Austin and Amanda

Clayton's Little Brother got married in October. I couldn't be happier. Amanda is the perfect match for Austin and knows how to put up with the Atkins boys;) I really do love Her. We get along and think the same about most things Except our love of movies...Were working on it;) 

Austin and Amanda have a love for Halloween  and Disney. So they had a trick or treating bar (which was all of the kids fav!) Then the flower girls wore Minnie Mouse ears.  The Nephews were all in the ceremony and it was ADORABLE! The Amanda was beautiful as was the whole thing! Love you both so much! 

Halloween Activity's 2015

Halloween has never been a favorite holiday of mine... though Now that I have a toddler who is beyond crazy about sugar, and I get to see His face light up at the idea of knocking on doors saying trick or treat and getting candy. Well it makes it a little more fun. 

This year We did a few things for Halloween. We attend a party put on By Aaron Drussel Group. He is from My home ward so that is how We found out about it. Its super fun they have food, games, and pumpkins for all the kiddos. This was the first year that Ruger wanted to dress up as something So I took this opportunity to have us all dress up a like. We did Ninja Turtles. 

Craving Pumpkins went as to be expected. Ruger loving it, but not wanting to touch the pumpkins at all. Rylee wanting to be all hand on and eating raw pumpkin. 

Since Ruger was digging Halloween this year I wanted to more activities. So when some of out family invited Us to go to a pumpkin patch, and We already had pumpkins We came just for fun! 

We went to go see the witches at Gardner village with the Fraughton cousins. If you haven't been the you must! They have all these adorable witches set up all around and have a scavenger hunt set up. The kids loved it! 

We also took Daisy and Hinton to Frightmares at Lagoon. Which is THE best time to go to Lagoon. Not as crowded, and not killer hot. 

We did a big mother daughter date up in SLC. We went to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, always so yummy! Then We went to the play Thriller, which was so good and a little morbid... ha-ha fun experince but not what I was expecting. Thanks Mom for treating all of your daughters! With this group of family its always a blast.

We took Ruger to Haunted Hallways at AF High school which was SO good! I was so impressed with all the rooms, each room was decorated after a movie. The price to get in, was a canned food item for charity so you cant beat that ;)

We also went to Jakers in Springville and If you go at a certain time of the day they let you in for free. Ruger needed a little big of convincing to get into the corn pit and Rylee just tried to eat it, but they both didn't want to get out.

Halloween We did had our normal soup get together at My Aunts. Which is always great! Then We went to a neighborhood in our ward. Our Ward is amazing the have hayrides, a haunted house, movies, fire pits, caramel apples. Its so nice and thats all the trick or treating We needed. 

Ogden Trip 2015

I love Utah there is so much to do. I feel like We discover new things constantly. Ruger has been into Dinosaurs lately more specifically Jurassic Park. So I have been wanting to take Him to Ogden's Dino Park. So we took him a few months ago and He was a little shy at first...and honestly I wouldn't blame Him since Jurassic Park and World are His go to movies. Once He figured out the Dinos weren't going anywhere He was in Heaven! I highly recommend going if you have little ones into Dinos. Since it was a bit of a drive We also stopped by the Tree House Museum to take up more of the Day and made a day trip. IT was a blast and of course We couldn't' go with out our to little helpers Daisy and Hinton. 

Wiggin & Wardell Campout

Our favorite pass time is Camping. Nothing beats the fresh mountain air, family and good times. We found THE best group campsite in American Fork Canyon. You have to book it several months in advance. We will be going back there for sure. There was a small creek on one side of the campsite which was just a drizzle for the most part, which safety wise was a huge relief.  The other side had a huge hill that the kids loved running up and pushing Rugers monster trucks down.

Atkin Family Reunion

One of our new favorite traditions is the Atkin Family Camp out/reunion. We got for a couple days down to Strawberry and have fun. It was Rylee's first camping trip So I was pretty nervous. Though She did great! Normally She is a mommies girl, though this trip She let all the extend family hold Her which made it a great time for Me, nice to give My arms a break.

San Diego

In August We went to go pick Claytons brother Kolten from San Diego from His mission. All the sibling were able to go plus our little family. It was seriously a great trip. It was a first air plane trip with Rylee and Ruger so I wasn't sure what to expect. Luckily flying out We had Nichole Clayton's older Sister flying out with Us so it made it a lot easier and stress free.

