Decorating for Christmas

So we were concerned about having a Christmas tree with a little man who is learning to walk. He's cruising on everything now, and loves to pull up and lean on furniture. I could just imagine the crash and cry when the tree toppled over on him. So my friend, Lindsay, suggested putting the Christmas tree in the pack-n-play. So here it is... :)

Keeps baby out of the wires, tinsel, and balls, and lets big brother enjoy the tree.

We all had a great FHE setting up the Christmas tree, and listening to Johnny Mathis Christmas music. I'll never forget the Christmas we put the tree in the manger!

Baby's First Birthday

It was our baby boy's first birthday, and we were all sick. So we had a little cake at home...
Whose birthday is it? Mine!!

Seriously, Dad. You're giving me a candle. Are you sure?

It looks so fun.

Can I touch it?

Bummer. No more candle, but this cake looks interesting...I'll just poke it.

I wonder what Dad will do if I put some in my mouth...

Wait! I'm eating this, and no one is taking it out of my mouth.

Here Mom! Do you want a lick? It's chocolate!

Great cake, Dad! Thanks for the great birthday! And look, I'm still handsome even when my face is covered in frosting!

The Lodge

We had the incredible opportunity of being invited to the Bates Lodge in Driggs, Idaho. Thank you, Pynes, for including us in your family trip! We had a great time!


It was a long drive, but we're HERE!!



H was SO excited to ride the 4-wheeler!










K was working on LOTS of Boy Scout stuff, and he proudly earned his Chess belt loop while we were at the lodge. Thank you, Grandma Pyne and Shaundra, for playing with Mr. K!







Relaxing out on the front deck was a favorite way to pass the time.











We build campfires and had s'mores. YUM!

We watched movies...



Made crafts...

Played on the swingset...

Rode scooters on the front porch...

Enjoyed the beautiful view...

Rode Kennen and Shaunge's 4-wheeler...

Made more s'mores...

Played marbles...

Explored the stream...

Found wood and made our own bows and arrows...

Enjoyed time together as a family...

Went hiking in the woods...

Threw rocks in the water...

Explored the fields and old farm equipment...

Went hunting for berries on the 4-wheeler...

Got our feet very wet...

And played some more chess...

Played some baseball...




and called it ONE GREAT FAMILY TRIP!

Scarecrow Festival

We visited the Scarecrow Festival at Thansgiving Point, and had a great time over UEA weekend. I rode the inflatable slides with the kids, and had a blast.

Trent and I enjoyed the climbing wall.







































Miss T is our little thrill-seeker. She ran up the slides over and over. She slept great that night.























H ran the gauntlet over and over. He did very well.













K, cool as a cucumber in his sunglasses, enjoyed the slides, too.














Here's the evidence. I forgot how fast you can get going on those slides. It was so fun!









My little thrill-seeker again.













T waiting her turn at the go-carts. We had a great day!

Halloween

Here's the pictures from Halloween. It was raining, so I didn't take any outside. I didn't have enough hands to carry my daughter's candy, an umbrella (so she didn't get too wet in her princess dress), and the camera, so this is the best we've got! :) The kids dressed up as Blue and Black Power Ranger, Snow White, and Tigger. I had my Snow White costume on for the ward party. It was fun to match my daughter!

Welcome!

I feel a personal challenge to make everywhere I live a Zion...a place where people are of one heart, of one mind, and where there are no poor among them. So it is in my home. We work to achieve a wonderful place where our family can grow together in a loving, nurturing atmosphere. And for those of you who know me well, you also know that we love to have FUN! So here it is, my blog dedicated to my family. Enjoy!