Pictures Galore

Okay, prepare yourself for a lot of pictures. I haven't done this in a while, and since we've been in SLC I've been a bit lazy about updating this blog. So I won't go into the details behind every tender moment that of course accompanies these photos, but maybe it will catch you up a bit on our life in Utah. We'll always be the Colorado Thornburghs. We've just moved to Utah, that's all.

Abbigail was feeling a bit mischievous on this day and wanted to take pictures with my phone. Every picture of her is adorable.

Not long after I started at KSL they turned to me and asked me if I wanted to go in the helicopter for a story on the other side of the state. Immediately I responded, "Yes!" Then in my mind I quickly remembered that I have three little girls. What if the chopper crashes. Eh, I'll take my chances. The pictures are posted so I made it back alive.

Jared and I live in a great neighborhood. We don't get to see a lot of each other because or opposite work schedule, but this night we were enjoying a beautiful Utah summer night with the neighbors. Not the most flattering picture... but I love this guy!

Since we've moved to Utah Claire has gotten teeth. A lot of teeth. I think we are working on number six right now. But despite the pain, this kid is always smiling. Just staring at this photo I can feel the strings of my heart wrapping around her.

Bedtime is sometimes a nightmare at our house, but there are a few nights it runs smoothly. Usually that requires copious amounts of reading. Hey, that is fine by me. I'd rather they go to sleep with their imaginations in full swing than images from some TV show.

Lately the big thing in the neighborhood is camping, sleeping outside or building forts outside. So I was not surprised when one night I came home to find most of the blankets and pillows in the house on the front lawn. Who can complain when they are having fun.

There are the rare occasions that we all get to be together as a family, sit-back, watch a movie, play some Wii. Jared tried to capture the image of one family night. You can see Claire is not willing to pose. She is ready to play.

I can hear my mother groaning now. Yes, Ella got a red streak of color in her hair. She loves it. She was so excited to go to school and show all her friends. Our neighbor is a hair stylist and did all the kids in the neighborhood. Don't worry mom, it will grow out.

Claire is so ready to be a big kid. When the older kids race down the street her little legs carry her as fast as they can to catch up. Or, in moments like this, she works desperately to figure out the scooter works. Usually it requires mom pushing her around. As long as she is smiling...

This is typical Abbigail. Hotwheels trike, tennis shoes, and a princess dress. She is full of personality. I hope it never fades.

Grandma and Grandpa were in town for Labor Day weekend and discovered that Claire loves ketchup. (Doesn't every kid at this age?) She would dip the french fry in and just suck off the ketchup. Every few dips she would actually take a bite. Yummy and messy treat.

Abbigail is officially a pre-schooler, and can't you tell how proud she is? All that morning before we left for school she was wearing her backpack, jumping up and down and screaming, "I'm so excited for school." When we got to school I explained I had to stay for the first half hour. She replied, "You will leave, won't you?" Miss independent.

And she is so lucky to be going to school with her best friend Ashley who happens to be the daughter of my best friend (and life-saver) Melissa. When you get these two together dangerous things can happen.

Ella turned 6 this summer, too. And since then she has lost two teeth and another is making it's way free. The first few days of 1st grade were a little tough, but she has adjusted beautifully!

Dirt. Claire loves it. We'll wake up, get her dressed and cute and the first thing she wants to do is go outside and dig in the dirt. It gets everywhere. All over her clothes, in her hair, in her diaper, under her nails, but the kid is having fun. Why stop it?

Ella wanted a picture this day because she said she was feeling, "Extra pretty." She is always pretty, but she does look great in this photo. And she loves this dress.

I always thought it would be Ella and Abbigail that would spend the most time together playing, but Abby has found quite the friend in Claire. I think it partially has to do with the fact she can boss Claire around. But the two spend hours together every day playing, getting dirty, fighting and giggling. I love sisters.

And if Abbigail isn't playing with Claire, visiting our neighbor Kay who has taken a special liking to my little girl, then she is running up and down the street with her friend Korina. I won't mention the part where they cut each others hair.

That's not all we've been up to. There is plenty more. Most of all we miss all our friends and family in Colorado and Texas. It has been hard starting over in a new city, with new friends, new house, new ward, new jobs... but it's amazing what can happen when we stick together as a family.