Christmas break

We had a VERY low key Christmas break. We didn't go anywhere....for two solid weeks. And I mean anywhere. I think I left the house a sum total of 8 times. Twice to church, once caroling, once to Seattle for Cinderella, and I think I went to the store one time, and the rest getting kids to play at friends houses. At the time I felt like I should be going somewhere or doing something or working on a project, sometimes its hard to STOP. Just STOP. Looking back Im so glad we did just stay home. The kids really bonded with each other. They really got to spend some time just playing. It was so nice to not have to worry about anything but what to eat next and which game to play. There were no major meltdowns. They were all really good and it was so hard to send them back to school this week. I can't wait till spring break.

The kids got really good at forts and sleep overs

Mia's nightly routine, to tuck in the boys and hugs and kisses. I wonder how long her brothers will endure her loves. (They really do enjoy it now)

Our favorite games this time around were Jenga, bop-it, and Zelda.

This vacation time was spent on friends and family. I didn't get any pictures of our annual crab feed. It was held at M's house and it was super yummy. I love this tradition. We missed our Mom and Dad who are in France serving missions. They were so missed, but we are glad for them in their adventures. This picture is the kids enjoying yummy pies and desserts my sister made for Christmas dinner. She is an excellent pie maker. Yum!

Pumpkins and movie night

Finally the sacrificial carving of the orange gourds.

Little missy has been anxiously (not so patiently) waiting.

He was a little disgusted with pulling out the guts.

Mia was not happy with me

Apparently I was not taking enough pictures of her. This is ONE of her poses saying "CHEESE"

She was very pleased with the outcome. She looked so surprised that her little pumpkin she chose could have a cute little face.

They always look so cool lit up.

Movie cozy. We were all home on a Friday. It's been a while.

July 4th Birthday Celebration with Grandma!!!

We love celebrating Emma's birthday with Grandma's on the 4th!! To me it is the kick-off to summer. This year was a bit chilly, but we take what we can get, right? We enjoyed having over both sets of our parents and a visit from Andrew and Nicole. We love family time!

Halloween

I totally enjoyed Halloween this year. Trick-or-treating was awesome. The kids were the best ages to do it, I felt bad about not being that thrilled to go out, but I'm so glad we did. Marshall WAS batman. There were other batmans out and about but he kept saying, but Im cool because I can do this, and he would run off making sure his cape was flying in the wind.

We went out with our friends so there were 6 kids all together. So it was nice that the parents could stand at the curb and watch our kids do it themselves, well most of them. Before we went to the first house, we went over manners, to actually say trick or treat and thank you. When Marshall came away from the first house he was crying because he didn't get to say thank you. I told him he could say thank you twice at the next house.

The weather was gorgeous, not too cold, and a perfect full moon.

I do, however think Halloween and trick-or-treating is an odd custom. We dress up our kids in random costumes and go begging for food at complete strangers homes. Its fun though, all I have to do is resist the temptation to raid their bags of candy.

Jedi Knight

Little Red Riding Hood

Batman