Halloween

Jeff and Karissa helped the kids carve some really cool pumpkins this year for family home evening. We went to a trunk-or-treat on Saturday and the kids had a lot of fun dressing up and getting candy and playing games at the church. Mia was a witch again, Mason was Zorro and Brant was Winnie the pooh. The best costumes were Jeff and Karissa's. They were king Arthur and his squire from the Monte Python movie. It was hilarious and looked so cool. Everyone at the trunk-or-treat loved it and thought it was really funny to watch them "ride" around on their invisible horses with Karissa making the hoof noises with coconut shells. I think the kids enjoyed handing out candy on Halloween night most of all. They didn't even care that they couldn't go trick or treating since they had so much fun passing out our candy.

Mason Turns 5

Mason's birthday was a few weeks ago, and he wanted a party just like Mia's. So we invited a bunch of friends over and Jared set up the slack lines, hammock, rock wall, zip line and hanging chair. I was surprised how many kids were brave enough to go down the zip line. I think they all had fun and we only had a few casualties on the hammock, which was quite the crowd pleaser.

Mason is such a fun kid.  He loves being with people and loves to play and learn.  I love that he kills my spiders.  I love that he follows his dad around and helps with every project and never gets bored.   I love that he is such a happy and energetic kid, but he is also the first kid to come and snuggle up with me.  I hope he never outgrows snuggling because it is one of his many talents.  (On the way to church on Sunday, Mason told me that he needs to practice his talent more.  I asked what his talent was and he told me that his talent was playing army =).  I love this kid!

Mia's Baptism

Mia was baptized on September 25th 2010, just two days after her eighth birthday. Mia was so ready to become a member of the church and receive the Holy Ghost. She has such a strong testimony of the gospel and knows so much already about the scriptures and loves to read them every night. She is a shining example of faith and kindness. We love her more than words can say and feel so blessed to have her in our family.

Mia invited lots of friends from school and some church friends too, so we had a big group of little girls. Mia's grandma's gave the talks and her Grandmas were the witnesses and gave the prayers. My dad played the piano since we had a no show from the primary for the piano. Jared did a wonderful job baptizing and confirming her and it was a wonderful day.

Isn't she the sweetest thing ever?

I can't believe I have an 8 year old!

Mia turned 8 in September and I can't believe I have an eight year old. The first three years of her life she was my little shadow attached to my hip and since Jared worked long hours she really was my little buddy. She tagged along with me everywhere and helped me navigate the 'big city' we just moved to.  I don't think I realized how easy of a child she was till I had my boys (who I adore). Mia has been the easiest child to raise and she constantly teaches me how to be a better person because she just came that way. We love her dearly and are so proud of all she is.


Mia had an "outdoor" party. Let me tell you, this was the best party ever. My sister in law, Karissa, made a cool rock climbing cake. Jared built a rock wall in the back yard, set up a rope bridge, slack line, and zip line and then made it all into an obstacle course that the kids LOVED. He did all the work and I just ordered pizza and chatted with the moms......easiest party ever. Thanks Jared!

This is Karissa helping Mia off the zip line.

Mia has such fabulous friends!

Brant on the zip line.

I can't believe the picture of her blowing out her candle was blurry....grrrr. 

Our Summer (Yup, I'm that behind on blogging)

I know I am behind on blogging, so bear with me with all the pictures in one post. I'll try to be brief. We had a great summer filled with lots of relaxing in Idaho and LOTS of working on the house back here in Colorado.


My fabulous sister-in-law got married this summer. It was such a wonderful week we spent there helping them get ready and seeing them get married was definitely a highlight of this year. WE LOVE BRAD. I have been so lucky to have amazing in-laws and he is no exception.

Mia and Mason got to help serve refreshments at the reception.  I was very proud of them and what big helpers they were.  Don't they look cute in there brown and pink to match Sara's colors.

This is our friend Michelle.  She is like another aunt to my kids and we love her so much.  She got married this summer too, and we wish we could have been there. 

Mia and Mason on the Ireland Bank float in the 4th of July parade in Malad.  They had fun throwing taffy and eating it too.

Brant's summer was filled with a lot of things that he loved.  1st place goes to Grandpa, but a close 2nd was the chickens. 

We had tons of fun with cousins.  Birthdays, parks, picnics, sprinklers, zoo, and swimming.....what a great summer.

We we glad to get together with Stacey and her kids for a fun afternoon.  We only wish more Denver friends could have come.  (Next years guys.)

Mia and Mason did great with swimming lessons this year.  Mia passed again and Mason can put his whole head in the water and even dog paddle a little, so big accomplishments on both counts.

It wouldn't be summer without grandma's haircuts.

Have I mentioned how much my kids love to gather the eggs and take care of the chickens.

We also went to Island Park with Jared's family for a quick fun weekend of canoeing, 4-wheeling, biking, and just hanging out.  We have such great families that we look forward to our summers in Idaho all year long.