Thanksgiving day 2014

We had a GREAT Thanksgiving.  Of course we missed a few of our most favorite peeps…but the show must go on.  We held our first annual Eves family Turkey Trot.  Weather was so nice that morning, and I think all the kids won the adult  (kinda, not really).  We came home from our run/walk to Costco muffins, hot chocolate, or orange juice.  Then, most hopped in the hot tub to get warm, and relax their tired bodies ;).  My mom did a great job with thanksgiving and everything tasted warm, and delicious.  I was SO full after, but still managed to have more later.  Dean and I were able to get all our black Friday deals online the day before so we only had a couple things we needed to go to Walmart for we were in around 5:40, the deals were for 6:00, we left the store at 6:09.  So we were happy, and glad to be done with that.  Now that I know how to do the online shopping thing, I hate going to the stores and fighting for something, when I can easily get it in my p.j.'s and sooner.  We had a great day, and enjoyed every ones company.  So thankful for ALL our family on both sides, and for our health, and all the blessing we've received this year.  Happy Thanksgiving.

Arrow Of Light

Preston received his Arrow of Light This November Pack Mtg.   He worked really hard, and actually passed everything off a month early.  He also received his religious knot as well.  That means he passed off everything he needed to in his Duty to God book.  We were luck to have a really neat Webelo leader who has worked in Scouts forever, and does such a great job with the boys.  We are so excited to be moving out of cubs, and into Scouts.

Brecken 18 months.

Brecken had his 18 month check-up this last month.  He was 21 lbs so 4% in weight…which is up we used to be in the 3% and, 34" tall he was in the 90th % in height.  He loves to play outside and build blocks.  He is down to one nap usually 1-4 or 3:30.  He sleeps well, and loves his blankets.  He loves to build with blocks, and play with balls.  He says "dada, papa, lisa (deda), addy, water (wa wa), hot, bye, Hi, dog, dip-dip (for dip), and dub-da for anything else he wants. He hates most food.  He hates to eat.  It's the thorn in my side 3 times a day.  He does love healthy snacks.  He loves fruit leather, apples, apple sauce, pretzels, fruit snack, and many other snacks, but give him a meal and he is out.  He does OK with sandwiches, ham and cheese with lettuce.  Salad, toast, cereal, waffles, pizza, and spaghetti.  He has to have everything with dip.  Either ranch or ketchup.  His favorites are balloons, dogs, and balls.  He is a great runner, and loves to keep up with the big kids.  He can't sit still for the life of him…he's always moving…and lets be honest whining.  Church is a joke, because we won't let him down to run around, and he get mad, but he started Nursery last week and loves being with all the little kids.  He has 12 teeth, and one more is trying to pop through.  He seems to slobber a lot, and have a runny nose constantly. We love him mess and all, and wouldn't have it any other way.

Piano and life.

I love hearing piano playing in my house.  Especially when it's not pounding, and it's a child making music.  The kids have been helping each other with their piano the last few weeks, and I love that my kids will help each other;  not all the time mind you.  Preston puts up a stink when it comes to helping Shaylee, but sometimes he does do it willingly.  I sure do love music and that my kids are growing up to appreciate music as well.  Preston's rule so he stays balanced is NO sports, until church/scout, and piano are caught up and good.  Also, that sports doesn't come before those two other things either.  If he has practice and scouts…scouts usually comes first then the later…hopefully this will carry onto what's really important, and that sports won't become his number one priority.  Sure do love my kids.

Veterans Day Program

 

The whole 5th grade was in charge of the Veterans day assembly at Preston's school.  They sang songs, did parts, and played a small clip.  It was about 20 minutes.  Perfect for Brecken and I.  My mom and dad came to listen as well.  We all got a little choked up when they sang the song and played a clip to "One more day."  I found myself having to wipe my eyes a couple times.  So proud to have some awesome people in our lives who served our country.  One of which is our dad and Grandpa Monson.  The kids were sure excited to share about him at school on that day. We sure love him and our proud of all he did for us and our country.  We love our Veterans.

Soccer is FINISHED!!! (for now)

Yep, you read right.  We are officially done with our fall soccer season.  It's been a long one.  Preston and the team had a great year, and ended up 3rd for the season.  They looked good this year, and had a lot of fun.  We have a Thanksgiving tournament coming up thanksgiving weekend.  Then we are done tell spring.  The kids have already started into Basketball they overlapped a weekend.  So no rest for the weary.

Addison Soccer Season

Addison had such a fun Soccer Season this year.  She had a great coach and team.  A lot of her friends were on it, and she was finally in the older group this year.  I've always played her up with Shaylee.  Next year they will be together again, because it will be 3-4th graders, but this year I had both my girls in different divisions.  So, Addison rocked.  I think she scored a least one goal every game, was a great defender, and had some great dribbling skills.  I sure do love her.  

Halloween 2014

We had a great Halloween this year.  Most of the family is really into this game called "Clash of Clans"  You make up a Clan and battle other Clans.  Well, our Clan can only consist of family members so we can keep it all nice and clean, and play together.  This year we got the idea to have everyone dress up as characters from the clash of clans.  Marci, and her mother outdid themselves with the costumes.  She made 99% of them.  They did an awesome job.  My dad of course had to add some props so everyone would know who we were. (the BIG Castle and Banner).  It was so fun, and we got so many comments on it.  Mostly people asking if they could join our clan.  Jer Bear felt bad having to tell so many people "No, our clan is only family members."  We started our Halloween festivities with some pumpkin carving.  (Not my favorite).  

At least the kids are old enough now to clean out all the pumpkins our least favorite part of it.  The kids love designing their own faces and helping cut them out.  They all did such a good job this year.   Shaylee even did Brecks for me as well.  She was so proud of herself.  We carved pumpkins Thursday night…1. because it was beautiful weather, and 2. We knew we would be so busy Halloween day we didn't want to feel rushed.

We woke up Friday and headed out to the schools Halloween parade then came home, and pretty much got everything ready for that night. The girls were archers, Preston was a wizard, and Breck, Dean, and I were wall bombers.  Dad and Mom were the barbarian King, and Archer Queen, Steph, Tyn, and friends were Dragons.  Marci and Kendyll were healers.  Lisa was a witch, and Devin was a Barbarian.  Boys were all wizards, and my girls were of course the Archers.  I think I got everyone. We waited tell after we went trick or treating to eat our annual Chile and donuts.  We were all so hungry even Breck gobbled it down…and that's saying a lot.  So much fun living in this neighborhood.  I think we had over 2,000 visitors this year.  We bought about 3500 pieces of candy and were cleaned out about 9:00 .  So many fun and happy memories.  Don't worry with all the time we spent putting this together we will be doing an encore next year.  We just might change up the costumes a little.