Tree Doctor

Every year the managers at Allstate go to the Festival of Trees to help set up the trees before the festival opens.  This year was no execption.  However, Brian's aunt Diane, had a friend setting up a tree and she caught Brian in the act of being a tree doctor.

Pumpkin Time

Last night for family home evening, we carved our pumpkins.  Both kids had a nice sized pumpkin that Neeners and Grandpa Garry had gotten for them.  Colin was really into it this year, he grabbed some of the guts with bare hands and basically carved his own pumpkin. Bri and I helped him a little bit, but he really did the majority of the work.  Audra, is not quite strong enough and therefore, Bri ended up carving the majority of her pumpkin.  Elyse, was a part of the fun and watched from her seat, as well as tried to climb into one, but it just didn't work out.  Now we have 2 great ghost pumpkins.

Elyse's Newborn Pictures

As we have done with the other kids, here are the newborn pictures of Elyse.  We just got them back from the photographer.

Fourth of July!

For the Fourth of July, we planned to go to the Murray Fun Days Parade.  Neeners and Grandpa Garry went first thing in the morning to save us a great shaded spot on the parade route.  Aunt Lindsey and Carter came too, which was exciting because they had been in Florida for 3 weeks.

After the parade we took the kids to Neeners and Grandpa's to play on the slip'n'slide again.  Then we came  home and just hung out as a family.  That evening we drove down to the dentist office and watched the Holladay City Firework display.

The Last Day of School

Yesterday, was both of our kids last day of school.  I was so happy that Brian took the day off, so he could go to both programs.  

Audra's program was first.  They sang songs and spelled their names.  Audra did so well spelling her name, she was confident and didn't have to look at her name.  It was cute.  However, this momma cried when she was saying thank you to the teacher.  Both Colin and Audra had Miss Karen.  I love her!  She is a fantastic teacher who really loves the kids.  

After, we rushed up the street to Colin's school so we could be there for his Kindergarten graduation.  They too, sang songs, then each got up and told us a letter and things that started with that letter.  Colin's little voice was shaking, but he did so good telling us about his letter.  I was able to hold the tears back, when thanking Mrs. Littlefield, but still choked up.  

So there it is!  Another school year over and our kids are that much taller and smarter.  They also both came home with TERRIFIC report cards, these parents are SUPER proud of them both!  It has been a great year.  Here's to a great summer!

The Last of Jack's Adventures

With Jack back at the North Pole, til next year, I wanted to make sure we put up the last of his adventures.

More of Jack's Adventures

Here are the pictures from Jack's adventures this past week:

Aunt Diane's Christmas Party

This past Saturday was Aunt Diane's Christmas party.  We all love going and seeing the family, but I think the kids enjoy it the most.  They get to play with their cousins and see Santa.  This year was no exception, in fact I think they couldn't wait to go.  This year's theme was patriotic, so we were suppose to wear red, white, and blue.  Dinner was All American, with hot dogs, hamburgers and beans. 
When Santa came, the kids were so excited, you should have seen Colin running to tell us that Santa was there.  It was a joy to watch all the kids.  Santa visited with all the kids and brought them each a little gift.  He also told them that Blizten and Donner? had a baby that they named Noel.  So, we have those stories to look forward to next time.
Thanks again Diane!!!

Jack

I just thought, it might be fun to put some picture up of where Jack has been over the past week.  The kids love Jack and are so excited to find him each day.  We are so glad that our Elf is part of the family.

Jack's first appearance was in Colin's stocking.

The kids wanted a marshmallow all day long and could not believe that Jack was in the mallow's.

Pausing to remember the reason for the season.

Hangin' out today and watching the kids from WAY UP HIGH!

 In the vase in the bathroom.  The kids had a hard time finding him, it was Lou that finally did and had to point it out to Coli.

This little elf is so funny.  He took this Kleenex box made it into a chair and then stuffed it with cotton.  He was in the kiddos room.

Jack making "sugar angels."  The kids were upset about how much sugar Jack used to make his angels.