November in a Flash

There were bike rodeos . . .

. . . at which Makayla not only got to compete but also handed out ribbons to all the participants as one of her many Safety Patrol duties.

. . . and a Field trip to Natural Bridge Caverns which was really fun for both of us because we have never been there before. It was amazing inside--so many formations and underground pools. Here Makayla is standing by Emerald Lake.

I also began sporting a new look. I wore glasses most of the month of November as my contacts finally bit the dust after 15+ years. They were killing me so I dragged myself to the eye doctor who informed me that my contacts were warped and molding my eyes in a not-quite-so desired fashion. After forking over some serious cash I now have new contacts. Yea me!

There was also a very festive Harry Potter Party.

I know what you are thinking. Who's birthday is in November? Well, I win the Loser mom award this year for throwing Logan a birthday party only a month late. We all were down with the Swine Flu--yes the freaking Swine Flu and it is as bad as they say--all of October and I didn't have it in me to put his party together so we celebrated in November. I think it turned out alright, though.

The Tri-Wizard Tournament begins . . .

with Professor McGonagall

And Professor Snape

There were many Harry Potters studying in Snape's Laboratory.

A certain miss Granger showed the boys how potions are concocted.

Our honorary Hogwarts member declared Honeydukes for all the good little wizards.

. . . And of course there was plenty of cake.

Fall Football!

I know. I know. It's January and most people are blogging about Christmas and snow. I've been on a holiday hiatus. Hopefully I'll get there soon enough. First, a fall recap. Or you can just wait a week or so and check back for Christmas pics later. . .



Logan has become our football star. He really enjoyed playing flag football this fall. He's gotten really good at defense--grabbing all those flags. And He even made a touchdown the last game!!! Way to go Logan!

We have this great team of boys that we have played with for several years now which makes it fun to play with friends.


Go Giants!

Logan in action grabbing a flag.


The boys' best fans!

Team Mom.

Maybe these are the best fans??!

Who couldn't be a fan of this face? Really?

Only 4 more days . . .

for New Moon!

Who would you choose?

Jacob?

or Edward??!

For me, it will always be Edward.

Although Jacob is the nice guy, the best friend, and isn't a bad distraction. . . poor Bella. Two hot guys in love with her. It must be tough.

I Am Thankful For . . .

My 3 beautiful, healthy, and happy kids!

Trunk or Treat

We got twice the candy this year. Some people in our family our much more excited about this fact than others. Not only did we trick-or-treat, but we trunk-or-treated at the ward party at our church.

It just so happens that Mike (what the??) is the activity director of our ward and so he (we) got to plan this fun-filled event. Mike pulled it together the night before and it turned out great! (after a certain amount of stress on my part). We had a chili cook off, plenty of hot dogs, chips and treats for everyone to eat. There were games for the kiddos: donuts on a string, a cupcake walk, face painting, and the fish pond was most popular with my kids. It was the only game I could get Savannah to participate in. I found her wondering around crying amongst all the fun while Mike and I were trying to man the food. I gave up helping Mike and took over with the kids. After the games, it was all about the trunk or treating.

Logan and Cameron always have a blast together!

Savannah loves her best bud, Brooklyn.

Logan showing off our spooky trunk. (This year, there was no time for dressing up or decorating the trunk on Mike and my part. I just threw a bunch of crap off our porch in the trunk and called it good.) The witch's face lights up and she talks, so that freaked out a few small children. Good enough.

Happy Halloween!

We had a very spooktacular time on Halloween!

We spent the morning on the football field watching Logan play two games back to back. He did awesome on defense, pulling 4 flags in a row and 8 in all. Then, we came home for a little family carving pumpkin time.

Basically . . . it was all about the GUTS!

There were also power tools involved. Some took carving a little more serious than others.

Maddie and Brooks came over to play in the afternoon and to admire the finished products.

Then, it was time to make the Carmel apples and witches brew for our dinner party with our fun neighbors before the trick or treating could begin.

Witches brew: Drink at your own risk

Savannah made a cute little Black Kitty

We had a handsome Harry Potter

And Miss Makayla was a Charm School Witch.

Special Agents Dana Scully and Fox Moulder also made an appearance

. . . while Kelly and Scott got their groove on.

Finally it was time to Trick-or-Treat!

After gathering more candy than they could carry . . .

. . . the kids quickly dumped their loot in search of the "good stuff."

The look on their faces says it all, "We've hit the jackpot!!!"