or treating. It was pretty packed, but Eva had a great time dancing with her cousins and looking at everyones’ costumes! Then on Saturday, we went to TJ’s sister’s house for a fun Halloween Party. We played that fun iPad game called Heads Up. You have got to download that and play it next time you have a party! We had such a fun time, and the kids all played well together in the basement together! Finny Babe slept through the whole party, what a party pooper!
Last week, a friend from church and her kids joined us at Wheeler Farm for some Fall fun… we rode a little cow tractor, went on a hayride, saw lots of animals, played in the hay maze, and got to pick out some pumpkins to bring home. The farm is open all year long (and mostly is free)… we will definitely be going back!
My blog has officially become just a place to document what I’ve been doing and if you follow me on instagram, then it’s pretty much just a repeat. But this blog is how I journal so I’m okay with that… sorry if it’s boring!
Last Monday, Eva had the day off and my mom was gone so I wanted to have an extra special day to cheer me up! So, I took Eva to see Hotel Transylvania 2 (which she pretty much enjoyed, except the last five minutes with some scary characters) and then we carved pumpkins with all the cousins in the evening. Cohen and Haven painted adorable little pumpkins, Holly made a cat, Emery carved a face, and Eva (with help from her dad) carved Elsa! We had such a fun, festive evening together while snacking on delicious pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie.
On my mom’s last day, the weather was a little rainy but we worked around it and still did some fun outings! First, we met up for lunch with TJ’s parents, then headed down to Provo Canyon to walk around Vivian Park. My parents stayed there a couple times in a cabin when visiting us in college, so they always like coming back to the area. Sorry for the blurry pic-but it’s better than nothing!
In the evening, we went to Gardner’s Village for their Witchapalooza. It was pretty busy but still very enjoyable! Everyone was dressed up as witches and the whole place was decorated for Halloween. We enjoyed a caramel apple together and watched Eva dance to Halloween music with other kids on a little stage! It was a perfect last night with my mom!
https://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.png00Katiehttps://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.pngKatie2015-10-25 09:27:272015-10-20 23:36:41Vivian Park and Gardner's Village
My parents came to town for Finn’s baby blessing and we had incredible (summer) weather the entire time. On Saturday the 9th, we all went to Cornbelly’s (a pumpkin patch and fall festival) in the morning before the crowd was bad. I couldn’t believe how big the place was-it was totally worth the price. Eva had a blast, and well enjoyed watching her do the games, slides, and activities. I especially liked seeing the pig races and sheep herding! What a great day!
In the middle of night before Labor Day, Eva threw up a bunch. Other than one time when Eva threw up from food poisoning (remember the historic Jersey City Ward Christmas Party Mass Food Poisoning? hahaha oh what a memory), she has never thrown up which I think is pretty lucky considering some little kids throw up often! But on Monday she was feeling better, just tired from being up in the night, so we went to Gardner Village with TJ’s family. Afterwards, Eva came home and slept for the rest of the day… she really knows how to celebrate the day of Labor.
https://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.png00Katiehttps://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.pngKatie2015-09-19 11:19:452015-09-15 20:31:30Labor Day
In August, my sister-in-law threw me the sweetest shower and holy cow, she made the most delicious treats and brunch goodies. We stuffed ourselves, shared baby stories, learned crazy facts about animals when they’re pregnant (yikes!), and laughed about baby name ideas. Unfortunately, I do not have any photos! I’m so bummed! But I I still wanted to write about it because it was so kind and thoughtful of everyone! We received so many nice gifts and it’s made the prep for this new baby so easy!
Two of my good friends also wanted to celebrate the arrival of baby boy so we had lunch together one afternoon while Eva was in school. I can’t believe we three used to be single girls in the office at the library at BYU and now we all have babies! Time flies but I’m grateful for lifelong friends!
I may not have gotten a picture of the shower but look at all those shoes! I’ve only bought one pair of shoes and maybe three outfits for this kid but he has already been spoiled by so many people!
https://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.png00Katiehttps://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.pngKatie2015-09-13 10:20:352015-09-10 10:32:41Baby Boy Celebrations
Another year has passed since the terrible events on 9/11. I always watch a couple YouTube videos about the day and I specifically like the Mormon Message called Finding Hope, about a man who was there on that day. Watch and share.
TJ has been working at his new job now for three months and really has enjoyed it. It’s been a great company to work for with so many great benefits and perks. Plus, we both love that the commute time is just a short five minute walk since we only have car. Last week his team went on a trip to San Francisco and then to Portland. It looks like they had a good time. I was pretty jealous that he got to go on this trip but I have traveled a lot without him, so I guess it was okay . Don’t you love this photobombing couple behind TJ? Makes me laugh so much!
Here are some other work-related photos:
His team has done a couple hikes this summer, including Mt. Timp which is where this photo was taken.
They have a cafeteria at his office with really good food, so we have come to eat with TJ a couple times this summer.
https://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.png00Katiehttps://katiederrick.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/logo.pngKatie2015-09-04 10:15:192015-09-04 16:37:38TJ's New Job
I cannot believe it! My little baby has grown up into quite a big girl and has started preschool! She goes three times a week for a couple hours each day and on Monday has an extra dance class before school. The first day one of us was crazy emotional and bawled her eyes out after drop off. Eva was all smiles and didn’t even look back at me, so I guess you know who the cryer was.
TJ didn’t quite understand why I was so upset, and it’s not really that fact that she was leaving me a couple hours since I have on occasion left her with a friend or family member. It’s mostly just the milestone. Time just goes so fast, guys. And before you know it, she’ll be in kindergarten, and I think I’ll lose my mind then.
But I did get a pedicure while she was at school the first day and by the end, I thought… alright, this is not that bad of a deal! Haha! Since then though, while she’s in school, I usually get a little work done at home and run some errands. Going into Target in the middle of the day without a kid is a fresh experience and one I’ve already gotten used to in just a week and a half. But in no time, I’ll have another little baby accompanying me… and I’m completely okay with that.
Eva already has figured out how to write her name on her own (granted, she does only have three letters to spell.. but I am still so impressed!), has learned about the letters M & P, has practiced cutting on her own, done lots of fun finger paintings of monsters, penguins, and popcorn, and most of all… Eva just adores her teacher. When we are at the store or are doing a craft at home, she asks if we can get her teacher something or make her something. I think that’s pretty adorable.
Here is Eva on the first day of school:
And I had to document my big sparkly belly getting a pedicure, which I hadn’t done for more than a year or so:
