...only to see my kids watching this...(Shark Boy and Lava Girl)
...and realizing it's the same guy!!!
"Boys are found everywhere-- on top of, underneath, inside of, climbing on, swinging from, running around, or jumping into. Mothers love them, little girls hate them, older brothers/sisters tolerate them, adults ignore them, Heaven protects them. A boy is truth with dirt on its face, Beauty with a cut on its finger, Wisdom with gum in its hair and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket."
--Alan Beck
I am SO GLAD that my kids have each other. This past week I have been overwhelmed by the love they show to one another.
Jack and Max are the best of buddies. Max has told me a few times this week how much he loves his brother. One day he said to me, "Mom, Jack is my best friend." I love that they will always have each other. I know my siblings are my best friends. These boys give me a run for my money...as the above quote points out...and I'll take every last minute of it!
Looking out onto ground zero.
My chance meeting with Zack or Cody or Dylan, or Cole...whatever...I did it for Ella.
Our scrumptious brunch and Norma's.
At our brunch we happened to be sitting next to Howie Mendel (deal or no deal). I faked taking this picture of Jen to really take a picture of him. (you can see him over her shoulder) We were being silly.
Our "barley got there on time" viewing of the soon to be classic Wicked.
The ABSOLUTE highlight of our trip...bike riding through Central Park. The weather was delightful, the people were out, and I was with great company. I honestly didn't want it to end.
Here we are posing in front of the famous fountain. Julie takes her "posing" very seriously.
We spent NO time at Times Square other than Subway stops, so we had to snap a quick picture.It's been so long since Halloween that I've already forgotten most of the details. Yes, three weeks is long for this memory...I'm my father's daughter...sorry Dad! So, here is my attempt at documenting SOMETHING!!
The real highlight of Halloween around here is the ward/neighborhood carnival that is hosted by one of our incredible neighbors. Honestly, everything else is secondary to that fun night. The actual night of Halloween is just the candy gathering...the real fun is had at the carnival. The above picture was taken as we arrived. In my book it was a winner. The kids couldn't wait to get in and start getting some prizes from the games. So, the fact that they even stayed still for a moment was amazing!
I had dreams of a family theme this year involving Star Wars, but Paul (party pooper) and Nora (couldn't be convinced that Yoda was a princess) wouldn't cooperate. Maybe next year. Jack as you can see, was thrilled to be Anakin Skywalker. Quite the handsome Jedi if I do say so myself.
Here we have uncooperative Dorothy (aka Nora). The only thing that got her into the costume that I got for $5 on clearance after Halloween last year was the red sparkly shoes. Unfortunately I believe it is my last year (ALREADY!!) to choose her costume for her. Oh, she's only two by the way. She sure had a mind of her own and I love her for it.
Here is my fun Ella. She wouldn't be caught dead in a sparkly pink princess costume like her sister dreams of. She is SO EASY TO PLEASE. I love that! She saw this $3.99 kit at the party store that had the headband, glasses, and necklace in it. She remembered her tie dyed shirt and called it good. Did I mention I love that girl?
Here is Max as the evil emperor from Star Wars. I had bought him an Obi-Wan Kenobi costume which he proudly wore daily for the three weeks prior to Halloween. Of course, the week of Halloween he changed his mind. So, holding true to my "I am only buying ONE costume" threat...we modified the Harry Potter robe we had in the dress up box so you couldn't see the emblem. Voila...evil emperor. I tell ya...this is the easiest costume ever. Oh, and the pose in the picture is when he shoots lightning out of his hands...that's very important.
Of course, on the day of his school party he just wanted to be Harry Potter. This kid LOVES to dress up.
We were so excited when we saw one of our favorite families out trick or treating and their Kylie was twins with Nora! I just had to get a picture. Can you tell that Nora LOVES Kylie?!
All in all, it was a great Halloween. I'm starting to like this holiday more and more every year. Now I've just got to get my act together for Thanksgiving!!
This came home in Max's backpack the other day. I'd love to crawl into his brain for just one minute. I love that kid.
Wowza!! I guess I need to always remember to resort to blogging when I'm feeling down. I have felt so much love and encouragement through the comments and some personal emails. Thank You!! I've also had some other thoughts and experiences this past day or two that have really helped too.
