Crusin'

Over a year ago we started planning the cruise we went on with some of our friends this month. We have never cruised before and it is something that we have really wanted to do. It was awesome! We went on Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas out of Miami. The ship itself was amazing! It holds over 4000 passengers and is really a destination its self. The ship was larger than life. Josh just kept saying, "we are on a ship!!" It was like a dream. We spent our first and last day at sea and had plenty to do on board.


Cruising was unlike any tropical vacation we have ever taken before with all of the reasons to dress up. Josh and I loved the dining, especially the dinners which we had with our group each night. The food was out of this world! (Notice the beautiful desserts.) I don't think we ever got a full group picture, but these are the couples from our ward.


We also loved the shows. They were a little to "artsy" for some of the members of the group, but because we love theater and can look past men in tights we loved it! My favorites were the Ice Show, the Vegas type modern dance show, and the broadway type show. Our ship had 18 million dollars in upgrades the week before we came on board and had teamed up with Dream Works to provide a wider variety of experiences. The kid pool upgrades were amazing. We didn't really spend any time in the pools, but we hit the hot tub almost every night. One of my favorite moments on board was laying out on the helicopter pad one night watching the stars.

I couldn't wait to give the FlowRider a try! Josh and I were both quite good at the boogie boarding. I did try the stand up surfing too, but I need more time to practice it.




Josh and I really enjoy being busy with activities so we tried everything. Josh was a comocozi ice skater on the ships ice rink. I was grateful that he only hurt himself and not other people.


The rock climbing wall was a little more nerve wracking than I thought it would be, but we both made it to the top. Unfortunatly when I got up there I forgot to check out the view.


Our first port was Belize. Our excursion was a favorite! We went through a zipline course that was out of this world. The cables were over 100 feet long and about 70 feet about the rainforest canopy. We loved it! (Unfortunatly noone dared to take a real camera off the ship into Belize and the water cameras worked terribly, but it was really unbelievable. I real camera would not have been able to capture the beauty anyway.


Then we went tubing down a river that ran though a cave. On the hike to the river for tubing some members of our group had a little snack of turmites. I didn't taste them, but I guess they tasted like minty sprouts. The river was a little low so it was slow but the cave was very cool. We took our time and enjoyed jumping off rocks and the beautiful blue water. The temperture was about 75 degrees and very humid so it felt great! The water cameras were terrible, but it was AMAZING!


We got headed back to the ship a little late. We were all worried about catching the last of the tender's back to the ship. With no speed limit our native guides weren't too worried. As we left one member of the group said, "this is when you really hope that nothing goes wrong." We were all quietly resting on the bus/van when we heard a pop and banging. We blew a tire. We were already late to catch the tender. Apparently in Belize they wear tires until they pop. They don't "prevent" problems by changing out their tires. It was crazy getting the tire changed. They had two jack and neither of them worked. The guys all lifted the half bus to get the spare tire on. They called ahead to the ship and the tender waited for us, but it was good enough to get our hearts racing.

Our second port was Costa Maya which is a city essential owned by the cruise line. There weren't a lot of excursion options, but we enjoyed taking a catamaran ride out to a coral reef for snorkeling. I loved riding in the front of the catamaran and bouncing with the waves and being splashed by the sea water. I always enjoy a good snorkeling trip. Unfortunately the water cameras didn't capture any good pictures.

Our third port was Cozumel. We caught the first water taxi to Playa Del Carmen where we were supposed to meet a guide to take us on a tour of Tulum and help us understand Mayan History as it relates to the Book of Mormon. Somehow we miscommunicated with the guide and he didn't show up until the next water taxi which was two hours later so after waiting for 1.5 hours we got our own van and headed to Tulum. Luckily when we got there we found a Mormon guide who provided a wonderful experience for us. It was fascinating to better understand Mayan history and the verses the read to us from the Book of Mormon are so much clearer now. I was captivated by the ruins and the history.


Tulum is right on the ocean.


