We meet Santa

The kids were excited to see Santa today. Max asked for Wii sports resort (he has been asking for this since August). Caden couldn't think of anything he wanted so Santa said he would surprise him. Then Ellie asked for a Happy Christmas. Its funny how the kids get a nervous when they see Santa. I guess we will just have to see what he brings them.

Ellie's 1st Project

Ellie had her first big school project and was so excited about it. She had to pick a National Park and research it then create a poster and present it to the class. She chose Zion National Park not knowing that Ryan I have been there several times and had lots of pictures. Now we need to take the kids there.

Christmas Villages

I love all my Christmas villages. The kids think they are magical. I wasn't sure how I was going to display them all but I got them all up. And Ryan doubted me :)

Gingerbread House

Caden insisted on making a gingerbread house last week. They had Friday off of school b/c of a teacher work day so I decided it would be a good day to make one. We made the house from scratch. Originally we had 2 houses but the first one caved in. This one turned out nicely though. The kids had fun decorating it and of course eating all the candy.

Happy Hanukkah

We celebrated Hanukkah by lighting the menorah, eating latkes and matzoh ball soup, and playing the dreidel game. We also read a book about the Festival of Lights. The kids enjoyed learning about Hanukkah, especially since their grandpa was raised Jewish.

O' Christmas Tree

We started a new tradition this year. We moved our artificial tree upstairs for the kids and got a live tree for the living room. The kids thought it was awesome to get a real tree. It smells so good and I just love the way it looks. I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep it alive all the way til Christmas but so far so good.

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving. Ryan's brother and his family came to visit us for the week. The kids loved playing with the cousins and we loved having family visit. We went to Sunriver for Thanksgiving dinner. We love to go out for Thanksgiving. We ate delicous food and had no clean up. Ellie said it was the best Thanksgiving ever. We came home, lounged around, looked at all the ads and planned our Black Friday shopping trip.

New Room

For mine and Ryan's birthday we upgraded to a king bed. It took me a couple weeks but we finally got our room put together. I got a great new headboard and matching side tables from Pier One. I also finally found bedding that I liked. Ryan just finished installing our flat panel t.v. on the wall (a black friday special and an early Christmas present). I love our new room. It feels like a hotel and I absolutely love having a king bed. I have been sleeping so well lately.


We gave our queen bed to Ellie. She got some new bedding for it. Her room looks so grown up now. The great thing about it is when guests come they actually have a real bed to sleep in now.

Little Red Hen

Caden had his first school play. They performed The Little Red Hen. Caden was a narrator and got to dress up like a farmer. They did so well at saying their lines.

Oh October!

October was a busy month for me and this year it just kept going into November.

We had family photos taken. They turned out great!


We finished out the soccer season. Ellie scored a goal in one of the final games and was very excited. Ryan had fun coaching both Ellie and Caden's teams but we were all ready for it to be over.

Ellie started Jazz Dance and loves it.

We attended several birthday parties. Mine and Ryan's included.

Went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch with Max's preschool. We went on a hayride, planted bulbs and picked out a pumpkin. Caden got to come with since his school is in the afternoon.

Carved pumpkins. We won 2nd place in the pumpkin carving contest. I carved a really cool haunted house.

Planned and had the Ward Halloween Party and Carnival. We had a potluck chili dinner, a bunch of carnival games and crafts for the kids, followed by trunk or treat. It turned out great but it was a big responsibility and I am glad it is over.

Planned and helped out at the 2nd grade fall festival.

Planned and got all the supplies for our RS Fabulous Friday (aka Super Saturday). I have been planning this since August when I was the Enrichment leader. I came up with crafts for us to do and made samples. I have since been released but they still needed me to put on this activity. We made personalized soaps and sanitizer bottles, countdown blocks, and glass block decorations. There was also a chocolate class and candle making.



Helped out with the Primary Program. My new calling (since Sept) is in the Primary Presidency so we have been busy preparing for the Program which was this Sunday. It was awesome! The kids amazed me with their spirits and testimonies.

It is finally all over and just in time to get geared up for Christmas. I actually started list making and shopping this weekend. :)

Here are some random photos I took throughout the month. I didn't get many great ones but taking pics was the last thing on my mind. Most were taken with my phone so not good quality.

Family Photos

Our friend took some great family photos for us at the beginning of October. Here are some of my favorite. Thanks Tiff! You can check out her photography blog here.

Ellie's 7th Birthday Party

Ellie had a great birthday party. We had 26 kids come. They skated and played games. The kids had a blast. She recieved a ton of great gifts and it was nice to meet some of the kids from her class.

The Invite:

The Decorations:


We had set out customized water bottles and snacks for the guests.


The Guests:




The Goody Bags:

A mix cd of Ellie's favorite songs, candy, and silly bands. We also handed out glow necklaces and bracelets as the guests arrive.

The Fun:





The loot:



"We are always supposed to eat a little junk. It is healthy for you." (Ellie's quote of the day)