Christmas Tree Farm

We took the kids to pick out a Christmas tree at a local farm and were shocked to find this awesome Santa with no line ready to say hi to the kids.  He gave them little bags of "reindeer dust" (aka silver glitter) to sprinkle on our doorstep on Christmas Eve.  They were in heaven.

Thanksgiving

We asked the kids to create a list of things they are grateful for--we added to it every day for over a week.  It was fun to watch them take notice of their blessing.

The food was just a perk.  We all sat and watched the marshmallows turn golden brown on the sweet potatoes.

My side of the family got together for Thanksgiving this year and we had the realization that there were just too many of us to gather in a home.  We met at a chapel.  We are now one of "those" families.  With 8 kids, 7 spouses, and 26 grandchildren…we took over the church!  The kids had a great time playing in the nursery with all the toys.  Ethan and Sydney had dreamed for days of doing a parade together with cousins and we almost forgot.  

They spent time with cousins at the Keller's house.

There was a great family football game that I watched from the sidelines.  Doug took one for the team and ended up with a concussion.

Lyla was as clingy as ever…ugh.

Kisses and Hugs

This little girl is growing up!  She is 18-months old and I can't believe it!  I had to wake her up from her nap today and she was OUT.  I sat looking at her and love her sweetness.

I've been teaching her kisses and it's hilarious.  She comes toward me with her mouth wide open and licks my lips.  Nice.  Ew!

Love my baby!

Fit family

We've been trying to get Ethan and Sydney a little more interested in sports and teaching them to play.  We went to one of Doug's basketball games this week and they had such a good time cheering for dad and his team!

We took the kids to a basketball game at the U of U and Ethan's eyes were glued to the floor.

We used the bathroom and Ethan and Sydney were fascinated with the garbage can built into the counter.

Fall fun

I try to capture a few of the candid moments we have at home playing.  Sunday morning we did a puzzle of the United States and Ethan and Sydney asked where a lot of people lived and where they had visited.  We talked about where Aunt Michelle lives now that she married Ethan and moved away. They loved it.

My life is on-the-run a LOT.  I snapped a photo of my breakfast everyday…Shakeology.  It has changed my life in so many good ways.  Nothing like grabbing something fast that keeps me full for 4 hours, let alone the increased energy and no afternoon slump to boot!

Ethan and Sydney dressed up this week as Cinderella and the prince and Sydney had the glass slipper to try on.  I love their creativity.

We took some selfless on the carpet for fun after my workout.

Sydney has taken to babies a lot lately.  She plays with stuffed animals mostly, but it's pretty sweet when she takes care of a baby.

I am the Primary Chorister at church and teach the kids amazing songs about the Savior.  We performed the songs we've been learning this year Sunday at church and I promised if they sang well that the teachers would stuff marshmallows in their mouths and sing popcorn popping for them.  I snapped a photo.  I love these kids.  Sydney was pretending to have a marshmallow.

Ethan still spends most of his time in dresses.

My mom watched the kids for me while I did some work today.  She invited other cousins over for fun and it was a mini party.

Thursday, we cleaned the chapel and the kids were amazing helpers.  They had a great teacher as well. They begged to back and clean…especially after a ride on the cart when we were all finished!

Coaching

I've been coaching my friend, Kris, since March and she's down 40 pounds and doing amazing!  She sent me her before and after photos today and I about died with excitement!  I love this job!

I took a photo for my fitness page on Facebook this week and loved it.  My aunt later said that it looked like I was working out in a window sill.  Made me laugh so hard!

A friend introduced me to an auction shop and I scored some amazing workout clothes today and other deals for Doug (and even some baby gifts).  It was a blast!

Halloween Party time!

Good food

Fun decorations (thanks to my friend, Kayla)

Let the party begin!!  Fashion show

It was a little crazy, but OH so fun!

We stopped by Grandma's on Halloween to Trick or Treat and met up with a few cousins.  We attempted a photo.  Hilarious!

The Halloween Switch Witch struck again.  We had written letters to her a few weeks ago asking her to switch our candy out for a present.  Best. thing. ever.  They get to eat 4-5 pieces Halloween night and then we set out their baskets with them.

Doug even convinced me to let them set out some pieces for later.  She brought them Legos and an Anna (Frozen) coronation dress.