The temple of Tulum was built after Book of Mormon times when the truth was not among the Lamanites and the practices were evil, but many of the traditions and the ways of building were similar to Book of Mormon times.


You can see how vegetation could ruin the walls of the city over time, but some of these walls still stand. I really liked the walls, even though they weren't beautiful like some of the buildings, because they reminded me of the Book of Mormon.


After returning to port in Miami we had some time before our flight so we went on an Air Boat Gator Tour in the Everglades.


The ride was fun, and we saw lots of Alligators. We even held one.


And Josh waded in the Everglades. (Bucket list number #764.)


It was a wonderful trip! Thank you to my sister Christie and my mom and Connie for taking the girls and to Erica for taking my boys. They had a great time. It was a nice vacation for them from the routine of our lives too.

Now all I can think about is - what's next. It's time to plan another trip. I think I have a serious case of the travel bug! Spring brake . . . Disney Land . . . Park City . . . I think it will be a while before we go on another vacation without the kids, but it was sure great!

Something worth celebrating

This week we received Caleb's report card from school and it was AWESOME! His proficiency grade for ever academic skill was a 4 which means he is scoring in the 90-100th percentile (basically straight A's). The best part for me was his work and social skill grades which were all excellent. This is a big contrast to the many NI (needs improvement) marks he got last year and the satisfactory reports we got last term. A perfect report card wouldn't be a big deal for most parents, but I have worked so hard with Caleb that I wanted to celebrate by sharing. Caleb is going to be an exceptional adult although getting him there may take every skill I have.

Caleb is making great progress on the piano and just finished his second set of books. His reading is coming right along. Math concepts are really hard for him, but with persistence he eventually gets it. He would really like to start karate lessons this year. I am not sure how I feel about that. Is it worth the time and money? He can't wait to start tackle football in the fall. He never talks about it without putting the word "tackle" on. He wants to make sure that he is getting the real deal. I'm not really sure how I feel about that either, but we have to to focus his energy somewhere. Of course his favorite day at school is Wednesday because it is PE. He rarely talks to me about what is happening at school. The most I can get him to tell me is what they had for lunch except on Wednesday's when he tells me all about PE.

Good Habits and Bad Habits

I always try to be a good example of healthy living for my children. I really dislike formal exercise. I don't like the effort or the time that it requires, but occasional I fell like I need to "get stronger" so I take on an exercise program. I have been exercising three days a week this month, and my kids love it. It does get a little tight when we are all trying to kick-box at the same time.


On the not so healthy side, my kids number one stall technique before bed is "I'm hungry." It drives me crazy, but what kind of mom puts her kids to bed hungry! This is a classic pre-bed scene at our house. Andy eating a hotdog, which is 95% of his diet (disgusting and not healthy, I know). Caleb eating a Peanut Butter sandwich (he doesn't like jam, and adding honey is too much work so just peanut butter on whole wheat bread.) Cara eating a cheese quesadilla. All staples at bed time.


It may be interesting to note that as I type the kids are out riding their bikes. Caleb is in shorts. Yes, it is January in northern Utah, and it snowed today. I think they are ready for spring. I am eating oatmeal chocolate chip cookie dough and enjoying every bite. I just noticed Ali is asleep in her high chair with her hands full of pretzels which is strange since she wont sleep in her bed.

Grandma Alice

Grandma Alice turned 95 this month! She is such a sweet woman. She has been living with Josh's parents for almost a year and we have really enjoyed having her so close. I think that it is wonderful for us and the kids to have regular contact with her.




Of course we needed a picture with her name sake . . .

And andy wanted one too. I think he is about as big as she is.

2010 Favorites

I want to start the now tradition of wrapping up the blog for the year by recording everyone’s favorites.

Ali answered by Carrie:
• Food – I only like meat baby food and sometimes sweet potatoes. I still sometimes choke on other solids, but I like to try them.
What are some of your wishes for this new-year? To learn to crawl, walk, feed myself and talk. It’s going to be a big year.


