I'm so sad that the weather has turned. There isn't going to be many days left to chase the neighbor's chickens around. Well, I should re-phrase—for my children plus cousin to chase the chickens around.

I don't dare pick them up.

But as this shining photo shows, Siri isn't the least bit afraid. In fact, cousin Caroline and Siri have a wonderful time torturing these poor chickens that they have named things like "Old Angel", "Sweet Tart", and "Mrs. Tarts". They let the chickens out for recess and then catch them again and put them back in the "school". Charming, huh? (just not for the chickens).

Ahh, to be young again and have that kind of amazing imagination.

Well, there won't be much more chicken chasing, but I am excited for the holidays to be here! I broke open the hot chocolate for the first time tonight.

I can't tell what those poor chickens are thinking? Maybe I'd rather be chicken stew? Or why is this kid hugging me?

Just taking a quick moment to say, "hello." We've been busily switching around rooms in the house and I've been finishing up some great new projects (still hush-hush, I"m afraid. I'll be sure and let you in on the news the moment I can!).

In the midst of the chaos, Josh and I managed a night out to watch Real Salt Lake play in the conference semi-finals. We bought tickets from scallopers and ended up in the supporter section. Don't know what the supporter section is? Well, let me tell you, it's quite the treat. Drums, crepe paper, trumpets, flags, half-naked cheerers and balloons. Josh was in heaven, and I admit that the constant cheering was contagious.

I'm going to let you in on my favorite secret pleasure: I spent most of the game scoping out the food situation. I may have made several trips to the concessions that had me toting back chicken tacos, churros, brats, root beer, icees... I'll stop there. Ya, I know. Foodie. Total foodie.

One last thing before I get back to work: Stop by the Fat Quarterly Magazine's blog when you get a chance to check out the interview I did for them a week ago.

Cheers! Carina

After church this morning, the girls and I headed up into the mountains for a Sunday drive. Our mission was to gather a few autumn leaves for art projects. There may have been much singing of Defying Gravity on said drive up the mountain. Yes, the three-year-old can belt it thanks to a certain episode of Glee.

The leaf gathering was successful despite the lack of red and purple leaves ( I have promised a follow up trip for that). We managed to collect a lot of yellow, brown, green, orange, and "rainbow" (anything with a mix of the above colors) leaves.

The art project even went well despite the Elmer's glue Flissa managed to spread on her legs. She was trying to glue a rock to her paper. Typically, paper beats rock. Not so in craft projects. Rock wins. No contest.

We landed at the Blue Plate Diner this morning—our favorite breakfast spot. It seemed like a great way to start Labor Day.

We may have indulged (pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, and, um, shakes) and will now be forced into food-induced comas for the rest of the morning. The girls will certainly take advantage of this and destroy the house. I think it will be worth it.

We love a small town Fourth of July. In Minnesota, we always went to Stillwater for a beautiful old-time Fourth of July with friends on the St. Croix River. A little tip off from friend Deena sent us this year to Huntsville, Utah.

On the actual "4th," we visited the Golden Spike Monument for a little re-enactment of where the two railroads met to connect the country and a bumpy trip on a gravel road to the Spiral Jetty. To tell you the truth, I love historical and art sites, but I could leave the road trips. Road trips are just not my specialty. Josh is the one who inspires trips like these.

Somehow is seemed very patriotic to see this re-enactment of the railroads connecting the country.

The Spiral Jetty is really neat. However, the minivan had a rough time. Might I suggest four-wheel drive?