Happy Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from Harry Potter, black suited Spiderman and a silly shark! We hope everyone had a fun day.

The boys were so excited to wear their costumes today, Max wasn't so much, as you can tell from the picture. He eventually warmed up to the idea. Mark and I took turns taking the boys around our neighborhood and later went to visit both of our parents. I haven't ever put tights on anyone but myself, but now I can say that I have. Aren't his cute little legs darling???





Poor Mark, he has to go back to work tomorrow for the first time in two weeks! He isn't excited about it and neither am I. It's been nice having him around during the day. Back to the grindstone!!!

Provo River Cruise????

Tonight, we went on a cruise, yes, a cruise on the Provo River. I had heard on the news about this Halloween activity and thought it would be fun to take the boys. They are still too young for the spooky Halloween stuff, so this was perfect. They love pirates, and the cruise gets "attacked" by a pirate that gives out candy. They had lit pumpkins that reflected on the water and told stories about the river and even shared a spooky story. The kids had fun, but I think the best part was the glowing balls that I bought them before the ride. They are strobe light balls on a long string that velcros to your wrist. Ben hit me in the face with his. It felt great!!

Do you like Ben's hat? We went to REI on Saturday to get a winter coat/hat/gloves for Max and I let Will and Ben pick out new hats. They both picked out the craziest hats! Will's is black/red with a skull and Ben's, as you can see, is flaming!


Our neighbor has taken the boys to a skate park nearby. So, this afternoon they wanted to go again and we finally gave in and took them. We pulled up, and the kids there consisted mostly of big kids/teenagers. They took their scooters and scooted around for a while. It is funny to see them acting like big boys, because they are still babies to me!

Friday Night Get-Away

Yes, we had the opportunity to get away again this weekend. We are so lucky, I know. And really, we hardly ever do this, but should more frequently!!! We spent the night up at Sundance. We had a great time and the weather was beautiful. We ate dinner at the Tree Room, which was excellent. The service there was bordering on doting. It was great!

This morning, we had a great breakfast at the other restaurant up there called The Foundry Grill. We hardly ever get to go out to breakfast because we aren't really morning people. By the time we are up and ready, it's time for lunch.

The ski shop up there had coats/hats/winter gear 40% off, so I got a new Spyder coat. I am hoping that I can take the kids (Will and Ben) skiing this year. They've never been and I really want to get them in lessons this winter. I have such great memories skiing with my friends. I remember going with Mindy and Jenny on the bus up to Brighton. I don't think I'd ever let my kids ride the bus alone - anywhere. I remember some "unique" people on that bus. Mostly, it was kids like me, but there were the occasional ski bums (already hitting the flask.) After all, you can't drink all day if you don't start before 8:00 am.

Boo at the Zoo

After Sundance, we picked up the kids from Mark's parents' house, and as promised, took the boys to the zoo. This is the first time going there for the halloween event, and it was so crowded. We arrived there at 2:30 and the trick-or-treating ended around 3:00. So, we didn't have a lot of time. But, they were able to get handfulls of candy from each station, as the workers were unloading the rest of the candy on us late arrivers! We decided not to put Max in his costume. He didn't care! For his costume he will be wearing white tights, so I didn't want to get them filthy before Wednesday.

Mark waiting in line with the boys

Max was fascinated with all of the animals this time. He took particular interest in a kangaroo resting just beyond the fence. Here he was trying to find a way past the wood rails to get a closer look. He thinks that all of the animals from cats on up make a "woof, woof" noise. So every large animal he saw was greeted by Max barking, "Woof, woof!!!" Who new that rhinos, zebras, cougars, kangaroos and bears all make the same sound? He is learning so many new words. He knows where eyes, nose and teeth are, basically sticking his finger in your eye socket and touching your teeth. Anytime I brush my teeth, he wants to as well. He uses Ben's Pirates of the Carribean electric toothbrush. Ben knows, and doesn't mind :) We had to buy Ben a new toothbrush last week because Max thought it would be a good idea to clean the toilet. Aren't toddlers fun - we think so!!!