We got all settled and then headed out to the tide pools. I was super excited for Rue and I because  not only to I love water, also Ruger was super into the TV show Octonauts and He had learned about a lol of sea life. So He knew a lot about everything We were seeing. So it was fun for Him to see it in real life. 

Next We hit the beach. Rylee first time and Rugers second. Rylee loved it! Squealing at the water and playing in it. Rue on the other hand has inherited my dislike for getting wet. So he mostly played in the sand and pick up stuff of the beach. The sunset was phenomenal!

The next day We went and picked Kolten up from The Air port and Then He showed Us around downtown San Diego,The Naval Yard and Took Us the Mormon Battalion Museum, which was so cool!

After resting up We went to La Jolle Cove. Seriously SOO PRETTY. We were also able to get super close to some EXTREMELY stinky Seals. We were close enough to touch but when you got to close the would do a kinda growl.

 The next day the family went out to dinner all together. Since some of the siblings had to leave. Mom and Dad Fraughton took us to the a super yummy Italian Restaurant.Thank you again for treating Us all. After that we walked around for a bit. Clayton went to move our car because there was 1.5 hour limit. He didn't get back for another 1.5 because finding a parking spot in Little Italy is a Joke. 

The next day Kolten wanted to show His family His favorite area which was a few hours away. We along with Jessica, Jen opted to not go. We went to Sea Port Village. It  basically a Sea version of Gardner Village. Definitely worth going!

Our last night We went to Balemont Pier. It was an all year around carnival with shops lining the sides. Ruger was in love! wanting to do the sub ride over and over. After He got off the ride with Me. He said now with Dad and KoKo. Rylee wasn't a fan of the carousel. Ruger chose dinner, which was hot dog on a stick. While it tasted good going down..I am pretty sure it go Us all sick! Aunt Jen did spoil Ruger a ton at the Pier, and I don't think He minded.

It was a fun trip. Though there was a lot of stress due to traffic, and crazy roads/crazy drivers....driving in San Diego is not for the faint of heart;) There was so much to do and We didn't even get to do half the things We wanted to do. 

Ruger Turns Three

I can't believe I have a three year old. Its Crazy. Ruger is a sugar loving sweetheart. Clayton and I went back and forth so many times trying to get Ruger to want different themes, I wanted an Octonauts party and Clayton wanted Ninja turtles. Ruger ended up with the final say of Ninja Turtles.

On the day of Rugers actual birthday it happened to be Steel Days in American Fork. So We used that as a celebration for Ruger and then Dinner at Chick fil A. Ruger surprised Me and went on some rides all by himself. Its weird, Since Rue turned three its like a switch flipped and instead of being fearless He is timid and shy. I think its just the age, like He is more aware of things. After all the fun I asked Ruger if He was excited or His birthday...He said I Already had one! :)

The next day We dressed up in turtles and had a party. I am sad to say I lost the pictures except these few... I had a soda bar and cupcakes per Rugers request. It was so fun and heart warming having everyone there to celebrate Ruger.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day Went and visited Clayton's Grandpa's Graves, and left a little American Flag. My heart goes out to all those who have lost some one in the line of duty. They are Heros as well to let and support their loved ones go and serve our country. To the ones who have given their lives, Thank You, because of you I can sleep peaceful and walk our streets Free. Words can not express how grateful I am for you. To all those severing now a special thank you as well because you put your life on the line as well. 

Later We went to My parents for a BBQ and it was awesome as always! Then We all headed to the park to play baseball. I even got into and played and sadly I am not super knowledgeable about baseball but it was fun all the same.

Stay-Cation

This Memorial weekend We decided to go on a spontaneous trip. We went up to Salt Lake and stayed in a hotel. It was really a blast just getting some family time. We first went checked in and then Went and met Grandma and Grandpa Atkins for Dinner. Rugers favorite thing at the mall where We ate dinner was the escalator. Rue sweet talked both Grandparents to take Him up several times.

After that We went back to the Hotel and decide to try to take the kids swimming. Ruger wasn't a fan when He was super little and even now isn't a huge fan. So I as so nervous with Rylee. To My surpise Rylee LOVED it. I was so happy. 