Andy answered by Carrie:
• Cereal – whatever someone else is having
• Food – Hot dogs, in fact this is the only meat I will eat. I really just like drinks, hot dogs and cheese.
• Drink – juice or milk I would really like to be on a liquid diet.
• TV Show – Playhouse Disney (I stand by the computer and say “mouse, mouse”)
• Game – running around with Caleb
• Book – I like to carry around a football book, but I’m not that interested in reading it.
• Restaurant – anywhere with French-fries since I don’t really like eating most things.
• Holiday – All
• Animal – anything I can hug
What do you love about each person in our family?

Ali – I love everything about Ali.
Cara – I like to color with Cara and to throw her crayons.
Caleb – I love to wrestle with Caleb and he takes care of me.
Mom – She gets me milk and starts Mickey Mouse for me.
Dad – He is so fun to play with.
Where would you like to go on vacation this year? Disney Land and meet Mickey Mouse
What are some of your wishes for this new-year? I want to have fun.


Cara:
• Cereal – Lucky Charms
• Food – Corn Dogs
• Drink – Water with Ice and Root Beer
• TV Show – Ariel
• Game – Barbies and Hide and Go Seek
• Restaurant – McDonanlds it’s so much fun!
• Holiday – Christmas
• Animal – Elephant
What do you love about each person in our family?

Ali – Her can eat different kind of thing, not baby food.
Andy – Give me hugs.
Caleb – Be kind.
Mom – You buy corn dogs.
Dad – Him go shopping to buy chips.
Where would you like to go on vacation this year? To Mexico
What are some of your wishes for this new-year? In the turkey I found the wish bone. I can’t tell. It is a secret. It’s a secret, you can’t tell nobody, (whisper) ton’s of butterflies.


Caleb:
• Cereal – Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Lucky Charms
• Food – Macaroni and Cheese, Cereal and a Ham Sandwich and Mexican food. (Side note: he has a peanut butter sandwich almost every day when he gets home from school.)
• Drink – Milk and Chocolate Milk
• TV Show – Power Rangers
• Game – Lego Star Wars and Wrestling
• Book – Power Rangers
• Restaurant – McDonalds
• Holiday – Christmas
• Animal – Zebra
What do you love about each person in our family?

Ali – She’s cute.
Andy – He’s cool.
Cara – She’s nice.
Mom – You’re nice too.
Dad – He plays with me a lot.
Where would you like to go on vacation this year? Disney Land, Hawaii, and Mexico
What are some of your wishes for this new-year? I want to learn how to do karate.


Carrie:
• Cereal – I wish I could grow out of it, but I really like sugar cereals like Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch
• Food – All Italian
• Drink – Water, but I have always been a Root Beer fan when soda is offered
• TV Show – The only show I watch is Biggest Looser
• Book – I don’t make much time to read anything but the Book of Mormon
• Restaurant – I LOVE to eat out! I’m not sure I have a favorite I just like to go out.
• Holiday – I like them all.
What do you love about each person in our family?

Ali – I love to hold and squeeze her and the way that she bonks heads to show affection. I also like the way she flaps her arms like she is a little bird about to take off.
Andy – I love the way his cheeks bounce when he runs and his happy easy-going personality. I love to make him laugh he laughs so easily.
Cara – I love to watch her take care of her brothers and sister. She is a great helper.
Caleb – I love to help him learn new things and to watch him figure things out.
Josh – I feel so lucky to have found Josh. He is an amazing hard worker and extremely talented. He is so good at making people happy, and he helps me in so many ways. He is working more from home lately and I really miss him when he is gone.
Where would you like to go on vacation this year? We are going on a Cruise in a couple of weeks. I have never cruised, and I am way excited! Cara has been BEGGING me to go to the beach and to Mexico. I don’t dare tell her that we are going and leaving her in Utah.
What are some of your wishes for this new-year? I hope to be a happy mom that doesn’t just tend my kids, but a mom that teaches them. I want to make the most of every day.


