So...this was Brad's first time to the beach! I love the picture where Kate is smiling and he's watching the waves! We played at the beach (Emma chased the birds, of course), hiked to some ocean caves (Camilla was also worried about the waves), ate at "Pink's" hot dogs in LA, and walked around to see the temple lights in LA. So much fun...thanks for the great weekend, Kate and Brad!!!
I LOVE spending Thanksgiving in the kitchen visiting with family! We were SO EXCITED that Noall's sister, Kate, and her husband Brad came all the way out here to spend the weekend in So Cal w/us!
I have LOVED having the kids home for a week - even Noall was able to take a few days off...it's been PERFECT!!! We went to a Thanksgiving party with some friends and made all sorts of fun holiday treats. Emma enjoyed eating them as much as the kids enjoyed making them!
Noall and I enjoyed running in the Turkey Trot - good exercise, fun costumes, and THOUSANDS of people running to help the Food Bank...it's a win/win!
I had VERY good intentions of posting some wonderfully thoughtful, introspective and insightful comments about my birthday...well, that's not going to happen this year since I'm already weeks late. Maybe something for Christmas?!
This year we had so much going on that we kind of spread out my birthday over the course of many days - fitting in what we could when we could. I planted my winter garden using every bit of dirt that has access to enough sunlight (we even borrowed my friend's chicken for the day to feel like real farmers!), I went for a good run, went out to dinner at the restaurant where Noall works, got flowers AND a massage, had an amazing breakfast bagel and an equally amazing carrot cake (thanks, Noall)...all-in-all it was a great birthday!
Noall found the camera cord!!! Here come some belated Halloween pics! I can't turn them the right way for some reason...
I am attempting to upload some beautiful images of Puerto Rico, but you'll just have to imagine them! Noall has a great opportunity to work there for the month of December and the rest of us get to tag-a-long! We're getting excited!!!
It's that time again when the kids feed us dinner (they get a free hamburger for every 5 books they read)! Thanks, Zach and Camilla!!!
I thought it was about time for a little Emma update...it's always a good time, right?!? The older kids are now realizing that NOTHING IS SAFE ANYMORE since she can get onto any chair and/or stool and move them anywhere to get anything she wants! SO, yes, since she's obsessed with anything that writes, EVERY wall has coloring on it somewhere! She's also obsessed with cans of tomato paste. At any time during the day you can see her walking around with them, stacking them, or throwing them. She also loves playing the piano, being naked, having multiple binkies in her possession, standing up in her highchair, reading books, taking out her ponytail (Camilla insists on trying to do Emma's non-existent hair), and smiling "goofy" for the camera.
So, I thought I would post some pic of what our family's been up to (other than parties). Alex habitually is found asleep on the floor wrapped up in his blanket (usually WITH clothes on). I have to say that ALMOST all the time my kids have pretty good attitude about helping with chores! I've been trying to create a spirit of reverence at night before bed in our house. I put on music and they can read or play games. I accidentally put the kids to bed late last night because they were being so quiet and cooperative, I didn't even realize what time it was! We are 3 CHAPTERS away from finishing the Book of Mormon as a family!!! And, Noall and I are training for the 10K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. It's a great way to justify Thanksgiving dinner!!
Can you tell we've had a lot of parties lately??? I haven't even posted about MY birthday yet! (sadly enough, I've asked Noall to postpone my birthday cake until I'm ready for it...maybe this weekend?!?) Zach had his last soccer game - he had a lot of fun playing with his friends and practicing with his brother and dad this year!
Thanks to everyone who helped set up, make soups, twist rolls (modern art), and chop veggies for the salad bar. It all came together and it was delicious! And, thanks to Mom for having a birthday!!!
After lunch, we headed to the harbor for some whale watching. We didn't see any whales, but we did see dolphins. It's so fun to see how they love to play around the boat! It was pretty cold and very windy...the kids took shelter inside to snuggle and stay warm!
For my mom's birthday, almost all of my siblings were able to come here and celebrate together. It was a short weekend for everyone, but it was lots of fun! On Saturday, we started out with Zach's soccer game. I love my kids being able to share their lives with their extended family!
