
Few weekends are more sacred in Utah culture than our glorious four-day October holiday — any fall event plans are met with hushed reminders– “We need to make sure that’s not UEA.” The initials for the Utah Educators’ Conference were replaced decades ago with ‘Utah Enters Anaheim’ (or Zion’s or Yellowstone…) and it’s simply the perfect time to enjoy autumn at home.
Celebrations at our house included sleeping in til nine and then pulling the couch in front of the computer to watch an entire season of Cake Boss on Netflix. The boys pulled cake pans, powdered sugar and paper from the shelves and began sketching their own ideas for fabulous, fantastical creations.
When the inevitable squabbling became too much we emptied into the yard to dig fencepost holes, plant peonies, pull masses of weeds and move the raspberries from the dry spot by the fence to a sheltered corner of the garden. And I love how a garden is like a family– constantly changing and evolving to fit present needs. No gardener is surprised by weeds and rocky patches; they are simply inevitable.
Our beloved friends met us at the pumpkin patch where we drank in the sunshine and babies. Every family of older kids needs friends with babies to adore.
I snapped only a few photos, usually on request and without care for lighting or even faces turned towards the camera. Days like this are meant to be enjoyed, savored and recalled with sun-streaked memories.

Saturday found us in the canyons making s’mores, tickling babies and treading upon carpets of gold,


And the hours poured like thick, sweet honey into winter jars until we were full and still.
Annie
Mmm. That last line is perfection.
Enjoy your golden days!
Cath
Shelah was right. You captured the colors brilliantly. And I second Annie – I’ll be savoring your one line post all day!
Tifani
Truly a golden day for all.
And do you have a Playstation 3, Wii, or XBox? You can stream Netflix to your television through them.
Rachelle
No ones photos affect me like yours do. They are beyond fabulous! That close up leaf picture right above the sleeping Mary… perfection.
Mitchell Family
And you said you had no good photos of the weekend. I miss mountains in the fall.
Tracy
Love this. Pure gold.
xoxo,t
Kerri
In the hereafter, I want to be able to take pictures like you do. (I’d also like to be able to sing. And be 115 pounds again. And write beautifully. And maybe play the cello. And understand physics.)
Linkous
Eden just laughed and smiled her way through these pictures, so glad to be one of the babies adored by your sweet family. We loved every minute!
Linkous
ere Chelle? she keeps saying 🙂
Selwyn
Too beautiful, as always.
And your photos are pretty wonderful too! =)
Luv you!