Monday, November 28, 2011

Another Recap


My mom has patience for days.
She involved kids in everything from bread making to pie making
to candy turkey making, penny collections, and endless games.

A baptist church by Karen's house has a roller skating rink.
It came complete with a disco ball, lights, and Kidz Bop.

Sally was the only one of my kids that enjoyed the skating.

Or, just wearing the skates.

THANKSGIVING
Turkey Bowl Participants:

Spectators:

Back at the house...
I think it was his best one ever.

Rachel was inspired by Pinterest to do a life-size Angry Birds game.


Also seen that day:



Saturday, we were all just sitting around and next thing we know, Dad rigged a zipline.
The mini version:

And the super sized one:

We ended our lovely week with another sand dunes pit-stop on the way home.


Also:
Twilight with Justin. Yes, Justin.
A random fire in my parents' freezer. No damage done.
Long wait for Black Friday shopping (Justin). Got what he wanted (which really wasn't a lot, but he loves the excitement).
Got my hair done.
Went to Jump Street.
Firehouse Subs (my first time...yum) and games with Nate, Bethany & Gavin.
Breakfast at Crackers with friends.
Cousin Kristen's wedding reception.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

A giant, head-sized turkey leg from Disneyland.

We spent a day there before coming here to AZ for the rest of the week.

Other than a sick husband, it's been lovely.

I'm grateful we are only 6 hours away and able to come whenever our little hearts desire.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Anniversary


Danna & Craig met us at the Newport Beach Temple.

Then Justin & I ate at:
(favorite thing is the shrimp & spinach enchilada).

We visited The Shops at Mission Viejo.
Loved Restoration Hardware's stocking stuffers and lots of stuff in Zara.

And after our fun day, we came home and watched Hulu as loud as we wanted.
We could because Brent & Errin kept the kids overnight.
And because we're crazy.

We celebrated our anniversary a day late because the Marine Corps decided
to give Justin duty on the actual day...which he found out about just the day before.
Our original plan had been a kid-free day at Disneyland.
Plan B was great, though.

Happy 11 years to us!


Post Edit: Errin sent me pictures of this delicacy the kids enjoyed @ their house.

Monday, November 07, 2011

The Trophy

He has looked forward to getting that thing since day 1.

A couple players are missing, but here are most of The Stingers.
(Justin was the unofficial asst coach...the original one quit after the first practice)

The Fort


Owen & Drew were at a friend's house, so Jones & Sally got some rare peace and quiet.
They played awesome for like 3 hours straight.
I like that Jones is not afraid to read Sally's girly books.
The kids were all happy he got to sleep over while Brent & Errin celebrated their anniversary.

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Not to Be Confused with Peter Pan or Buddy the Elf


Drew as Link (from Legend of Zelda)

I made the costume and Justin made the shield using this tutorial:
Link Costume Step by Step

I had never heard the word, "cosplay" before.
But it's nice to know our hard work wasn't wasted on one day.
Drew can also wear this to the next Comic Con.

Then there's Sally as Aurora.

She made a last-minute wardrobe change
when she was given this dress Halloween Day.

We had initially borrowed a cute witch costume (seen on her below back left).


And lastly, Owen the Pirate with his, "mean" pirate faces.

Thank you Halloween City.

The only thing that makes me more happy than seeing Drew in tights...

...is seeing those tights slowly sag down throughout the night.
We went good old-fashioned trick or treating around our neighborhood.
And liked it.

Now on to the pumpkin.
Oh wait, that one isn't ours.

I wanted to buy another huge pumpkin like last year,
but never made it to the pumpkin patch.

So Brent & Errin were nice to donate their home-grown one to us.

We let Owen & Drew design the face
--...

Then totally ignored their designs and went with an Angry Bird.
(their idea not mine to all be touching the pumpkin for a picture)


Really our only celebrating was done at the preschool party.
(our ward didn't do trunk-or treat!)

Sally finally started participating once her costume was off
and some candy had been eaten.


And this concludes our Halloween recap.

Happy Halloween!

Baptism Weekend

Sally got to enjoy a girl cousin for a change.

Gavin (love his little voice) came to play, too.

Drew had a big cheering section (and sadly, his team got beat worse than they ever have).

Dad donned a scary costume.

Mom did a little Halloween party in the park after the baptism.



Brent and Errin are still trying to get rid of their cheese balls.

Drew & Erica enjoyed the view (he's on her shoulders) at the beach.

And always a bonfire.

All of my baptism stress aside, it was an awesome weekend.

Thank you everyone that made the trip!