Gingerbread House

We decorated a gingerbread house this year. Joshua was so focused and wouldn't stop until every last piece of candy was used. Elise's job was testing out all treats before we put them on the house.

New Hair Do

I got tired of waiting for Elise's hair to grow out. Which one do you think looks best- the mullet or the short curly do?

Keith had to dress up for "Where's Waldo" youth activity. We had a bag full of wigs in the dining room that Elise got into. She walked into the kitchen wearing the mullet with a huge grin on her face. I guess she was tired of waiting for her hair to grow out too.

Thanksgiving

We spent the Thanksgiving week in Utah with Keith's parents. Joshua loved playing in the snow! Unfortunately, he insisted on eating it every chance he got. We were also able to spend time with my brother Steve and Liz. Joshua loved playing his cousin Parker.

Halloween

Joshua was a pirate and Elise was a fairy for Halloween this year.

Keith went to BYU's homecoming and took Elise along to visit her grandparents. Although, I missed them both it was fun for me to spend the weekend with Joshua. We spent a day exploring the city- went to lunch, shopping, watched the cable cars and played on the beach.

This shot was taken just before we dropped them off at the airport.

Lake Tahoe

I am trying to get caught up on updating my blog. Sorry to all my loyal blog readers for being so terrible about keeping up. The list might be short, but I know I have one reader that has been annoyed by my blogs idleness. Mom?

We had a great time with Keith's parents at Lake Tahoe in September. The weather was perfect. We went for walks, played at the beach and had fun being with family.

Utah Trip

Pictures from our trip to Utah this summer. Joshua at BYU's Dinosaur Museum.


Joshua and and his cousin Parker (Steve's youngest) building a sand castle.

Parker and Elise


Mimi and Elise


Luke, Parker, Joshua and Elise

Sweet Tooth

I walked into the kitchen and found my daughter with her hands in the candy jar (or drawer). This girl is definitely Keith's daughter. They share a love for sweets. She had scooted the chair over to the drawer where we keep the candy and helped herself. Apparently, she isn't a fan of root beer dum dums. She tested four dum dums (all root beer) before finding a flavor that she liked.

I guess she has a little bit of me too. Less than five minutes later, I caught her eating out of the peanut butter jar. Although, I would have preferred mine with a side of chocolate.

Update

Ok... so I am the worst blogger ever! Here are a couple things our family has been up to for the last few weeks.

Keith took Joshua camping. A very brave thing to do in my opinion. Joshua had a great time with his dad sleeping in a tent. He came home smelling like dirt and campfire, which landed him a ticket straight to the bathtub.

Went to the beach last Saturday- fun times. The kids were great. Joshua built sand castles and liked running away from the waves. Our daughter spent the day sitting on a towel eating food under an umbrella. The sand was too dirty for this girly girl. It made it easy for us not to have to chase her down the beach. Lately, she has been really good about sharing her food. She holds it out opens her mouth and says "Aahhh" (captured in the second picture of her).

Anniversary

Today is my 5 year wedding anniversary. I am grateful for my sweet husband and the life we have built together. Happy Anniversary Baby!

Life is Messy

Being a Mom is messy. I feel like I have come a long way in accepting a level of chaos in our home. However, yesterday was a bit much for even a seasoned Mom to take.

First, I found a large (it would have taken several trips and a large bucket) pile of dirt in the middle of the living room floor. On my way to get the broom, I stepped on a banana on the kitchen floor. With smashed banana between my toes, I ran to a call for help from Elise that must have been a recipient of one of those buckets full of water and dirt (= mud) dumped on her head. When Keith got home, he pointed out that I had a greenish in color mouth print on my can, hope that happened after I got home from running errands.

After cleaning up dinner dishes, sweeping the floor, vacuuming the living areas and folding laundry, I was ready for a little down time with Keith. We sat down to get through some shows saved up in the DVR when we heard Joshua start to cry. I found him in the middle of his room looking pale and concerned, so I started taking him to the bathroom. That is when he started throwing up all over my feet.

Hum, not my best day.

Birthday Boy

Joshua turned 3 last week!!! We had a carnival party on Saturday to celebrate. He had fun with the games and all his friends. We had a clown come and do face painting, a magic show and make balloon animals. Joshua kept his distance from the clown- notice the picture of him trying to get a balloon from her.

Watching the magic show from the safety of the patio.