Halloween 2009

Aunt Camille

Sydnee the sick little fairy

The whole scary family

Addy insisted on having her face painted

This year things we did things a bit differently. Sydnee was sick and we didn't want her to totally miss out on the Halloween festivities so, we joined the huge crowd at South Towne mall and went trick-or-treating at all the stores. We were done in an hour and home by 5 p.m. We started the tradition a few years ago of having a Halloween themed dinner so the kids won't fill up on candy. This year I stole ideas from Rachael Ray's magazine. We had a great dinner(see pictures below).

Our scary dinner
1. buried alive muffins 2. monster mouth yogurt
3. fried egg eyeballs, severed hand and foot toast and hashed brains.

A Special Night

For our young women's activity Wednesday night, the Laurels and Mia Maids went to White Elegance. The girls were given a short lesson about the temple and the importance of preparing now for temple blessings. After the lesson the girls were able to try on the temple dress of their choice. These girls looked absolutely gorgeous in white. It was so neat to see them dressed in white, they just glowed. Pardon my sappiness, but it gave me a glimpse into the future. I've seen these ladies in white when we have gone to do baptisms, but I know one day I will get to see them in white dresses again. What a great night!

Family Home Evening

Addy talked about her art project that she did at school and insisted that we all try it. We let her be in charge of the activity for family home evening on Monday night. Here are pictures of our lovely ripped pumpkins.

Verify This

This one is for you Laura. I posted a comment on a friends blog today and this was my verification word frisper. I think its whisper being said by someone with a lisp. Any other suggestions?

Crazy Hair Day

Today was crazy hair day at Addy's school. I think it looks pretty crazy!

Almost 3 Months

I can't believe how fast time is flying. Maren will be 3 months tomorrow. It seems like yesterday we were at the hospital and now I have a baby that's growing like a weed. Maren is a sweet baby, she smiles all the time and is super patient. The only time she gets upset is when she's hungry, has a dirty diaper, or needs to burp. She is such a joy!

Grandpa's Giant Pumpkin

Fall Break 2009

Last year for fall break my sister and I went on a road trip, this year Ben didn't want to be left out. We planned a road trip. Ben's car didn't pass inspection and so it needed repairs. Bye-bye vacation. Ben had the days off of work so we planned a more laid back cheap/free vacation, or staycation if you must. Enter the stomach flu. Wednesday night Addy and I both ended up sick. (Ben had his turn the weekend before) So, after a rocky start, we had an exceptionally laid back few days. Ben wrangled the kids until I was feeling better. Friday we went to the park across the street and let the kids play. They ran back and forth about 100 times. I'm not sure whose idea it was, but the kids ended up riding down the big hill in the wagon. The park has a huge hill that is perfect for sledding in the winter and water slides in the summer. We now have something to do in between. The kids loved dragging the wagon up the hill and riding down at full speed. They thought it was great. After an hour of wagon riding, we headed out for dinner. After dinner, we watched Monsters vs. Aliens. We all loved it. The kids went to bed and didn't make a sound that night, I think we wore them out. Saturday we did our chores and the kids played outside. Ben and the girls also made a yummy lime merengue pie. We then headed out to the park for more wagon rides down the hill, this time I took pictures. We then headed to Grandma and Grandpa Williams house to help Grandpa carve his 300 pound pumpkin that he grew in his garden. Each grandchild who was big enough got to draw one part of the face. The kids had a great time helping with the pumpkin and playing together. We had dinner together and then it was off to bed for the kiddos. Sunday we all slept in and barely made it to church, but we did make it, and on time. That was our super lazy, vacation. Hopefully next year we won't have car repairs and stomach flu and can go on a real vacation.

Spit Happens!

Having a baby with acid reflux means that I change my clothes and Maren's clothes a lot.

Send in the Clowns

Sydnee came home from pre-school with her face painted like a clown. They were learning about the circus and magic. She looked so cute I had to capture the moment.

First Smiles

Maren smiled for the first time on Labor day. She has a darling smile that melts my heart. She will smile when she hears my voice and anytime she gets attention. Addy and Sydnee love making her smile. I had forgotten how much fun it is to have a new baby in the house.

Why I Love Fall

I love fall! It is my favorite season of the year. As soon as it starts getting cooler, I get the urge to head for the hills. Two weeks ago I drug my family on our yearly outing to Cascade Springs. I love this place. Never mind that everyone else in Utah county decided to visit the same day. We had fun looking at the fish and the leaves. I feel like something is missing in my life until I get to see the fall leaves in the canyon. They were beautiful this year. I especially love the reds. Maren slept through our whole adventure, silly girl. Addy and Sydnee loved being able to run around and pick up leaves. I feel much better now that I have had my yearly dose of fall.

Garden of Wonders

We planted a small garden this year which has done quite well considering that it was planted in our weed and gravel side of the house. We've been eating fresh zuchini, tomatoes, spaghetti squash and we also have some onions we transplanted from our neighbors. Our tomatoes have been small and producing just enough to keep up with. Garden fresh tomatoes are my favorite. Lately they've been growing weird deformities and the such. Here are a few of the fun ones. Note:Ben picked up on the one with the crack, not me.