The Pumpkin Patch

Today we took the boys to pick our their pumpkins. It is such a beautiful day! They had fun searching for the "perfect" pumpkins, going through the corn maze and posing for a few pictures on the hay and on the tractor. Max loved "driving" the tractor, he had the biggest smile on his face. There were even some cows and roosters that we stumbled across during the corn maze. Max always shakes his head "no" when you ask him a question. I asked him if hew wanted to go see the cows, but he didn't. He loves all animals, but from a distance. He is just a little guy, and they are all so big. Yes, even our neighbors tiny dog is big to Max. He is so funny!

Weekend Getaway!

We had such a great time on our little trip. It was so nice not to have anything to worry about and nothing scheduled to do. We spent the first day in San Francisco. We shopped around Union Square, visited H&M and Nordies. There, we asked for a suggestion on dinner and was referred to Little Thai on the corner of Broadway & Polk. It was probably the best Thai food that I've ever had. The next morning, we woke and drove to find Mama's for breakfast. Our friend Eric Lloyd told us about the best breakfast place, so we decided to give it a try. It is right next to Washington Square. The food was really good. There was about a 45 minute line out the door, so be prepared to wait in line if you go.

Outside Mama's

Lighthouse off the PCH

What a handsome guy

After leaving the city, we found the PCH and drove down the coast. We stopped by UC Santa Cruz to try and find their bookstore. Mark thought the boys would like a Banana Slug t-shirt. That campus is so beautiful with log cabin buildings. It is situated in the redwoods along the mountainous coast. We bought a Garmin at a Wal-Mart in Oakland and it was so nice to have. Our rental car was a convertible PT Cruiser, which was pretty fun to drive down the coast. Although, I needed the heater on the whole time, it was a bit chilly.

We finally made our way down to Monterrey and to our hotel/condo/whatever it was. I planned our vacation so late, that there wasn't really anything nice available in Monterrey, so we stayed in Marine which is about 5 minutes north. It was kind of a funny deal, the hotel was situated on sand dunes right on the ocean. They had to have special permission to build where they did and the city wouldn't allow cars to drive down to the "rooms". So, they provide all the quests with golf carts to drive around. It was kind of fun at first, but not so fun late at night when it is dark and COLD! We ate on "Cannery Row" the first night and on the Warf the next day for breakfast/lunch. After, we decided to do the 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach and check our Carmel. We even drove further down the coast to see Big Sur. It was so beautiful and Carmel was a lot of fun. We had a great dinner there in Carmel-by-the-Sea and did a little shopping there in what looks like a dwarf village. All of the building reminded me of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (cute and cottage like). You can't go to Cali without making a stop at Trader Joe's, whice we did, right before In-N-Out and the airport. I love that place and I wish there was one in Utah. Maybe someday....



We had such a great time, but it is so great to be home. I really missed my kids :) Although they called us several times a day, wondering what toys we were going to bring them back. Funny, all they got were books and lousy banana slug t-shirts! Don't you get sick of all of the toys around the house???

**While driving down the coast, we stumbled across this....




We were at the lighthouse and stumbled upon this. Mark actually said "I cannot believe that you're not taking a picture of this for your blog". I had to be pretty sneaky, since they were right in front of us, and we were the only other people there. Am I just rude??

You Have Been Called to Serve...

Mark's littlest brother received his call tonight to serve in the England London South Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His parent's home was filled with people that love him, friends and family, to share in this special moment with him. I am so excited for him and for us. He reports to the MTC in England on the 18th of January. Ryan is currently enrolled at the U and rushed with the Sigma Chi fraternity. He is the first in the family to participate in the frat life. He seems to enjoy it very much! We are all excited for him, just a little sad to not see him for the next two years. I don't think his nieces and nephews quite understand how long it really will be. They'll all be so big when he comes back. He is ten years apart from his next sibling, Scott. So, he has been a great uncle to these kids. Pillow fights, teasing, rough housing and so much more. I guess it is paybacks for all of the crap Scott and Mark put him through when he was little (swirlies in the toilet, mean pillow fights, major over the head snuggies). Congrats to Ryan!!!