Josh:
• Cereal – Cracklin Oat Bran
• Food – It is hard to narrow it down, but I really like Nutella.
• Drink – Pina Colada
• TV Show – Lost, Seinfeld, and Office
• Book – The Magazine Fast Company or Mac World
• Restaurant – Macaroni Grill
• Holiday – Christmas
What do you love about each person in our family?

Ali – I love her smile and giggle and that she bonks foreheads.
Andy – He is so funny and happy! I love his facial expressions.
Cara – She has a great sense of humor.
Caleb – He is a good negotiator and a good competitor when playing sports.
Carrie – She is a great, loving, smart wife. She has many talents even hidden talents.
Where would you like to go on vacation this year? Disney World
What are some of your wishes for this new-year? Loose 30 lbs and be a better person.

Christmas Highlights

I love the Holiday season. It just goes so fast! I am trying to enjoy every moment with my little ones as I am often told that the time with small children is gone so quickly. I do fall short in taking pictures, but I wanted to take a moment to record a few of the fun things we did to celebrate the holidays this year.

We kicked off Christmas the day after Thanksgiving with a trip to Salt Lake (after shopping of course) to see my cousins who were in town from as far as Japan. I love my extended family and have a closeness to them that many people don't enjoy with their cousins. We spent the evening at Temple Square. I think taking the kids to Temple Square is a wonderful tradition.

Our ward did a "Polar Express" Christmas party. It was a breakfast and the 150 kids in the ward were invited to come in their pajamas. Josh was asked to narrate the "Polar Express" book. After breakfast Josh got on the stage in his robe and sweats and started yelling "all aboard." I was choked up as the children darted through the room. They were rushing to their tables to get their tickets to get on the Polar Express. The excitement in the room was awesome, and I felt the spirit of Christmas. Josh also read stories at the elementary school. I am grateful to have a husband that is willing to be actively involved in the lives of his children. At the school he read The Night Before Christmas in his many many voices. I understand he was a real hit although Caleb says he was a little embarrassed.

One of the highlights of each December is the formal Christmas Gala that our friends host. It is a wonderful party. We feel fortunate to be surrounded by so many fantastic friends that influence our lives for good in so many ways. We also went caroling with neighbors and enjoyed other parties and get-togethers with friends. Somehow I thought that friends wouldn't be such a part of my life as an adult. Now I realize, how would I ever survive without my wonderful friends.


On the 23rd we took the kids to Salt Lake to see Christina and Ross who couldn't come home for Christmas. We love seeing them. Sara came all the way from Plentywood Montana and we met up with her in SLC too. It is nice to be with family. Each year we express gratitude that we don't have to spend all of our vacation time and money to go to family at Christmas. It is a blessing that we live near both sets of parents and that our siblings usually come to us. While we were in SLC we took the kids to Zoo Lights at Hogal Zoo. I didn't know what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised. The lights were great, and we got to see many of the indoor animals.


Christmas Eve is always spent with my family. It was fantastic as always! What more can I say. I love to be with my family. This was the first time that Cathie and her kids haven't come home for Christmas and we REALLY missed them.

Christmas morning was awesome. The kids were so excited. Fortunatly they slept in until about 6:45 and we were able to hold them off while Andy and Ali slept a little longer, but by 7:30 we were opening presents. Caleb had the great idea to take turns. (Yes, we will just give him all of the credit so that the tradition can continue.) The kids were excited, but they took their time and took turns. They were very interested in each others gifts.

Caleb got a remote control helicopter, which he loves, and a giant nerf gun.


Cara got an American Girl Doll look-alike and matching cloths for her and her doll.


Andy got a remote control truck, which everyone enjoyed playing with. He got two packs of 10 match box cars and he was so excited when he opened them. He was yelling, "open them! open them!"


