Halloween 2016

Halloween was a bit busy this year.  I was partly in charge of planning a tri-ward trunk or treat.  It turned out well and I am glad to be done with it for another year.  The day before Halloween the kids and I carved pumpkins.  It's nice that Carson and Alaina are old enough to do most of the carving themselves, so I only had to do 2 this year.  Tony and I stopped getting pumpkins for ourselves because we were carving the kids and ours.  

 Lincoln with his "Boo" pumpkin, Charlie with his "Spider" pumpkin, Alaina with "Bat and Moon", and Carson with a "Spooky Skull".

Iron Man, Cowboy, Ballerina, and Nerd.

Halloween is fun.  We enjoy the activities, the candy, and the costumes.  But as a parent I'm also glad when the festivities are done.

Carson turns 12!

I will be the first to admit that I really hate throwing birthday parties for my kids, so when Carson asked for one I wasn't the least bit excited for it.  But with it being a milestone birthday I said ok.  Tony then told me that throwing a party for 12 year old boys is easy.  Just provide food, cake and video games and you don't have to worry about anything else.  He was right and I was relieved!  Carson loved having friends over and I loved not having to entertain them!  

 Carson wanted a cake with an Atom on it.

 Carson with his buddies.

Carson asked for some fishing gear for his birthday.  Now Tony will have to take him fishing which as many of you know will be quite the sacrifice for them.

We are so proud of Carson and the young man he is becoming!  We love you buddy and I will enjoy this last year before you're a teenager.

A Busy Fall Day

This particular Saturday in October was a busy but fun day.  The day started out with a soccer game for Alaina.  Then we went to a family day at Tony's work.  This was the first time the kids were able to go inside the building and really see what Dad does at work all day.  Lincoln especially loved exploring. Charlie and Alaina loved eating lunch in the cafeteria. Carson loved seeing all the big machines and had to see the robot.  Then we went out to our local corn maze.  The kids enjoyed the petting zoo, the hey mountain, the big slide, and the train.  Tony and I enjoyed the warm fresh donuts.  We all had fun in the maze and picking out pumpkins from the pumpkin patch.  We love this family tradition.

Faith in God Award

One of the perks of being the Primary President is that I was able to make sure the kids get something more than candy and a certificate when they completed their Faith in God.  Carson had actually finished his awhile ago.  Another perk of being the Primary President is that I got to give him this award.  It was pretty awesome and we're super proud of our boy!

Alaina's 9th Birthday

Alaina turned 9 in September.  She planned (and I really mean that she did the planning) a yellow and pink family party.  Papa John's Pizza for dinner and a lemon cake with buttercream frosting for desert.  She got sewing supplies as a gift from Tony and I, an awesome coloring book from my parents, and an easel from Tony's parents.  She loved all of it!

 I didn't really let Alaina choose how her cake was decorated because I needed to practice for an upcoming wedding cake.  But I let her pick the flavors and colors.

Alaina with her presents.  Notice the hairband she made out of the left over flowers from her cake.  Love this girl of ours!

School Days

Our kids have hit some major milestones this year.  Carson started 6th grade and is in middle school now!  He has adjusted very well and is part of the band.  He decided to follow his dad's footsteps and play percussion.  Tony has said many times what great timing Carson has and if he sticks with it he'll be better than Tony ever was.  Alaina started 3rd grade this year and is enjoying not being one of the little kids on the playground.  Charlie started kindergarten and in Moses Lake kindergarten is all day, everyday.  He loves school and has adjusted very well.  He's had to learn to use his words instead of his hands to solve his problems.  He is learning so much and I have to admit I enjoy the weekdays of just Lincoln and me and home.

 First Day of School; Carson 6th grade, Alaina 3rd grade

Charlie Kindergarten