Mark and I are off to Northern California Thursday for a little get away without the kiddos. We are excited to get away, but I am sad. Sad to leave my boys. They'll be in great hands. My brother and his wife are staying at our home with them. This is the start of a two week vacation for Mark. His work MAKES him take off two consecutive weeks of vacation each year. They deal with so much money, it is a way for the firm to protect themselves from embezzlement. It is great. Usually you feel guilty taking off more that one week - they force you to do two. So, he doesn't go back until November 1st. I am so excited :)

Benny Boo PTC

Geeze, so many posts today! We were able to go to Ben's parent teacher conference tonight. He, too, had a perfect report card. He is such a good reader and a great student. His teacher, like Will's, just suggested that he SLOW DOWN so as to improve his handwriting. He has gotten 100%'s on all of his spelling tests so far this year and today, he even spelled the two bonus words correctly (Autumn and October). I am so proud of him, he is such a great kid! He isn't a very good eater, though. Very PICKY!!

2002

Maui October 2006

Lincoln City, OR. July 2007

He is such a sweet little boy and I love him very much. He is a great helper, a great big and little brother, a great friend and a loving son. All of my boys are so affectionate and VERY handsome!! But, they do fight, which drives me crazy!


I am so blessed and extremely happy. I love my life!!!

Wrong Way on a One Way...

Tonight I was able to spend some time with my Activity Day girls. We went downtown to the Church History Museum. There is an exhibit "I Am A Child of God" that we wanted to take them to see. They had fun re-enacting the Nativity, but I think the exhibit is geared toward younger kids, but they still enjoyed themselves. I enjoyed looking at the old photographs of downtown that are on display in the basement. I am glad that I was born in these latter days and not as a pioneer. They had it rough...but they didn't know any better.

After the museum, we decided to take the girls for ice cream. I knew that there was a McDonald's on 5th or 6th South, but I couldn't exactly remember where? While driving down 3rd West, I spotted a Wendy's and we decided a frosty sounded better than a cone. So, I had to drive down to 6th South to flip a U turn. So, now driving north bound, I turned right on the street that I thought the Wendy's was on. One of the girls yelled out "there is McDonald's". What? I was on the wrong street - driving the wrong way on a one way street (5th South, freeway entrance). I screamed and quickly turned into the nearest parking lot to compose myself. The girls were laughing their heads off. I was so embarrassed!!! I was with another leader, Shannon, and she was laughing too. I just kept threatening the girls not to tell their parents, that if they did, they would never let them drive with me again. There were headlights coming towards us, but they seemed farther away than they probably were. I was so EMBARRASSED and can hardly wait to see who teases me about this......

When I got home, Mark asked me where Ben's toothbrush was. Then, I remembered that Max used it in the toilet today. Yes, Max is having fun in the toilet. I can always tell when he's been there... cold, wet hands, a wet shirt and droplets on the toilet. So GROSS!!! Luckily I had a replacement for Ben so he was able to brush his teeth.

Will PTC

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go with Will to his parent teacher conference. He is so cute and such a smartie pants. Luckily he and Ben both got this characteristic from their father - the studious one. I was the more social one in school, worried more about what I was wearing and my friends than homework. Anyways, Will is doing such a great job and got a perfect report card. He is an excellent reader and is doing a great job learning his math facts. Her only suggestion that was he needed to slow down when doing his work so his handwriting would be better. He is her helper because he is always done with his assignments first. I am so proud of him for being such a good student. He is such a good friend, too. I love him so much. He is very obedient and such a good helper around the house and such a good helper with baby Max. He is so loving and tender and he is such a joy! Ben's is tonight - so I'll report on his later.

Will @ 2 1/2 years old - look at that awesome hair!

Tonight I am taking my Activity Day girls on a field trip with. We are going to the Church History Museum and to get ice cream. Wish me luck...