Ruger found a scorpion sucker in the little gift shop and to My surprise wanted it! This kid hates bugs. I had a first on this trip, I order room service for the first time. Which totally hit the spot of late night cravings.

In the morning We went and got breakfast and then headed home. Rylee got to try some whipped cream and once she tasted it she fought to keep Daddy's finger. I really love the memories We made and the time spent. I love being spontaneous.

Today after a BBQ We were heading home and Ruger kept asking to go back to our Room, the one with the pool. So I think He enjoyed it.

Turkey Hunt

Two weeks ago Clayton had a turkey hunt planned, and last minute He asked Me to come. So We did a trade for one night I took my youngest siblings and then the next they took ours. It was super fun it was just over a two hour drive. We laughed and talked and it was so fun to have a nice drive with out having to pass back sippy sups,snacks,toys ect...though on that note the passenger seat should be able to swivel back in forth from the front to the back, just to make it easier on Moms....hmmm million dollar idea.... Any ways... 

We were invited by My cousin Lauren and Her Husband Cody to stay in their trailer on Cody's Grandma's property. We headed out to scout for turkeys right away. I was amazed how beautiful it was down there! I love that about Utah is you drive a few hours and the scenery is totally different! 

We walked around the private property (Cody's family friend). It was so cool. We did see anything but did lots of walking and surprisingly I loved it! The first night Clayton kept looking back to check on Me every to minutes. Which was sweet. He also at one point came up to Me and had picked some wild flowers..:)

After We scouted for a little while and it got dark We headed back and stopped at a cute little diner and we tried wait for it...PICKLE PIE!! Yeah everyone gagged, I on the other hand didn't mind it. It tasted like pumpkin pie with some relish.

We stayed up late talking laughing and then got up early and headed back out. We hiked a lot and didn't see anything, Clayton was so bummed. Though the experience was so fun and I was so glad I was able to fulfill one of Clayts dreams of Me Hunting with Him.

After Hunting We all came back and took a nap..ahh a nap together that hardly ever happens, so that was a highlight!! Then Cody's Grandma had Us over for family dinner and it was so delicious and fun to meet them! We didn't a turkey but it was well worth trip and such a fun time a wonderful memories!

Easter 2015

                            

This year Easter was kinda chaotic. It fell on Conference weekend so we were squeezing things in between sessions. Also we had a HUGE mommy and daughter date planned with 14+ moms and daughters. When we were leaving Ruger was sad so My mom invited Him to join us to see Cinderella. We warned Him it was princes movie and He agree. five minutes into it He wanted to leave. Haha so We  My Mom and I spent the whole time walking up and down stairs and Him being a little crazy. Sorry to everyone in the theater! The movie was really good though! After the movie we were trying to get a group shot and an employee showed us a room with big  3D movie posters and blow ups. Ruger was beyond excited to see Bamax there which made the running up and down the aisles worth it!! Thank you Mommy for treating us to a fun day!

We  always Do The Fraughton Easter party the Saturday before Easter the adults go out in the front yard and hide candy and treats from Grandpa and Grandma. Then the kids wait of the front porch and wait for the youngest to go the the older kids. Its crazy because there is candy, eggs and toys EVERYWHERE!! This year Ruger was so sad because when I went outside to hide the eggs He wanted to come too! So its started soo sad and then ended well with a heaping basket!! I had another brilliant idea to make the bird nest egg treats. Originally I planned to have the kiddos help but it was so MESSY that i just did it but it was hit!

This year for Easter I had the "brilliant" idea to make the kids Easter baskets. Yeah not so brilliant. Only one turned out and though it was adorable it was a PAIN. I So wish We would have video taped Ruger's reaction to His Easter Basket. It was so cuute! He was like OHHHHH!!!

Then We had Easter with the Wiggins, Shannon, Carlson, Haskle & Wardell clan. I realized I didn't get all the pictures I wanted :( but better next time right? Derrick and Jessica announced they are having a girl and she will be joining out family in September. My Mom and aunt Linda did a prize table this year. So the kids got to find a couple peeps each outside along with eggs and then got to get some prizes of the table! 

Good times as always.