Disney Day One

We drove from Vegas straight to Disneyland, checked in our hotel and went over to Disney to pick up our tickets.

We decided to check out Downtown Disney.  We even stopped at what we called Tiana's restaurant because it served some of the things that they talk about in the movie Princess and the Frog.

After we looked at all of the shops, Macey asked where the rides were, and we told her that we could not go into the real Disneyland until the next day!

 At Tiana's restaurant.

At the Lego store -- Disney style!

Matching Brave pajamas!

Vegas Baby!

This year we stopped again in Las Vegas on the way to Disney.  With our kids, we really only stop in Vegas for M&M World.  The rest of Vegas is. . .not exactly kid friendly.

 The kids like the little movie at M&M World.  Here's Braden sporting his 3D glasses.

Emma's Baptism!

Emma turned eight this year!  About a month later she was able to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by her father in South Jordan, Utah.  It was an exciting time!  We bought her a beautiful dress, had some nice pictures taken, and she was joined on that day by many loving family members.  She was also interviewed by Bishop Browning and the Primary President, Liz Howard.  She displayed a strong knowledge of the gospel and the purpose of baptism.

 She was so excited!  She waited eight years for this day to come and it ended in about 30 seconds.  One quick prayer, and it was done!  I hugged her when she got out of the water and congratulated the newest member of the Church!

 So many family members came to celebrate with Emma.  We are so grateful for their support!

Love my girl!

Wear Them Out!

The worst thing about Halloween costumes, I think, is the price.  Even the cheap ones can run about $20, and that is before you start adding on the accessories.  So I have a guiding rule in October: wear them out!  Get your best bang for the buck and participate in all types of Halloween activities. 

This month we started with going to Little Haunts at This Is The Place Monument.  You could trick or treat at the buildings and there was a parade led by the witch.  And the kids still got to pan for gold, ride horses and ride the train.  We love that place.

We're sitting with my niece Chloe for story time with the witch.

We also go to the Search For The Great Pumpkin night in Riverton.  There are carnival games and then a candy hunt outside in the dark.  That part is a little stressful.  The first year we went we did not know what to expect and did not get a single piece of candy.  This is our third year.  We are now pros, and the kids found too much candy!  This year Emma and her best friend both dressed up like Hermoine.

Molly found the great pumpkin!

Molly had a party at preschool.  They all took gifts to exchange.  This was the only wrapping paper I had, and the boy refused to take it.  So she came home with the same gift.  Good thing she liked it!

And, oh ya, we trick or treat.  This year Macey's best friend joined us as well.

Braden was usually a good sport with his costume even agreeing to wear the hat at times.

We also went to Boo at the Zoo.  Crazy and crowded but the kids have fun!

Wear them out!!!

Pumpkin Patch!

We love going to the pumpkin patch down the street from our house.  They have a little, little corn maze perfect for the kids, lots of wheelbarrows to play with and load up and many tractors to play on, little ones and big, and they provide hay rides around the farm.  And, oh ya, they have pumpkins!

Braden loved this little tractor and Molly hopped in for the ride!  I now get asked if they are twins, even though they are over two years apart.  Molly is just so tiny and Braden is huge.

Every kid gets to pick out their own pumpkin!  The trick is remembering who picked what when it comes time to carve them!

This picture makes Garry sad.  He thinks Emma looks too big, too grown-up in this picture.

Macey found a good one!

Braden hauling in the picks.

Beautiful Molly!

One last picture!

It's So Great To Be Eight!

We had a great time celebrating Emma's eighth birthday!  Actually, it was more than a day.  It was actually pretty much a week.  Before her birthday she received the Dragon Leader award.  And then the next day she had a special VIP time in her classroom where she was able to make a poster and share with her second grade class some things about her and what she liked.

I picked her up early from school, and we went to the bookstore to have our customary hot cocoa at the cafe and so she could pick out a book.  She picked one on drawing, of course.  Then we met up with Garry and went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner.  She was able to sit on the saddle while the staff sang happy birthday.  It was fun!

She came home to quite a loot of gifts!

And a few days later she had a birthday party with friends.  We borrowed a projector from my sister, and they watched Barbie Princess and the Popstar on the huge basement wall with popcorn and pizza and a pinata.  Fun times had by all!

And the next day she got her ears pierced!  She has waited and waited for this for a long time and took it like a champ!  She did not even cry!  

We love Emma!

Dragon Leader!

Every month Eastlake Elementary recognizes two students per class and they are given the Dragon Leader award.  They get donuts with the principal, they get to shake her hand, and they get a certificate.  They are chosen for being good students, good examples, and good leaders.  This October both Emma and Macey were recognized from their classes.  It's a big deal because I believe they were the first two chosen from their classes since they were off track when the program started.

The girls are amazing students.  They love to learn and have made good friends.  I am so proud of them.

In the bottom picture Emma is waiting to be called by Principal Tanner with her friend, Megan.  Braden walked up to the stage.  Waiting for his certificate like he knew exactly what was going on.  Well, maybe in 5 years, little buddy.