Four Wheelers

Grandpa Rich took Ryan, Penelepe, and Oliver out for a "muddy' ride.

Penelepe liked the first 20 minutes and then she was ready for lunch.

Twirly Swirly Park

When I was out this fall I knew my kids would love this park. I was right.

Look at those pumpkin face smiles.

I think this was the favorite ride at the park.......

especially if you have a fun Aunt who will push you all afternoon long!

Bainter Twins

Rebekah had her twins the week before we flew out, so I went for a quick trip to Farmington, NM with my parents to see the babes. They were adorable! I couldn't tell them a part. I'm pretty sure Dad is holding Taos and Mom is holding Jesse. (And have you ever seen a more manly man stache as my Dads?!!) I love moustaches - they make me laugh and smile.

Big brother Apollo and C.R. - it was so fun to see everyone. We then kidnapped Piper when we went back to St. George.

BellagiO

We flew into Vegas for our Christmas vacation and we stopped quickly at my Favorite place there. If you haven't been to the BellagiO you need to check out their Botanical Gardens - they never disappoint. They have different displays up through out the year. I don't know if the reindeer are made out of real nut (acorn?) shells or not, but let's say they are to make them even more amazing.

Violette checking out the reindeer with Momma Lee.

I loved the polar bears. Can you see they are made of carnations? So cute!

The little train had a camera on it and the kids loved seeing themselves on the picture frame. If you look closely they are also in the framed picture.

About time

I love Oliver's hair long, and always hate to cut it. He said he wanted a super short hair cut like his Dad's. His smile still makes me laugh, maybe for Christmas he'll get his 2 front teeth.

Happy Birthday Little Turkey

Violette's birthday fell on Thanksgiving (which was absolutely delicious), but we pretended it was on Saturday. We HAD to wait for "Baby" (Solomon).

We love how she is her own person, sometimes it can be a tad difficult. She came downstairs the other day ready to go in her outfit she picked out herself. Truthfully, if she could be naked all day she would, no matter the weather.

This child can smell candy a mile away. Remember how she use to chew through boxes?
Now nothing is safe. She is constantly walking around the house with "snacks" she has gotten all by herself.

She was quite the helper on Thanksgiving. She peeled 3 onions for me.

I love my husband and son.

Her breakfast morning. Do you love spiderman as much as we do? Don't worry she does have girly jammies too.

Her cake turned out so cute. I wish these pictures would show how cute it was.

I love when we ask her where her ear is, she wiggles it, and when we ask her where our ear is, she grabs our ears and wiggles them too.

The party guests.

Oliver was the entertainment for the party. The kids loved having the car go through their legs.

Yes our Tree went up the day after Thanksgiving, actually we got it on Wednesday. If I could I would get a tree for my birthday in October.

Seriously aren't they so cute? I know you want to make some. They were super easy, they just take a little time. Go here.

Things we as a family are Thankful for this year: (in no particular order)

Birthday Girl and her siblings

teachers and school

yummy food

things that make us laugh

make up (Penelepe)

and Gravity, because without it we would be floating all over the place (Oliver).

Our week

How about this lovely outfit? She does dress herself everyday. Even on days when she asks me to help her, I'll pull something out and then she'll say, "No I want to wear this." On Friday they have theme days at school. Last Friday it was mix match day.

Our "Little Mother".

Oliver's first diorama. The Raft by Jim LaMarche

Oliver's teacher from his first grade class, Miss Sacco, is brilliant and I love her. She organized a fundraiser for "not wanted" candy to be sent to our service men overseas. Oliver said they "raised at least over 400 pounds". If that really is true - that is sick. Can you believe all that candy could have possibly been eaten by the kids. He also thinks his school got the most out of any schools in the state. Even if it's not true - I still love the fundraiser. Our kids were only allowed to keep 14 pieces each (2 for each day for the week). They were great about it and didn't even complain. What good kids.