Ali got a Stand and Sit Giraffe Ball thing. Andy really likes it. Ali was just happy to be a part of the excitement.


Between Christmas and New Years we spent a few nights with the Lows at their Condo in Bear Lake. It was nice to get snowed in with friends to whom we are so close that they are practically family. We were literally stuck at the condo with our two wheel drive but luckily the Lows suburban could take us skiing at Beaver during a big snow storm. Caleb and Cara both seem to be getting the hang of skiing. It has been a long time coming with Caleb. He was finally starting to catch on when he had a bad fall and twisted his knee. He has been quite gimpy this week.

We celebrated New Years with our dear friends and neighbors - the Campbells. We played games and ate way to much junk food. Life is good!!!

One final journal item before I "close the book" on 2010. Caleb played his first season of Basket Ball this November and December. I can see how having kids involved in sports can fill up the lives of parents. It was fun to watch the first graders as they are learning to dribble, pass and shoot. I wouldn’t say that Caleb was awesome by any means, but it was fun for him. I enjoy having an excuse to get out too.

The Same Old Thing . . .

Every morning one of the first things Caleb says is, “what are we going to do today.” He hates when I answer, “were are just going to have a regular day.” It seems like we have been doing a lot of that lately. I am grateful that there is no drama. I am happy with our routine. In fact, I decided that I am not going to mail formal Christmas cards this year for the first time since I was a teenager. With the blog and facebook I feel like I am connected to so many people that Christmas cards every other year would be sufficient.

We are enjoying a simple Christmas season. The kids are so excited! Christmas is magical with little ones.

It has been a long couple of months with Ali. She is currently on her third round of antibiotics for a ruptured eardrum that will not heal. She doesn’t suffer quietly, and she refuses to nap. She sleeps 12-13 hours at night, but then only takes about a 45-minute nap in the day. Having a fussy baby that wont nap is driving me crazy. She can be really cute though. Most people think she is a great baby because when I am out I am holding her and she is perfectly happy when she is being held.

Imagine Ali and Andy next to each other in their baskets. I didn't get a decent picture of them together. Either one was looking or the other.


The other day Andy was suffering from what I call “post nap depression.” He was crying on the floor and Caleb was trying to cheer him up by naming all of his favorite things Caleb was saying, “Let’s find Mia. (Connie’s Dog) Where’s Ali? Do you want Grandma? Let’s have ice cream. Do you want candy?” He repeated those and similar phrases over and over. It is so fun to watch the kids together. They all love each other so much and want to take care of each other. Andy tries to echo everything that is said. He is so adorable I can hardly stand it.

Last month I overheard Caleb telling Cara that we were going to have 9 kids in our family. I corrected him and said we would have five or six. I asked them how many they wanted and they cheered six. Just to test it out I asked if they wanted 7 kids and they did. I came to the conclusion they love having siblings and want as many as they can have. It is true that my hands are full, but in a good way. Here they are playing in the $1.50 after Halloween solider costumes. Andy wears the hat around all of the time. I love it.


Cara has begun calling preschool “Art School.” She asks me, “Do I have art school today?” What do I do with all of this art?? She doesn’t get her artistic drive from me. When she isn’t at school she is at the kitchen table painting and coloring. Every once in a while she even comes up with something really quite great.


Caleb needs his two front teeth for Christmas, but he would never waste a Christmas wish on something he would get anyway. In fact he has made it clear he doesn't want any cloths. He just wants toys. Of course a puppy would be nice too. He always acts so tough after a tooth falls out, but loosing it terrifies him right up until it happens. He lost two of his first three teeth at church. The third was the best though. Right as sacrament meeting was starting Josh grabbed Caleb's arm and used it to flick Caleb who was being bad. Caleb's tooth started bleeding and he was screaming. Yes, church had started. Even though he hit it with his own hand he told everyone that his dad punched his tooth out.



