White Elephant

I seriously love this boys sense of humor.  He got ready for his basketball white elephant gift exchange and took "Fish & Chips!"  Don't worry, he included and fishbowl and some food for the lucky winner.

Halloween 2016

The lizard football player, the skeleton, and the baby cow for trunk or treat.  Two football players and a baby cow for the night of actual Halloween and school parties.

Another amazing Halloween down in the books.

Trunk or treat was amazing as always.  The kids had a blast and we took the dead grandparents in the back of the car again.  It ended with doughnuts and hot chocolate at the pavilion and visiting with our favorites from the ward.

I took Cardon to Kendall's Halloween party at school and he quickly became the classroom novelty.  He loved sitting on Kendall's lap and playing with his pumpkin.

The actuall night of Halloween could not have gone better.  We went to Mike and Debs neighborhood and the kids split up into age groups and out they went.  It wasn't too cold and Cardon's cow costume kept him nice and cozy.  

The neighbors go all out and it feels like the area is transformed into a big magical Halloween alley.  Strobe lights, talking pumpkins, scary spiders with gigantic webs to name a few line the streets.

When the kids start to get tired we head back to Debs house and the fun begins.  All the kids sort and trade their candy while the adults visit.

Secret Doors

I had been searching for something for the boys to keep in their pocket at school.  I wanted something that would ease their anxieties and bring them a bit of comfort whenever they needed it.  Something that just the would know about.

After searching at several stores, I could not find what I was looking for.  Everything I found wasn't quite right.

I said a prayer as I entered the last store.  It was late Saturday night and school was starting Monday.

 I had several things in my hand that might have worked but none of them felt quite right.  Martha had just happened to spot these castle doors that opened and I knew that was it!

I could leave a little note in the door and the boys could have it with them at all times.

Several days after school started the boys told me that every day they would reach into their pocket and feel their little castle door.  Kendall said that sometimes he would ask to go to the bathroom just to read his little note.

Bubblegum

I have learned 2 things... It's really hard to blow a bubble when you are laughing and Kendall can't blow a bubble under pressure.

#nathanwon

Summer

This past week we have sucked the marrow out of summer.  Paddleboarding, picnics, races at the pool, sunsets, and late nights.  One of the biggest highlights was the gathering of friends and family celebrating Gabbie and her farewell to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland!

Go USA!

We LOVE the Olympics! 

 We had to kick it off with an American Olympics party and serve Brazillian food!

The Brazillian limeades were everybody's favorite!

We will all be in the living room huddled around the TV these next few weeks.  It's gonna be awesome!!

Good Babysitter?

This is what I get when I let Nathan Babysit.

Weaver Hollow Pool

One of life's greatest pleasures.

The pool.

The smell of suntan lotion greets you at the entrance and you find your perfect spot under the shade tree.  You set your chairs up and line up all the beach towels. Sunscreen is applied, goggles in place, and pool toys in hand.

There are sounds of screaming, splashing kids, and your heart beats a little faster because you notice this pool has a inter tube side.

You think that it could not possibly get any more fun and then your mom hands you a funnel cake topped with powered sugar.

I'm pretty sure there is nothing better than a big, juicy, gummy smile!  

Uh - Oh

Were in trouble now!  Someone went and grew up on me and now is climbing the stairs.

Maleficent Under the Moon

Dad brought home his projector from work and I gathered up a basket of movie treats, popcorn, and drinks.  The boys collected all their blankets and pillows and brought them outside to create a comfy pallet for us all.

We waited until dark and then watched Maleficent in the backyard.  Dad and I created a human sandwich and it was so fun to snuggle deep into the blankets between the boys during the scary parts. 

I loved breathing in the cool air and looking up into the dark sky.  We are going to suck every summer moment we can from this month.