No Wallet = No Fun

This morning, I got up and was ready to go run errands with Max. Well, I remembered that I didn't have my wallet. I was bummed...I even curled my hair. I left it in Mark's car on Tuesday night when I went to the gym with Cindy (bummer). Max is so moody lately, I need to get him out of the house, or I go CRAZY!! He is so whiny and it is driving me crazy that he cannot communicate with me very well. He is starting to say some words: nose, hot, juice, cheese, birdie, button, ma ma, da da, bye-bye, uh - oh and of course no. It is so fun. He loves to look at picture books and I say what the picture is and if applicable, the sound it makes. He loves to mimic me.

So, I decided to go outside and do this....

Pull out my Zinnias and the weeds in this flower bed for winter. Max wanted to help by eating the dirt! Why do they think it looks yummy to eat? I also couldn't keep him in our front yard. Why are they magnets to the road??? Max has been saved by my neighbor Brittany and her son Jackson many a times, escaping from our yard while I'm running stuff inside our home. He is such a monkey!!!

After putting it off for as long as I could, Max is now in bed :) He only takes one nap a day now, and I usually put him down after lunch. Most days, he is too mad to eat, so he eats when he wakes up and is happy!! Now, I am blogging, relaxing and cleaning my house. So FUN!!

The Spotlight's on Ben

Ben is the spotlight this week in his class. We got to make two posters for him, and this is the one I made with him. I am not the most creative, especially at nine o'clock at night. I had to work at the Gap tonight (I'm on support staff), so we did this when I got home. Mark writes in chicken scratches and it would be hard for everyone to read. My handwriting is a little more legible :)

I brought out my huge bin of photo albums from when the kids were little. It brought a tear to my eye, thinking how fast that they've grown up. I feel as though the older I get, the faster time flies!

Ben is such a sweet little boy, he loves to kiss, hug and cuddle. He is such a good reader and a good student. He is so mellow and so sensitive. With a brother that is wild and crazy like Will, Ben gets his feelings hurt quite often. They are so different. I cannot wait to see who Max will be like...

The Wedding

While deciding on a title to this post, Mark chimed in... 3rd Time's the Charm??? (I don't think my mom would think that was funny. Luckily, I don't think she reads my blog frequently.)

Yes, my mother got re-married on Friday, October 5th. The event took place at Sundance and it was a beautiful day. A bit cold, but nice for the ceremony, which took place on the deck.

She was walked down the aisle by my grandfather and my brother, Kenny. They invited mostly family and a few friends and were married by her Stake President. It was a lovely ceremony and a fun day. I am really excited for her. Steve is such a great guy and he makes her so happy!

I forgot to take pictures during the wedding. We looked so nice, I really wanted to get a little family picture. By the end of the day, Max's pants were completely covered in chocolate. This is basically how Max was during the whole event. You can see Will brought his Harry Potter book to keep himself entertained. He is so smart (the top of his class) and such a great reader and student for being in the 2ND grade. He sat by my mom during the whole luncheon, he loves her so much.

I am so blessed to have such a great husband and kids. We have such a great time together and love spending time with eachother. Mark is such a good help to me. He helps me around the house, folding the laundry (which I hate), getting the kids to bed, helping with the dishes and much more. He is such a hard worker for us and we love him so very much! This weekend we basically stayed home and listened to conference. I'm not ready for winter quite yet. Although, I do love pulling out the warmer clothes. I feel like I've spent so much money on clothes lately, getting new stuff for the kids and myself. I am spoiled. That is another great thing about Mark, he spoils me (or doesn't get mad when I spoil myself). He let me buy new couches a few weeks ago from San Francisco Design.

I am so excited for them to come, our current couches are leather as well, but they are hammered. These will be so nice, and supposedly last forever. We'll see, I do have three boys! Well, four if you count the 32 year old. I also got a new fridge and ordered a new wood front door! YEAH!! We've been updating our house a bit lately. I guess that means we're staying......we'll see.