Halloween, surgery and a getaway {not in that order}

I have to admit that Halloween is not my favorite holiday. I always try hard to make it fun for the kids though. I have a few simple decorations that I put up and I have to say that my apothecary jars full of skulls might be my favorite.

 

These large spiders adorn by door thanks to some heavy duty magnets.  They up the creep factor for sure.

 

I made this pumpkin when I was in elementary school. My mom has kept it since then.  The weird thing is I actually remember making it.

 

 

I made this banner with my best friends when we lived in Oregon.  We stayed up into the wee hours sewing, and talking, and laughing. I sure miss those days.

 

Here is Miss Brooklyn as snow white.  The girls have taken turns a couple of years wearing this.  I made it when we lived in Oregon and it was a labor of love. It's held up well all these years and she looked beautiful

 



Anna volunteered to be in her school's carnival haunted house without me being aware until the last minute. This was my attempt at making a fairy princess scary. Nor sure if we succeeded but she seemed to take her roll very seriously

 



Carter was the most adorable fearsome pirate around

 

 

Last but not least was Lila the lion

 

Aaron and I have a had a trip planned to Arizona for months. He needed to go for work and we decided I would tag along and we would have a getaway for my 30th birthday. Three days before our trip Aaron had to take me to Urgent care because of some severe pain I was experiencing and I was having trouble catching my breath.  To make a long story short they did a chest x-ray. EKG, Took blood and urine, and eventually had an ultrasound on my gallbladder which in the end was the culprit.

 

In tears I realized I may not be able to go on my trip after all as I need surgery to take it out.  The surgeon after taking a look at me concluded that I surgery could wait until after my trip. YEAH!!!

 

Aaron and I had a great trip. We were able to see a few friends, sleep in, eat yummy food and do some great shopping.  It was the most amazing weather, although the Arizonians (is that how you say it) thought it was freezing at 77 degrees or so. Crazies!!!

 

We owe a humongous thank you to my mom and in-laws for staying with our brood white we were gone.

 

My surgery is scheduled for next week and I am a bit nervous.  I am grateful that they were able to find out what was wrong and that they are able to fix it with a relatively simple procedure. 

 

Never a dull moment! 

Lu

This little angel was hard to photograph.  Glad I managed to get this one that captured her cherub cheeks and sparkling eyes. What a beauty

swing of things

The first day of school was very much anticipated by the girls.... and me. Don't get me wrong we had a very fun, busy summer and I really tried hard to enjoy every part of it even in the middle of noise, and messes and late nights. I enjoy and good schedule so I was ready for bedtimes and nap schedules that were consistent.  Anna started the 4th grade and Brooklyn 2nd.  They love their school and got a new principal this year and that was exciting and sad. They loved Mr. Boyce.  They get to ride the bus for about 10 minutes and get picked up and dropped off at the end of our cul-de-sac which is so convenient.   They are getting so big and so smart. I can't believe that this is the last year for Anna at the elementary school. Yikes... but I am trying not to borrow trouble and enjoy the now!

little man

 Boy how we love our little Carter.  Since turning 3 he has been even more energetic and busy, but has not lost his sweet thoughtful demeanor.  He loves to be outside, even though the weather has turned pretty chilly, always asking me if I want to go outside and jump on the tramp. He likes to watch Curious George and eat mini Wheats for breakfast. He love to help me in the kitchen and play in the sink. 

I can't believe that he is going to nursery in January. How strange it will be to see him sitting on the front row as I teach sharing time.  I'm always telling him to stop getting bigger. He replies lately, "But mom, I have to get bigger so I can mow Nana's lawn.  He adores his Nana and could probably get away with just about anything with her.  She calls him her "boyfriend."  We are so blessed to have this little boy in our home. We love you Carter Wayne!

birthday girl

 

Happy Birthday to my Anna.  You made me a mother 9 years ago, and each moment from then I have learned and loved you more than I ever thought possible.  You are spunky and full of life and keep me constantly on my toes.  We are so blessed to have you in our family! We love you Anna Banana!

{camping} Prinville

During the week of the 4th of July, we made the trek 12 hours to central Oregon to camp with some of our best friends in the world.  We knew Herb and Ciara when we lived in Portland and know we will always be friends.  We camped on our own secluded beach cove where we could dock the boat and hang out while babies napped and kids played. The weather was 100 degrees all week which was perfect!  We baked a bit and were busy getting sunscreen on kids and constantly making sure everyone was hydrated.  We found three rattlesnakes which made us all on guard but in the end everything was fine. A big thank you to the Williams for all the time planning and fun that we had!  Until next time!

 

 I call Aaron the baby whisperer because he is the only one that can get Lila to sleep, not in her crib. It is probably all the practice he was on Sunday's while I am in primary

 Aaron wake surfing

                                          Tubing was a huge hit with the kids

 

 

 

birthday girl

The week of Lila's birthday was a busy one.  We had things going every night including Anna's big performances for Aladdin.  We had a low key birthday party with family and treats.  We sure love our Lila Lu. I can't believe she is a year old and we are blessed that she is such a gem in our family. We couldn't imagine life without her!

 

 

We had beautiful light one night and I quickly for Lila dressed and snapped some shots. Photographing a busy one year old was harder than I thought but I got a few nice ones I think.

 

summer happenings

 We have had unusually warm weather which has been nice. I always tell the kids that we never complain about the heat.  We've had fun playing in the backyard and trying to stay cool.

 Brooklyn loves to play in the mud

 Anna and our neighbor Kamryn

 Mom gave me an old tool box that Alain had and I decided to make a planter out of it. My pansies make me smile every time I see them!

 Miss Anna never wants her picture taken, but I convinced her to let me snap a couple shots. She is growing up so fast!