Didn't We Just Do This?

I'm getting old, I guess.  Time is flying like crazy. It really does feel like we were just putting up the tree and decorating the house. But, here we are again. Everyone is a little taller, but that's about all. It was fun and crazy- just like last year, and the years before that.
You know how cities have ceremonies to light up their streets? Yeah, um, there is absolutely no ceremony over here. Just a bunch of kids who are getting bigger and stronger, but still don't have the vision to distribute ornaments throughout the tree instead of just in clusters. "Ben and Garrett, since you're both tall enough to reach the top of the tree, why don't you put some up on the top half."  Two kids did say at different times, "Wow, this tree gets smaller every year." However crazy it is, though, I still love every second.
Here are the pics.

 

Healing Our Hearts

My mom and dad decided to surprise our little family with something littler and cuddlier than anything we've had in a long time. Introducing Miss Piper. We've only met her via FaceTime but we couldn't be more in love. Can't wait to get some good snuggles in when we meet her in Texas next month.

The Hair

Sometimes when you're 16 your dad lets you do whatever you want with your hair (within reason). And sometimes you grow it out and show your curly awesomeness (seriously, I wish I had those curls). And then sometimes you decide on a whim to cut the locks and get a 90s mullet. Lucky kid has a good looking face and can pull it off.

Awwww

Love seeing this. A few precious minutes of Jake not picking on her and Avery not fighting back.

Ward Carnival

Usually I wouldn't post about a ward carnival, but this one was noteworthy. It was the youth fundraiser for the year so Ben, Garrett and I were pretty involved in putting it together. All went well until the fog machine for the haunted house (I wasn't over the haunted house and didn't know there was a fog machine) set off the fire alarm. The fire department came dressed in full gear and helped air things out and get the strobing alarm turned off. Oh, and while they were there, they ignored the fact that there was a kid duct taped to the wall- with people paying tickets to stick him up there even more.  All in good fun.

Halloween for the Boys

I could take pictures tonight, but the costumes are fresh before school today. Ben is a nerd (well, duh), Garrett is the cutest missionary ever, Scott is a stick figure and Jake is Captain America riding a pink fluffy unicorn. (Yep, seriously. He's been laughing all month in anticipation of this one.) Avery isn't in this pic because she already had her moment in front of the camera- and I hadn't fixed her hair yet by the time Ben had to go.  Happy Halloween!!!!
ps- It was still dark outside so we have lame inside lighting pics. It's okay, at least it's warm today and not freezing like it'll be this weekend.

Halloween Sneak Peek Photo Shoot

I convinced the little missy to forgo the whole Elsa/Anna/Olaf trend of Halloween costumes and let me choose. She was a bit hesitant until I told her that she could wear red lipstick. And her tiara. Boom! I had her. So, we went for Audrey Hepburn/ Holly Golightly- because I couldn't imagine not copying the Pinterest picture I'd seen in September.  It turned out so cute, we decided to have a little photo shoot. Here are some of the pictures.

FHE Pumpkin Carving- What a Novel Idea

I had the audacity to suggest we carve pumpkins on Monday night- the same night as the Cowboys football game. I knew this was asking a lot- and the boys (and Tom) agreed with almost sincere smiles on their faces. They paused the game as I lured them upstairs with caramel apples. They cut, pulled out guts and carved a Cowboys star into the pumpkin. And then the Cowboys lost in overtime. Sigh. It was still a fun night with our traditional Halloween music and crazy, loud kids.

Looks like I should have let the caramel set a while before adding the Reese's.

Caramel left in the pan? Garrett braved a tummy ache to enjoy the sugary goodness.

Golf Day for Tom and Ben

Not much to say about this. Tom took Ben golfing for a belated birthday present. And here is the picture to prove it. Or at least this is the picture to prove they had golf clubs and golf shirts in front of the house. I assume they used them.

Sigh

One of the only reasons I still do this blog (besides for a family history) is because I know my parents like to see what's up. I'm in the stage of life where there's not a lot of new. No new babies, nobody is doing anything especially cute, etc. We're just living life and growing up. But, I know Dad will call me out if it's been too long since I've posted.
Right now my parents are at a cabin with friends, out of cell phone range. It's kinda killing me not being able to just call them up and say hi. So, Mom and Dad- when you finally get back to civilization, here's me greeting. Hi. I love you. I missed you while you were gone.

Fall Break in St. George

A week ago we were chillin' in St. George with close friends. So much fun. Again. This is a highlight of our year every year. Thanks, Amy, for letting me steal your pictures. :)  Oh, and thanks for providing the perfect vacation house. :)