For me this Christmas may be remembered as the Christmas of the Beards. I have been crocheting beards on hats for a friend. I am making good money doing it so I try to crochet every spare moment I can find and multitask as much as possible. I was looking for a hobby, but this is much better than a hobby because it pays and it is relaxing and off my feet.

The Sunday before Thanksgiving I gave a talk in sacrament meeting. The assigned topic was “The Windows of Heaven.” If you are interested you can find the talk here. I am a changed person from having given it. The talk reminded me to recognize how the Lord blesses me and my family and all faithful tithe payers. If you ever think you are not receiving blessings you just need to take a step back and recognize all that you have. I am so grateful for all of the miracles in my life.

No Boys Allowed

Tonight I opened the front door to our house and found a "No Boys Allowed" sign. Cara wanted to make sure that the neighbor boys (who happen to be 10 and 11) know that she thinks they are mean and that they are not welcome at our house.


Today in a matter of minutes she sketched this artwork on our wall in pen. Gurrrrrrr.


As of last night when I started this entry and wrote the previous entry:

1. I found a hobby that is going to make me money rather than cost. I am going to be crocheting beard beanies for this company: Beard Beanie. I am going to meet with the gal today. I took 8 or so years of crocheting 4H growing up. Who know that it was a skill that would ever pay off?

2. Ali's ear drum burst so she isn't a bad baby after all. I had no idea that she was in pain from an ear infection, but it was literally dripping out of her ear this morning. Poor thing! This isn't a good sign to start her first winter with a ruptured ear drum. Both Caleb and Cara have tubes. That may be Ali's destiny as well.

3. Caleb has gone from peeing the bed four times a night to once a night for a full week. This is a major step in the right direction. (See "Mom, I've Got Great News")

4. My mom is having her third shoulder surgery in a year today. (She had a knee replacement and pins and a plate put in a broken wrist this year too.) This is the last option to avoid a full replacement. We are sure hoping for the best for her today.

Ali and Andy

I have been trying to think of a fun but free project to work on. We are in the grove of school and have a good routine that has left me with open time every day. (I know it is sick to have four kids six and younger and feel, I hate to say it, board.) I can only check my bank accounts hoping money has come in so many times in a day. I love multitasking and despise wasting time. I don't watch TV, in-fact we don't even have one. I used to sweep after every meal and vacuum at bed time every night, but I am trying to not "waist" so much time doing housework. I spend one on one time teaching my kids reading a piano every day. I could really use a hobby and it has to be free. I can't have reading as a hobby because it is addictive and when I am into a book I ignore my kids. So tonight it dawned on me that I have a new baby this year and that I needed to work on a Christmas stocking for her.

I am not crafty!!! There is not one single homemade thing in my house (except our window treatments which doesn't really count because it was more out of desperation than a desire to make something.) The one exception to this "no crafts" rule is our Christmas stockings. I started the first Christmas we were married. There was a stocking making project at "Super Saturday" and I made one for Josh and I. The next winter I was preggo with Caleb and added one for him to the collection. It was a vicious cycle because I now feel like I need to keep up the tradition. As a child I had a special stocking with my name on it so I thought that would be fun for my children as well. The stockings aren't that awesome, but they are a lot of work.

Andy was a Fall baby so I made his stocking shortly after he was born. Tonight as I went to get started on Ali's stocking I remember how special she is to our family. (This is great timing for such a reminder because some kind of crying, whining monster has taken over the body of my sweet baby. She is only happy being held. I am hoping it is her teeth and not a general personality problem. Currently I affectionately call her my "cry baby.")

