Pine View Birthday!

For Kale's birthday he really wanted to go to the beach with all his cousins and aunts and uncles -- not just any beach, but the actual ocean.  I tried to explain that it would be too expensive to get everyone there and have somewhere to stay, but he knew that his Dad's points from traveling could cover everyone.  I finally told him that if he could convince Jon of his plan, we would do it.  

Needless to say, we had Kale's birthday party at Pine View Reservoir, which was equally fun.  Thanks to those who were able to come!

We started the party off by having breakfast and presents at our house and then proceeded to the lake.

 Kale had been checking out this football cake all year long -- ever since he decided that he wanted to try tackle football this year.  He even helped me decorate the little Teddy Grahams so they looked like football players. 

 

   Happy Birthday Kale!  We are so glad to have you in our family!

Winter Recital

 This was my last recital at the music school.  After 6 years I decided that it was time to spend Saturdays with my family, so this was my last semester.  It was strangely sad, but also exciting to know that I didn't have to perform in one more recital.  Wahoo!!

 The kids played beautifully.  They were so brave and poised.  I was also so proud of their class ensembles.  Those kids have great rhythm, if I do say so myself.

  Thanks to those who were able to make it up here for the recital.  It makes the kids feel so special to know that there will be someone there besides Jon and myself.  After the recital we came home and had icecream sundaes to celebrate the kids' great success.  It was a great night.

I have been remiss in my blogging duties lately (as always) -- so, here's the quick picture recap of the last few months.

October

We went to St. George for a family vacation at the beginning of October.  Jon ran in the St. George Marathon, so we went a few days early to do some hiking.  We hiked the rim of an old volcano.  It was fun, but the climb back down was pretty treacherous and I felt pretty nervous about having all the kids with us.

 

 

 

 

 

 Jon did great in the race.  It was so fun to have all the kids there cheering Jon on.  They had all made special signs for him and they yelled and cheered as loud as they could.

Daddy Daughter Dance

 Jon and Rachel went to a special dinner and dance for activity days.  It was a ho-down, so Rachel and Jon dressed in their most cowboy'ish outfits.  Thanks Snarr's for lending us your cowboy hats.

 

 




Halloween

We went to the kids school Halloween Dance.  They always get so excited to get ready for the night, and frankly, so do I.  I made Jon dress up as an outlaw -- he was a good sport about it.  
 
 
 
 
 

 November

 
 
 
 

 We've been spending our time this past month getting ready for Christmas and earning money for DisneyWorld (coming up in January - the kids can hardly wait!).  The kids are always great to help me with Jax - they're getting really good at hauling that big guy around.

 Thanksgiving

 

 We got to spend Thanksgiving with Mom and Dad at their house.  It was fun being there again.  My younger kids don't really remember doing Thanksgiving at Mom and Dad's, so they felt confused that we weren't going to be having it at our house because "we always have it at home!" (according to Sky).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We finished the night off with the traditional Thanksgiving Pudding (or Thanksgiving Spaghetti - depending who you're talking to).  The fun little gifts were a hit and kept us all entertained for hours.

Jon and I spent a week in Disney World the week before Thanksgiving.  It was so fun, but unusually cold.  We had to buy a snow hat and gloves before I could brave the weather -- easily the most expensive, but most appreciated, hat and gloves we have ever purchased.

And there you have it -- 2 months in just a few photos (and a few words -- after all, this is still me).