Turkey Day 2010

We had such a great Thanksgiving this year. Normally we don't get to have Thanksgiving with extended family because Tim always has to work the day after, but this year Tim's family and my dad were all able to come to our house. It was so nice, I wanted it to be Thanksgiving for more than just one day because it was so great to have us all together. We didn't get too many pictures because we were all really busy preparing the meal, but here are a couple. I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to get these pictures, thank you guys all so much for making the effort to be with us, it really means a lot to me :) Love you all!

Halloween Fun

The kids had a great Halloween this year. It started off with Jace's class party on Friday. I had signed up to be a "helper" and was told by my sister-in-laws that I could not go to the party without being dressed up. I have not dressed up for about 15 years so I was hesitant, but finally decided that I would. I ended up just getting a witches' hat and nose and face paint. It was cheap and easy :) We got to the classroom and I was the only adult dressed up. The teacher didn't even dress up! Oh well, the kids all thought it was pretty cool and I had several of them ask me if it was my real nose. Jace even told me that it looked like my real nose, only green. Thanks a lot buddy, I now have a nose complex :)



Here is Paityn getting ready to go Trick-or-Treating. She is Jessie the Cowgirl from Toy Story.



She wanted me to take a picture of her eating some candy. We hadn't even gone out yet, which means she was eating the candy we were supposed to hand out. Silly girl.



Best buddies - Jessie and Army Soldier



Collecting the loot.

May I Help You?

Last week I was asked by the Varsity Girls Basketball coach if I would "supervise" the concession stand at a volleyball game because he was unable to do it. I told him I would but that I would have to find someone to watch my kids and he told me just to bring them with me. They talked about it all week. "Mom, when do we get to go to our job?" "Can you believe we actually have a real job?" "How much are they going to pay us?" "Will they give us candy if we do a good job?" I was beginning to regret telling them about it more than an hour in advance :)

I was supposed to be there from 4:30 - 8ish and I knew it would hard to keep them entertained for that long. Luckily, there was a practice gym right behind us and they were able to run around in there for quite a while. Still, there was a lot of whining and complaining about wanting to be done and go home. I guess it wasn't all they thought it would be =) Oh well, at least I got some cute pictures!

Jace's Bowling Party

A couple of weeks ago we were in Northern Idaho visiting Tim's family and we had a bowling party for Jace's birthday with Grandma, Grandpa, all of the aunts and uncles, cousin Braxton and a few of Jace's friends from Grandma's daycare. It was really fun, and no one got too competitive, I promise! (yeah right) Notice there aren't any pictures of me because no one would take a picture of the winner! =)

Jace was really excited about bowling until he saw all the presents waiting to be opened and was told that he didn't get to open them until we were done bowling. I'm pretty sure he asked me at least 20-30 times when we were going to be done. Those 2 games were the longest hour of Jace's life! He finally did get into it a little and threw some pretty good balls. It was so funny watching the three little boys just run up there and huck it, Jace even lost it behind him a few times.




Paityn wasn't really enjoying it because she couldn't make it go all the way by herself and she didn't like anyone helping her. She is a VERY independent little girl. Not sure where she got that...



Aunt Nikki, Uncle Nick, Braxton and Uncle Chad



Tim trying to throw the ball through the back of the building - notice how he is clenching his jaw.



Aunt Hailey showing us the correct form -



Grandpa Chris not following Aunt Hailey's example -



I haven't been bowling for so long and it was so much fun. I can't wait to go again!

Chuck-E-Cheese Birthday Party...Check!

Jace has been wanting to do his birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese for several years now, what kid doesn't, right? So we decided that this would be a good year to do it. It was really fun, even for the grown-ups, and the best part of all - No clean-up afterwards!
As pumped as Jace was going into the whole thing, I was somewhat surprised that he was slightly scared of Chuck-E. He was willing to give him a high 5, but was having nothing to do with hugging him or sitting by him for pictures. Funny kid :)

Birthday Boy!


Woody and Buzz Lightyear Cake


Good Cake!



Jace playing the Air Drums :)


Birthday Medal


Camera Hog!


Me and my kiddos!


It was a really great day, and I wouldn't be surprised if we end up doing it again another year. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Staley and Grandma Kris, Kevin and Uncle Austin for making the trip to be there with us. We love you guys!