Warning: the following story is personal, but I would tell any of you in person. I want to always remember this special experience. When Andy was born I felt the presence of another spirit. It was something like I have never experienced before. I remember being alone with Andy in the hospital room and looking over my shoulder knowing that there was someone else in the room. (I get teary thinking about this.) I knew that whoever was with us did not want to leave Andy. I felt like this spirit was lingering with him. Like it wanted to be with him as long as it could. It even scared me a little, I hoped that he wasn't going to die or something. I kept this experience quiet for a few days, but I kept feeling the presence of this spirit off and on even within the first weeks of being home. It was so real that at one point in my hospital stay I said out loud, "why couldn't you have just come together." I remember very distinctly telling Josh, "there is a girl lingering here in our home with Andy. She can't stand to leave him. We have got to get pregnant again right way." Josh recalls his response of totally agreeing. It wasn't until that moment that I had put a gender with the spiritual experience. I didn't really "know" that it was a girl and I didn't "know" that the spirit that was with Andy would be our next child, but that is what came out of my mouth. From that point on I felt an extreme urgency to have another baby. Andy and Ali were born 17 months apart.

So what does Ali's Christmas Stocking have to do with this? I was so certain that I would be having a girl soon and that we would name her Alice and call her Ali. I was so sure that I started her stocking at the same time as I did Andy's. When I got it out tonight the appliqué is all done. I even had her name ironed on. So here is Ali's stocking ready to be stitched and embellished, but made a year before she was even conceived.



I can't leave this entry without mentioning that Andy and Ali do have a very special friendship. Just this week I asked my friend her thoughts on Andy's special love for Ali. I wanted to see if it was just in my head, but she agreed that it isn't. He is so attentive to her. Who knows, as they get older, they may forget the special love that they had for each other in the preexistence, but they remember right now, and it is so sweet. I remember the first time Andy saw Ali at the hospital I know that it was a special reuniting. Many times a day I find Andy sitting behind Ali with his legs wrapped around her. It is nice to sit back and take a minute to remember how I love these special little babies and how I have so much to learn from them.

We made it

We made it through yet another Halloween. I'm not totally sure why I don't like Halloween. Maybe it is because I lack self control with all of the candy. Maybe it is because I threw-up in the school hall on Halloween in the 2nd Grade. Maybe because there is pressure to buy or make awesome costumes for my kids. Maybe it is because carving pumpkins is such a mess and I end up scraping all of them and then carving them too. Maybe it is because . . . I will stop.

The kids do love the holiday and I do my best to oblige. Caleb has been shopping online for his costume for months. He saved money in September and bought it as soon as he had the $13 required. He was excited about being a red power ranger although there were no masks allowed at school so he dressed as Jack Sparrow on Friday for school.


Cara had a harder time deciding what to be. She finally settled on Tinkerbell. Whenever I called her "Tinkerbell" she would say, "I'm not Tinkerbell, she doesn't wear a shirt under her dress." I am trying to teach her young that just because it is Halloween does not mean you get to dress immodest.


Andy was an adorable duck! Caleb and Cara also wore this costume when they were two. I love it. It gives them a big waddle bum and fat thighs. Andy caught right on that people would give him candy when he was dressed up so he had no problem wearing the costume.


Ali was a cute little ballerina. She loved to touch and eat her tutu.


There are a couple of other fall memories for which I just got pictures off of the phone that I would like to post.

One of the highlights of the fall was watching USU win BYU in football for the first time since the early 90s. We joined the USU fans in rushing the field. Caleb loved being on the field. You can see the event staff behind Josh and Caleb. They were guarding the goal post which the fans took down last time USU won BYU. We also went to many of the USU homecoming activities, but the game was rained out. It was crazy!


I love this picture. I took Ali and went to an evening primary meeting. Josh was tired and half jokingly told the kids to put themselves to bed and he went to lay down. When I came home Josh was asleep and Andy, Cara, and Caleb were on the floor next to our bed. They had put their PJ's on and put themselves to sleep. They are so cute.


Finally, I had to post this picture. Caleb hasn't seemed to notice that most of his dress-ups are getting too small. He has grown so fast. I have started putting away size 8 pants and he is still 6. He is bigger than most of the 8 year olds in our neighborhood. He isn't a big eater right now (unless it's candy) but I am scared for when he starts eating! Right now keeping him in pants is a big enough problem.