Mid-Singles Conference

Flat Mindy was interested in having some awkward social interactions, so we headed to St. George to visit my friend Heather and attend the Mid-Singles conference.  

Highlights of the conference included:

LDS stand up commedians:

Rock climbing:

 (Flat Mindy has some questionable belay techniques...)

Prophesy Wall 

Driving:

(Flat Mindy doesn't have her license yet, so she can't drive without an approved adult)

Fancy seven course dinner:

(I don't care for shrimp, so Flat Mindy graciously ate mine)

I think it was a lovely time overall.  Not everyone was aware of Flat Mindy's presence, but it made for fun conversation with those she met and people had great ideas for pictures, I just didn't get to all of them!

I look forward to her Halloween adventures (of which she will have none in Springville since the plan here is to pretend I'm not home).

Sometimes I accidentally leave flat Mindy in the car… So this post is more for all of you who don't have Facebook that I am trying to convince to come to the Utah desert or at least let me bring your children!

Flat Mindy and I thought this sign was interesting - do you think it's for two different people or are the sheriff and attorney one and the same?!

The parks and rec bus is pretty exciting! 

About a quarter mile into the hike there is a railroad crossing.

I want to ride the train that comes through this canyon!

Since I left Flat Mindy in the car in my rush to get on the trail before it got too dark, I had to rely on selfies.

Just a little help where the trail gets narrow.

The cairns are strategically placed since the trail isn't obvious on the rocky surface.  And in case you miss this one...

There are plenty more behind it to make sure you don't get lost!

You don't have to hike in the parks to find amazing rock formations!  This is about a mile in.

More safety precautions on the trail!

A ladder for your convenience.

Corona Arch.  The trail goes through the arch, but this is my evidence to any concerned parents that I do make good choices hiking and stuck to my set turnaround time based on daylight.

Obligatory cheesy photo with an arch.  Again, since Flat Mindy wasn't there to take it, I had to rely on a selfie...

Sunset on the hike out.

Moab has amazing sushi - who knew???

Seriously, I did mean to take Flat Mindy on my adventures.  And I still wanted to post because I forgot how amazing the Utah desert is and I know most of the family has not spent time in Moab.  I kept thinking how fun it would be to take nieces and nephews on hikes there and to get gelato on Main Street, so figured I would shamelessly plug it as a future destination for anyone considering coming to Utah.  Or you come as far as Draper or Springville and I will take your kids the rest of the way!  With Flat or Actual Mindy!!

Preschool and Pumpkins

Finally, finally, preschool started for us. It was a long wait. After Flat Mindy's educational pursuits in Twin Falls were so unsuccessful, we thought maybe she could learn a thing or two at the open house for the kids' preschool.

First priority: dress-ups. Flat Mindy and Ellie both did really well at this one.

They found Ellie's cubbie (which Ellie pronounces "cuvvy") on our way out of the classroom. Ellie is blocking her name, so you can only see the name for the other class.

We had to hurry over to Charlie's classroom since their open house times overlapped. He was super excited to show Flat Mindy all around Toddler Lab (or "Tuggler Lab," as Ellie calls it, no matter how often we tell her otherwise). Charlie and Mindy spent some time "doing colors," lining them up carefully one at a time, rolling them over, lining them up again. I think the kid next to Charlie thought Charlie and Mindy didn't really know how to color. He just isn't aware of the many ways of playing with crayons, I guess.

Ellie, being the pro at preschool wanted to show Charlie everything. Here they are rocking in the boat see-saw. I couldn't get a picture without one of them having a blurry face. Sorry. I really liked Charlie's expression in this one. And luckily, Flat Mindy did not get sea sick.

Ellie was excited to see the playground again. Flat Mindy was sort of "Meh" about it, apparently.

And a perspective shot. Ellie really liked the picture where Hannah looked little and Mindy looked big, and asked if we could do one of those. I only stood on the other side of the sidewalk, though, because I didn't want to go out in the parking lot.

Going to preschool sure does wear everyone out. The kids like to relax on the new porch swing these days, while the weather is still nice.

It suddenly dawned on them that Flat Mindy could fall through the slats, and they became a little concerned.

Charlie took her to see the pumpkins instead. Totally safe now with the giant cat head and ghost pirate. Good thinking, Charlie.

So glad Flat Mindy could come along as we've been getting into fall. It's been fun.

Homecoming

Hannah allowed Mindy to take some pictures with her Homecoming date, Ty. However, Mindy was not allowed to accompany her to the corn maze, dinner at Olive Garden, the dance, or cinnamon rolls afterward. 

The last picture is pretty dark. here is a brighter yet creepier one with glowing eyes.

Side note

I was eating Kashi cereal with almond coconut milk this morning.  Ian wanted some and ate several spoonfuls.  He also made sure Flat Mindy got some, too.

Corn Belly's and Conference

First order of business at Corn Belly's is always the giant rocking chair. Just the right size for four boys and a Bindy Doll.

 This is where we put Tommy when he's not listening...

 We had to ride the wooden school bus.  Tommy made sure Mindy had a great seat.

 Jon took Mindy on a little cow train ride.  She loved it!

 Ian buried her in corn!

 Everybody buried Tommy in corn...

 And don't forget Jon!

Mindy loved the Animal Kingdom themed pumpkins.

 Ian couldn't get enough of the band.  He was even singing along...

We took lots of walks between conference sessions.  Ben found a statue and imitated it.

Tommy found a friend to read books with.

 And Ian finished the day sharing cookies with Bindy Doll.