That was some sheep.

Cristie took Joe to his first banjo lesson last night. He's got a cool rental instrument here at home now, and unlike other instruments that will go unnamed (cello, violin), I don't mind at all listening to him practice. I guess any banjo is music to my ears. He's really excited. He wants to progress to the point where he can play with Sam, Dave and me. Who knows, maybe we'll hit the road. "The Carter Family Redux."

Anne, I'm sending you an e-mail inviting you to the blog, so check your inbox.

Hi everyone,

All is well in the Brasher household. Doug just took off for Alaska today for the next 10 days. I will really miss him, but I'm happy he can go and hope he has a great time.

Abby is doing great in first grade, she comes home each day singing some pop song that she's learned or doing a cheer. It's amazing how much kids pick up from other kids. She's playing soccer every Saturday morning and is real cute to watch. She starts out each game kicking the ball in the wrong direction. I'm taking her to the dentist this afternoon. She's got a cavity and is getting her front tooth pulled so the new one that's growing in the roof of her mouth can hopefully move forward. She's going to make me want to smile every time I see that cute grin.

Gracie is doing great. She started pre-school this week and was so, so excited. Her teacher said she is a great listener which leaves Doug and I to wonder why she doesn't share this talent at home.

Carter keeps us all busy. He's talking more and more and is a lot of fun. I love age 2.

I'm poking out more and more. With the cool weather we've had the last couple of day's I realized that it's time for me to get some maternity clothes. I hate spending money on stuff that I just don't feel or look cute in. I guess that's why I put if off for so long.

I love you all - I'm glad to hear Katie, Danny and the boys are doing so great and that the Fair was a great success this year. I love this time of year. Talk to you all soon. Alison

Hi Katie and Danny!!!
It's everyone's favorite cousin...ANNIE!!!! I'm so glad to hear your darling family got to the Chi Town safely!!! I've been thinking about you guys quite frequently and luckily I got a chance to peek at the blogger today so I thought I'd say hi!! I'm posting under my mom's name cause I don't have a blogger account - I'm not cool enough! Haha! Anyway, Katie, here's my email address. If you get a minute, drop me a line..I'd love to hear from you or anyone else in our cute family who'd like to help out my ego (THAT'S A HINT, GUYS). It's : annewaskul1979@yahoo.com. Hope to hear from ya soon! I love you guys!!!
Anne

Dear Family:

I just love reading about Eddie and Isaac! It really takes me back to a time in my life that I loved and don't have to miss quite so much because of these darling grandchildren.

Here in Utah we are loving the mist, rain, cooler temps and darker house. I have a candle that gives off spicy autumn scents. The birds aren't quite so energetic today...I suppose they sense it a day to chill out and enjoy the beginning of a new season.

The Fair was a kick! We loved seeing bees in the hive, piglets chasing their mom around for another drink, huge pumpkins, succulent peaches, amazing watermelon, chickens with feathers on their feet, cows with the biggest brown eyes, goats that want a nibble of your clothes if you get too close, sheep with the longest, heaviest testicles that I have ever seen,...not to mention the handicrafts of children and parents. Sis and I sat in on a Toll House bake-off competition. The fuss of the contestants, the lovely desserts, the seriousness of the judges; well, we just wish we had the job of tasting all of those goodies
The butter cow this year is fashioned after a nursery rhyme 'Hey, Diddle Diddle' I told the kids if they could figure out what the scene was supposed to represent I would give them $5. Well, between Joe and Jerry I think Joe was the winner. Lois, we saw Christina Gates sitting at one of the booths for people interested in gardening. She looks good and we had a nice visit. Of course the kids were baffled wondering who in the heck she was. There were some exotic cats at the fair and an old-fashioned organ grinder. The guy had a simple smile, tilted head with a Zorro hat and all that was missing was the monkey.

Dave is putting together a rodeo for his friends. He fancies himself to be a cowboy because he has been getting on the back of some Steer and holding on for dear life...not anything past 4 seconds yet. He complains of being stiff and wishes the guy who owns the animals wound not require him to wear a helmet...it kind of wrecks the image :)

Happy 10th to you all and don't forget to say your prayers. Always, mom

I'm loving the weather these days! My favorite times of the year are the days when the seasons seem to be in transition. It always stirs a feeling of anticipation and excitement inside!

On Sunday, Eddie gave the prayer in primary. I guess he asked Heavenly Father touch the boats with His finger so that they would light up. He supposedly went on and on about it, and the Primary president had to help him finish the prayer so they could move on to other things. I wasn't too surprised because for days now, he's been finding rocks and asking me to pray for them to be lit up.

The story of the Brother of Jared really stuck out to him I guess. What sticks out to me is how many opportunities he finds to pray now, and how much faith is inside that little body! It's such a blessing to have little children around. As I type this he is sitting on my bed for quiet time. All I can see is an open book that is being propped up by his little knobby-kneed legs.
Lucky me.