I have so much to be grateful for and was reminded of all those things constantly yesterday. Church was great as usual. Sacrament meeting can get a little hairy, but the kids are getting better all the time. Our bishop gave some remarks on being grateful and recognizing all our blessings. I'm usually really good at that, so I'm going to put forth an even better effort. There were great testimonies borne, and of course Primary was wonderful. I just love being in there with all those kids every week. It shocks me every week how much I enjoy myself and love all the kids.
Me...gobbling up Ella!
How can anyone be down with those two smiling mugs comin' at ya?!
...the handsome men in my life!
(i actually wish it was raining)
What a historical day yesterday was!! We had the first African American on the ballot for President, and the first Woman on the Republican ticket. Although the votes didn't all go my way I do have to say that I am inspired by the democratic process. I am so happy I got to go out and have my voice heard. I am so proud that so many Americans saw this as their opportunity and duty.
I was honored to explain that process to my kids and have them watch history in the making. I was so happy to be able to show them that everyone has a voice. We told them that we will pray for our new President and do all we can to help make this country great. I was so impressed with John McCain's humility and graciousness. I truly believe him to be an honorable man. He showed such class and love for this country. (unlike the so called concession speeches of the past two elections) I do feel like my vote meant something.
I truly hope for and believe in this great land of ours and am anxious to see how we can all use this as an opportunity to be even more engaged in our own lives...because that's what politics is...helping to govern your own life as well as the greater good.
Nora thinks it's great all of the time. Ella...not so much.
But there are times when she likes it.
Other times when she encourages it.
She has even basked in it.
Often times she tries to run from it.
Most of the time, she just puts up with it.
She carries her load well, and they both will be truly blessed because of it!
Here is the necklace I will be auctioning off on my "Thursday Auction for Nie" blog this Thursday. People have asked that I remind them of what's coming up for auction. You can find the blog by clicking on the cute button on my sidebar. Please put it in your reader so you never miss a Thursday. I promise I'll try to get back to blogging on this site soon. Life is crazy as usual...but as usual...it is good!!
1 computer in shop for 7 days.
1 weekend away in the mountains (fantastic).
135 posts on Google reader (not reading all of those...sorry)
1,000 to do.
Yup, I'm out of the loop. Hope to be back soon!!
8:00pm SHARP! Kids in bed. Yahoo!
9:00pm Child #4 starts crying in crib - check and retrieve cozy that was thrown out.
10:00pm wake up child #2 and take to the bathroom to avoid extra loads of laundry.
10:30pm go to bed - get in deep conversation with husband until 12:00am
12:15am realize the the tooth fairy almost forgot to visit child #2. Check.
12:15am-2:00am mind races - can't sleep - surf web.
2:00am child #3 awake with wet bed - forgot pull-up?!
2:05am sleep.
3:00am child #1 comes into bed because of nightmare.
4:00am hubby (on call) gets called by hospital...has 10 min conversation while still in bed.
5:20am child #3 wakes up for the day and wants chocolate milk. Oblige.
5:30am try to go back to sleep but decide to run instead.
6:30am get back from run feeling 100% better.
6:30am to 11:00pm dream of the nap you never get.
Suzy from Jack and Jill Photography is offering FREE digital Christmas cards designs that you can have printed anywhere!!! I know it sounds early to be thinking about it, but hey...it's free!! You can find out the details HERE. There are also some deals for those in Utah on photo sessions. So check it out, and check something off your Holiday list!!
Here is their camping spot. It rained a lot, but they were prepared and toughed through it!
Max was in heaven no matter the weather. Ever since the father and sons camp out this past spring, he asks to camp every day. 
This picture makes me wish I would've gone. It is so beautiful. Next time I'm going.
You can't have a real camping experience without roasting marshmallows.
Here is the gang of kids. From L to R: Max, Ella, Ashley, Lauren, Andrew (doesn't he look thrilled to be with all the girls and little kids?), and then Jack. It may not look like it from the picture, but they had a great time.
Jack didn't get in enough practice with his new pocket knife, so he continued his whittling at home.
Then there is the inevitable post camp out clean up. Paul's really good at stuff like that. What a Dad!!
