Carving Pumpkins

We carved pumpkins as a family plus Nick's girlfriend, Kelsey. Cierra made a cat face, Elizabeth a triangle and Rylee a happy face. Nick made a dragon and Kelsey a school girl.

Elizabeth's 7th Birthday

Elizabeth turned 7 today!  Elizabeth picked Cookie Crisp for breakfast, hot lunch at school for lunch (a treat for her or so she thought as it was sloppy jos and she didn't like them b/c they didn't taste like Mom's) and chocolate cherry crepes for dinner.

A Birthday Bash for 3

Elizabeth, Cierra and Rylee saw a big bouncy house at a birthday party early summer. They each started talking about how this year they wanted a big party with all their friends and family with all the frills and fluffs. We started doing the math and once a month for 3 months calculated quite a birthday bill. We told them we would consider a big party if they would consider having it together. So the plotting and planning began. They instantly became the 3 Musketeers in thought and deed. Everything became about their party. They made decisions together and believe it or not never fought about a single thing. They decided what they wanted to share and what they didn't and went to town. In our minds it was going to be a nightmare but all the way around was a wonderful experience. They each made their own pinata with our help with balloons and crete paper including decorating and filling with candy. Decided on games, prizes, how to do things, made the invitations. When the day finally came, Elizabeth said, "I don't want to close my eyes b/c I feel like if I do I will wake up and realize I am dreaming and even a dream couldn't be better." Cierra said all day long, "This is the best day of my life." Rylee kept saying, " I love you, you are a nice Mommy/Daddy, thank you." I guess after the fun we had putting things together and those comments as corny as it may sound I just have to agree!

Cierra is 5!

Cierra turned 5 today. She had cherry chocolate crepes for her breakfast, mac and cheese and hotdogs for lunch, and pot roast with mashed potatoes and gravy, and cheesy brocolli for dinner.

First Day of School

Elizabeth (in orange shirt) started first grade today. First day of school was a full day for her! Cierra (jean jacket) also had her first day of school today. She is in 4K which is like a pre-kindergarten. It is for 3 hours M-F.

Jessica gets married

My best friend's daughter got married today. Jessica married Jordan in a beautiful and intimate ceremony. It was awesome that Nick and I were able to go to Utah to be part of it. We have missed this family so much since they moved to Utah several years ago. Nick and Jessica were best of friends in high school and Sarah and I (pictured with me directly above) became fast friends while walking every morning at 5:30 and then as we became scrapbooking pals. We were able to spend a few days which were just completely wonderful.

follow up post date (Dec 09) Oh, I took the twilight book out with me to have something to read while in the airport on suggestion of Nick and Andrea, not realizing what an effect it would have on me. I was one that made fun of twilight fans and their rediculous conversations and caring ons....I had to buy book 2 while there and finished all 4 in 2 weeks time. Sorry for all those fellow fans I made fun of, especially Andi! I will even admit that I stood in line and waited up until midnight to see the midnight showing of New Moon....Idiotic, silly, ridiculous, crazed yes I am but it is a fabulous series and a superb movie and I would see it and read it again and again.

Rylee shows how its done

Rylee shows Nick how to properly wear a bike helmet!

Playing Football

Uncle Judd and Nick were playing football while girls were riding bikes. Somehow they blended together. We ended a great day with take out from Cozumel a local Mexican Restaurant!

Riding Bikes and Smelling the Flowers

The girls love to be outside.  Riding bikes, playing at the park, playing ball, using chalk, smelling and picking flowers ~ you name it they want to be outside front or back doing it. 

Rylee is 3!

Rylee is 3 today!  She received a doll that says, "Momma."  She was so facinated.  We really think she actually thought the she was the doll's Mommy.  Rylee wouldn't put it down for 2 days and I think kept a smile on her face the whole time.

Matt on Elizabeth's Bike???

Matt claims he was testing Elizabeth's bike for safety. Really I think he was either jealous of Uncle Judd's attention and wanted help on the bike or just had a huge desire to feel the wind in his hair on a shiny new blossom flower, turquoise blue bike.

Elizabeth learns to ride her bike

Matt and I had been working with Elizabeth on and off, running beside her up and down the sidewalk, over and over again for about a month. Uncle Judd was over one day and Elizabeth asked him to help her. Now of course the story goes, "Uncle Judd, taught me to ride my bike." Really it is good - couldn't ask for a better Uncle and he gave her that final courage to be on her own. So glad we have such a good role model available for our children to help them when they aren't completely ready to listen to us or take our help. We are so proud of her (and Uncle Judd).