Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Happy Halloween

There is something magical about Halloween that inspires me to blog! (and that's some REAL magic)

Last year as he sorted his pile of candy Jacob declared, "Mom, I am old enough now to decide on my own costume. I don't want to do your family idea next year." I agreed since making the Despicable Me minion heads pushed me to my nauseous, pregnant limit.

Fast forward to the beginning of October this year. I explained that he needed to make a decision about his costume so that I had time to get it figured out. After lots of time considering it he decided he wanted to be Super Mario with fire power. Luke then decided he wanted to be Luigi with a propeller suit so he could "fly".

After a little magical sewing, some great clearance finds, and some spray paint here is the result:

 One of my new favorite things, Mr. Potato Head Pumpkin Decorating!



Our family!







Kate's blessing was yesterday. There were lots of highlights including:

we made it to our 8 am sacrament meeting on time!
both sets of grandparents were there
she wore a custom made everythingoes headband (thanks cocoa)
she was awake and quiet during the blessing and just looked around at everyone holding her

Joey, Tom, Dad, Casey, Rob, and Tanner were all part of the circle

We had a pair of gold ballet flats for her to wear as her first shoes and when we tried to put them on she flexed her toes as much as she could to prevent them from going on. After a few seconds of trying to make it work, we took them off and I took a picture of the shoes, without her cute feet in them! Learned my lesson ... blessing day is not a good first pair of shoes day :)

She was blessed to bring joy and peace to those around her, share her smile, make good friends, desire to follow the Lord and become an instrument in His hands.

Kate's Announcement

Little Girl Birth Announcement

Shutterfly cards for Valentine's Day, Easter & Father's Day.

View the entire collection of cards.

KK and Katniss, Who Could Ask For Anything More?

KK came into town this weekend to attend the mid-night premiere of Hunger Games and hang out. She came prepared with her make-up kit for some Capitol-esque designs. We only got to the eye liner, but here is her handiwork.

It was such a great visit! We enjoyed some girl time while J* the boys, ate out at a "RESTAURANT! (as j* exclaimed), and caught up on the Project Runway finale.

 Between her laptop with Kid History clips, the games on her phone, and her chasing and tickle skills, KK is currently our "favorite" aunt!

Boots!

I just got out the new sizes of shoes and clothes, and the boots were a hit! He also has on one of his favorite Christmas presents...lasers for each finger. Enjoy!

Spartan Video

Here's j* in action through the tires!

From Potty Power to Spartan Race

The last few months have been full of good times. Here are a few highlights.

l* turned 3 and has successfully potty trained! As he likes to say, "I've got potty power!" We're enjoying the next few months of no diapers!

j* is 5 and now old enough to run in a Jr. Spartan Race, which is a kids version of the ultimate mud/obstacle run. The half mile course included pony walls, cargo net, balance planks, tires, mud pits, muddy hills, and ended with a gladiator trying to stop you with his joust! I couldn't resist the chance to make a little toga and leaf crown (which was only kept on for a few photos before it made his head too itchy). When I mentioned the toga to him he said, "But Mom, will my nibbles be showing?" So, we compromised with a shirt underneath.

At the starting line they said that parents could join the kids, so Dad joined him for the course. Fortunately he wore his running shoes. We were pretty sure that the whole thing would be a little too overwhelming for j*, but once they took off, he was at a full run to each of the obstacles. Dad had to race to get ahead of him enough to catch a few photos of his performance.

Here he is in action over the first wall.

Victory! Notice the muddy hands and shoes! He was so proud! Totally recommend it to anyone with a race in their area.

The cheering squad after the race. j* is holding his Spartan Finisher medal! l*'s favorite part, watching the gladiator at the finish line try to take down the kids and watching the grown-up course where the runners had to jump over a fire pit on their way up a hill. Thanks for coming along Aunt K*!

As for #3, here is the baby bump for now. The ultrasound last week confirmed that we are having a girl and caught a few images of her little face.

When j* heard that Grandma was coming to visit, he turned to l* and said, "It's so much fun when she comes because the only thing she has to do is play with us! She doesn't have to go to work like dad or do errands like mom!"

It was even more fun than we had imagined!

Just a fun one of l*.

Finally, I couldn't resist posting this photo of the boys waiting at the train stop, looking like the own the place. Hilarious! We were able to ride the train to downtown Phoenix to visit some friends and even swim in their roof-top pool. It was quite an adventure. This shot was on our way home, and they were feeling pretty sure of themselves with the big-city transportation scene :)