D.A.R.E. graduation

On Tuesday Grace graduated from D.A.R.E.  There was a whole ceremony. Miss Murray spoke and the mayor with the handle bar mustache.  We also heard from the police chief, asst superintendent, and the officer that teaches the kids. There were five student essays and then diplomas. 

It ended with the oath to never to take drugs or bully. 

Grace got a tee shirt that is huge on her. 

She is so cute! 

Ward Christmas party

Our ward party was this last weekend. It was fantastic. It is so fun to talk to friends and the food was good. 

The kids sang a few songs. 

It was so funny. Ryan was a mic hog. He waved and winked. Everyone was giggling at him and he loved it.  

The kids sat on Santa's lap.

It was a fun evening!

Leaves and snow

We got the front yard cleaned up from the trees dropping all their leaves. We had quite the pile. 

Ryan put his head lamp on because they were burrowing in the pile. 

The kids at the school did a leaf cleanup. 

It was funny to watch the kids running around with arms full if leaves. 

They did a great job! 

We had several snow storms. I  had ordered some boots for Grace and gloves for Grace and Ryan. The boots came so all three bundled up to go outside to play in the snow in 13 degrees. It was so cold. 

Connor couldn't walk. It was so funny! 

Connor loved it for five minutes and then he was done. Grace and Ryan lasted about an hour and then they were ready for hot cocoa. They built a teeny, tiny snow man.

Odds and Ends of the Trip

Once we all got home after the Temple and luncheon Connor disappeared. I found him in the sink with the water on. 

There is nothing like changing a soggy little boy. 

Grace also taught him a new trick. 

He put his food on his head and then she would laugh and clap. I am glad this one has not stuck. 

We went to the zoo. That was what Joseph really wanted to do with the kids. He worked a shift and a half the day before so he could go with us. 

He enjoyed himself, a lot! 

Oh, well. The kids had fun. 

It is amazing how fun the zoo can be when there are 4 children and 6 adults. It was the least stressful zoo trip ever. 

The kids also milked a cow. 

My mom's friend has a cow and gives them fresh milk. It is sooo good! Connor was terrified. He didn't want to go near the cow. He cried and broke into a sweat. Poor boy! I finally got him to pet her. He didn't mind the calf as much. 

My mom did some science experiments with the kids. They blew up a soda bottle, sorta. 

They also did this fun one with milk, food coloring and soap. 

The drops of food coloring in the milk mix when you put a Q tip with soap in it. The kids LOVED it! 

The trip was fun. And we came back to snow!

Thanksgiving

On Wednesday we went up to visit the Standings. It was my grandma's birthday. We had a mini feast with my grandparents and my cousin Natalie and her four children. 

After lunch my grandpa taught Grace a couple of cords on the ukulele. 

They sang together. It was sweet. Now Grace wants Santa to bring her one.

On Thursday we went to Derek's parents. 

Derek's sister, Shauna, and her family was there. Derek's other sister Kelly came as well as his Grandma Clark. 

It was a nice relaxing day, with a lot of really yummy food. 

The night ended with Derek reading stories to the kids. 

Crazy hair day

Thanks to Brittany! She gave Grace colored hair spray to Grace. 

Ryan wanted tiger stripes. 

Grace got spots. 

The easiest crazy hair day ever! Until I had to wash their hair. That stuff sticks to the scalp. 

Joseph to the MTC

On Wednesday November 20, Joseph flew into Salt Lake. As soon I picked him up he asked for curly fries from Arby's. I reminded him that it was 10:30 in the morning and that we were having lunch at Zupas with the Sessions and Standings. Well, he insisted that he needed them, so we went to Arby's. 

We went to the kids' school to wait for Ryan to get out of kindergarten. Joseph fed half his fries to Connor. He then got out to brush his clothes off. He got back in the car. He got out to remove his jacket and got back in. He got out to check his luggage and got back in. He got out to get his blessing for me to look at and got back in. He then decided he needed KFC. So, the mom in me felt the need to tell him it was 11:00 and that we were going to have lunch in an hour. Well, after telling me he really needed KFC, we went around the corner to KFC. Joseph then fed half his chicken and fries to Connor. Connor loves Fofuff (Joseph). 

Shortly after that I checked Grace out and Ryan was done with kindergarten. Joseph wanted to get Ryan from line. I don't know that I have ever seen a worse case if ants in pants. It was humorous. 

Zupas was good. It was good to see Joseph with Grandmother and Grandfather Sessions

Grandma and Grandpa Standing. 

The kids. 

I am always amazed how smooth and quick the drop off is. 

As were driving away Ryan said he already missed his best buddy Joseph. It was so sweet. Such a happy, sad day. 

Super proud if the man Joseph has become. I sure miss him!

Derek's Birthday

Since I was in Arizona on Derek's birthday, we celebrated the next day, once I got home. We went to FatCats bowling. 

We had dinner there.

We have never done that before, but it was fun, as long as you didn't think too much about germs. 

Nice moves, Derek!

Connor literally ran all around our area. I was so glad that there were not very many people. We had a lot if space for him to roam-which is all he does. 

Weekend in Arizona

Over Derek's birthday weekend I went to Arizona. Derek sent me there for Joseph's farewell before his mission and the Eagle court of honor. 

Christopher and Joseph ha their court if honor together. Christopher earned his eagle years ago, but had never had a court of honor. 

Not many men get their eagles and have a wife next to them. 

Joseph was so cute up there. 

It was a good, lazy weekend for me since I had no children with me. 

Halloween

Before we left for Arizona we carved our pumpkins. 

Derek had fun getting the battery powered knife working. 

I don't know how we carved pumpkins before it. 

We celebrated Halloween in AZ. 

Connor is a duck, Grace is Casey at the bat from the poem by Ernest L. Thayer, and Ryan is a minion. 

There was a car decorated as an angry bird for the trunk or treat. 

Connor is too cute! He loved his duck feet. 

Brittany's Wedding

On October 25-26 was Brittany's wedding. The reception was on Friday night and the wedding was on Saturday. 

There was a lot of getting ready. 

She is so beautiful! She looked amazing!

Christopher worked tirelessly on the cake and Benjamin did the food for the bridal shower lunch the luncheon after the temple and anytime anyone was hungry. 

I don't have any pics of Ben since I was busy taking orders from the head chef. The food was amazing!

It was beautiful at the Mesa temple. 

Grace forgot her Sunday shoes, so she wore her purple crocs. She also misplaced her black skirt and hair doodads. I hope Britt isn't mad when she gets her pictures back. 

I am so happy for my little sister!