A shout-out to Oklahoma

I have to give a shout-out to my little sister in Oklahoma.
SUSIE, YOU ROCK!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!



Susie was just accepted to the nursing program in Oklahoma. She is an amazing wife, fantastic mother, and NOW she will be the best nurse! This is something that Susie has wanted for a very long time, and Oklahomans can only hope to get sick and be cared for by her!

Pumpkin Pickin!

Every year we take the kids to a nearby pumpkin patch and let them do their thing. It is such a treat to watch them search out the perfect pumpkin. Such a serious decision! It's also a great time for some photos.




When I announced it was time to go to the patch I expected some resistance from my big kids. (Mainly the boys) But they ran and jumped in the car just like everyone else. It was fun to see them help Brooklynn and Ashlyn. Ahhh, the rewards of parenting.



Happy Halloween everyone!

Sixteen Candles

Things have been busy, so I am finally getting around to posting pictures of Brennan's 16th Birthday.

Brennan and a group of friends went out on the town to The Pie. It is one of Brennan's favorite places to eat.

The kids got an enormous pizza and dove in.

Will, Brennan and I went to Market Street Grill for breakfast. Another one of Brennan's fave's.

We followed breakfast with a trip to the hockey store where Brennan picked out a new pair of hockey skates. He only grew out of his last ones about a year ago, and just kept wearing them. Ouch!

Happy Birthday Brennan! We love you.

Five Weeks and Sixteen years

Five weeks ago today I brought this little bundle of joy home from the hospital. But...

Sixteen years ago today I went into labor with this BIG bundle of joy. Of course he wasn't born sixteen years ago today. That would come 28 and a half hours after labor started. UG!

Time has flown by and so much has changed. Brennan is taller than both Will and I now. I have to look up to talk to him. I love him more than I ever knew I could love someone.

One Day Get Away

Will had to travel down to Green River yesterday for work. He offered to take Brooklynn to give me a break. I thought it was a great idea, but then decided I wanted to go too. Crazy I know. But I was dying to get out of the house. I've been pretty cooped up with a new baby. Besides, what a great chance to spend time with my sweetheart. My favorite time was when there was no cell service, and I had his complete attention!

We left around 10:00 in the morning and didn't get home until around 9:30 at night. Just in time to see the first miner rescued. (Yee-Haw) The Tamarisk is a restaurant in Green River that Will and I discovered years ago. It overlooks the river, and is just charming and a little quirky. We try to stop by every time we go down.

Brooklynn takes a break. This area is at a hotel right next to the restaurant. You can see the river in the background. It was so peaceful. We watched two doves play in the trees. What a perfect afternoon.

This is the restaurant. Make sure you stop by next time you are driving through. The chicken with the avocado, tomato and cheese is super yum.

The A's

Last week Brennan came home from practice and handed me two fabric letter A's and asked if I could help him sew them on to his hockey Jersey's. He had the cutest smile on his face and I could tell he was excited.

The A's stood for "Assistant Captain", which he had just been named. He was totally stoked. He was awarded "Most Improved" last season, and he has worked really hard, so this is a big deal for him. We are super proud of Brennan.

He posed for this picture, even though it looks like he didn't want it taken. It's just his "I'm too cool to smile" face.

Miss Piggy and a Daddy Daughter Date!

Tonight was the Daddy-Daughter date for Activity Days. It was a Halloween themed party, and everyone was supposed to come in matching costumes. Ashlyn and Will did the 50's theme. Ash was so excited she could hardly stand it. They were all given pumpkins to decorate and bring.

They had an amazing time, and Miss Piggy even tied for first place. Ashlyn was beside her self with delight!

Traditions

It was General Conference this weekend. We had a great time as a family playing conference bingo, eating yummy food, and listening to the Prophet.

We always make breakfast burritos in the morning. Everyone helped.



Later in the day we made fruit pizza. Ashlyn was a big helper.