Thanksgiving Bowling

For Thanksgiving this year we stayed at home and had a cozy dinner and fun day. Andi & Jimmy went to DC to a friend's wedding and we had Brooke stay with us for 3 days. We went bowling vs shopping on Black Friday with our church friends. It was fun, although Rylee enjoyed the donuts just as much and Brooke would only let me help her. Cierra had an extremely slow ball but when it finally got to the pins in did the same damage as everyone elses. Elizabeth was shocked at how much harder it was to get a strike in real life than with the Wii (video game).

We ended up also having our 2 grandpuppies. One decided it would be a nice treat to get her heat before she came and the little puppy took that time to realize he was male and should have a part in it. He also decided that he loves grandma and grandpa and Nick but only at his house on his terms. Lets just say it was an interesting weekend and we were 100% completely exhausted by Saturday.

Costumes and Trick or Treat

This year for Halloween Rylee dressed as a dinosaur, Elizabeth as karate kid, Cierra as a ballerina, Nick and Kelsey and Hans Solo and Princess Leai and Brooke as a bumble bee.

Our family pictures

In order: 
Andi, Jimmy and Brooklyn
My five children:  Andi, Elizabeth, Nicholas (in front) Cierra, Rylee (in back)
Our entire clan (including 2 babies in tow - one in me due April 2010, one in Andi due June 2010)
Matt and I

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.