Black Friday

I always love shopping on Black Friday and this year was no exception, it was actually one of the funnest shopping experiences ever. My oldest sister Heather actually started at Wal Mart the night before and was still at it when the rest of us woke up. We met her at Target to find her completely wired on energy drinks and not able to think or talk straight. She had a bunch of crap in her arms because she couldn't find a basket and was just wandering around the store talking to herself about weather or not to buy certain items. By the time we got to the mall at about 6:30am she had had a 5 hour energy drink, a coke, diet RB and a danish only to add pretzel dogs when we got to the mall..Im pretty sure she had the munchies. By the time we finished she was about the crash and the cab of the truck was so full it was hard to get in. We drove my sister home in fear that she would not make it in her condition.

Luke's Wedding

It was a lot of work and cause a lot of stress but it was a success without to many problems.

Making gifts for Nana and Pop

Since Nana and Pop are still in Africa this Christmas we decided to make them some ornaments out of clay. It was messy but kept them busy for quite a while. I still have no idea what happend to his face.

Shad and his Mobigo

I knew Shad would enjoy this video game but I wasn't expecting him to love it this much and be so cute playing it. We usually just bust it out when I need to get something done or on road trips.

Halloween

Halloween was pretty crazy this year. We started the day at my brother's for a BBQ which was nice to see everyone. Then we went to downtown Spanish Fork where they do trick or treating at the shops on Main St., which was a little to crowded for my taste but Shad did win a full size pack of MnMs in a game of musical chairs. That evening we had truck or treat and soup at the church but it was pouring down rain so that was no fun til they took it inside where within a matter of minutes Shad was through with the crowd but it didn't matter since his bucket had been filled within that time as well. Luke and Teri wanted to get some free candy so they took Shad around a nicer neighborhood and it actually worked they got some free candy and Shad enjoyed most of it.
I wouldn't open any of Shad's candy for him so he was so excited when someone gave him an apple...so was I.
This is Juno dressed up as a Pirate

The Trip Home

Because Shad and Violet are now 2 we had to buy tickets for them which sucks but it does make the flight experience much nicer with them having their own seats. Getting to the plane was by far the hardest part. Since I had two kids, two car seats and one large carry on bag my aunt was planning on helping me to the gate but I guess it is San Diego Airport's policy to not allow non travelers past security so I was on my own. It was Penny's brilliant idea to put the kids in their car seats and drag them. I must say it worked beautifully on the tile but it was nothing less than a workout once we were on the carpet, but it worked.

During our Layover in Phoenix Shad played on the plan but Violet had already fallen asleep. I was lucky enough to have both kids fall asleep shortly after our departure from Phoenix so I did get a little rest.

Violet had to sort her goldfish crackers before she would eat them but still refused to eat the green ones so I got those ones. When we arrived back home the couple behind us was so nice and offered to carry the car seats all the way to the baggage claim so I just had to worry about corralling the kids, it was so nice.

Sea World

We got lucky with Sea World passes since when we were there they were offering buy one year membership get one year free. Since Shad is still free I took advantage of that deal. I love Sea World so I am excited that I can go for another 2 years!

I think watching Shamu, or as the kids call him an Orca (technically they are right, what kids calls Shamu by his real name), was Shad's favorite part aside of actually playing in water at the the tide pools.




We were also luck to get to see Elmo and Cookie Monster. shad could hardly contain his excitement, it was killing him to wait in line. When it was finally his turn he RAN up to Elmo and gave him a big hug, it was adorable. Violet wanted nothing to do with either of them.

San Diego Adventure

Shad an I decided to join Penny on her trip back home to San Diego and since I usually watch my niece Violet a couple days a week we decided to take her with us. Shad really enjoys playing with Violet so it was good for us.


The trip there went surprisingly well, they both just played and chatted and of course napped.
They came up with a game of imaginary candy which they are holding in this picture. One time Violet stole some of Shad's "candy" and he had a full blown fit. He was so into it that he did not stop holding his "candy" even while he was sobbing. I really wish I got a picture of that.
We often visit Penny's friend's preschool classroom while we are in town. It took the kids a little while to get used to the structure but they eventually started enjoying it and still sing the songs they learned in the short 2 days that we spent there.

Little boys and worms...

...I just don't get it. I don't think that I am a particularly squeemish mom but I must say watching Shad play with worms gives me the eebie jeebies. Every time we are out working in the yard Shad is right there asking for worms. I am pretty sure he killed the first one he played with by being to rough but now he is pretty gentle.

Halloween Prep

We kicked off our Halloween decorating with pumpkin carving and sugar cookies. I don't know exactly why but I do love Halloween. I also used the branches from Luke's wedding to help decorate the porch. The kids did surprisingly well on carving pumpkins and it was barely worth the mess it made.