Guns Blazing...

We went on a double date with some

friends from our ward,

and since he's a CHP Officer, Instructor, and Range Master (?)

we visited the CHP Academy

for some fun!

First, 

an eye-opening tour of the vault

where they house confiscated weapons-

of which there are a TON!

Second, shooting a variety of weapons including,

a classic single and double action Smith & Wesson-my favorite!,

the gun that officers currently carry,

a teeny tiny model that was so, so hard to shoot,

and Samuel's favorite,

the fully automatic M-something (I cannot remember the name!)

which is illegal in most states-

and for very good reason!

After,

dinner at a Japanese Steakhouse!

Thanks for a wonderful evening!

You have definitely nudged us closer to becoming

proud owners of a firearm!

Maybe.

Some day.

In another universe...

{smile}

The Turkey Bowl

Woo hoo!

Bet you didn't know turkeys had big guns!

Yes, that's my man in all his glory

and he did me proud!

Let me back up a bit...

The morning of was absolutely gorgeous

and we love to tag along for the big day,

only this time I thought I'd take the kids on a bike ride

before we hit the sidelines.

We gave our high fives,

said our good-byes,

and no sooner did we get to the other side of the street

when I realized that my tire, and Iris',

was completely deflated.

And this after a pump up only moments before!

Back to the game then,

where we all hopped the fence to get in

-the kids LOVED that part-

and I got to hang with a friend while the boys threw

the pigskin around!

You can't beat a turkey bowl!

Except for the fact that a hen bowl

would be pretty rockin' too!

A Cheap Nemo Submarine Ride



Activity Day Recognition Night

I am so, so fortunate to work with Activity Days in Primary!

This year,

our recognition night

was a father and daughter affair

featuring pizza,

a quilting service project,

and cake decorating!

The girls had a BLAST! 

And it was wonderful to see them

spending some one-on-one time

with their dads. 

The sugar-buzzed evening ended

with a raging game of something or other in the gym!

All I know is,

they kept running back and forth

screaming!

Congrats girls!

You have accomplished so much!



Isabella's 10!

Is there a more beautiful and graceful

girl on the planet?

Well, of course there are!

I made the other two too!

Just kidding, but really,

Isabella is a wonderful, wonderful daughter

and celebrating her 10th birthday is a joy!

Starting the day off right with

carmelized apple and cinnamon pancakes

and blue milk!

We spruced up the house with blue decor

and celebrated with family.

The menu?

Her favorites!

She's totally a diner girl!

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, & gravy!

Per her request,

chocolate cake with fresh blackberries!

Isabella and her grandpa Jesus.

...

Isabella,

words cannot describe

how grateful we are for you!

You have a wonderful heart,

so generous and kind,

but above all,

you are

choice!

We know that!

And we want you to remember that too!

Have a wonderful 10th year on earth!

And may you have many, many more!

xoxo

mom + dad

Happy Halloween!

This year we stayed at home

for Halloween

and again,

taking full advantage of my cousin being in town,

were joined by my

cousins and their families too!

We enjoyed homemade pizza and

finalized costume details before heading out the door!

Is it just me or does Superman look tipsy?

Gabriel's reaction to the whole trick or treating thing

was really funny.

He wasn't scared,

but definitely cautious and maybe even

amused...?

Anyway,

he, like most children,

got over "it" quick.

Free candy is a great incentive for anything!

After all the Halloween Hoop-la,

we were exhausted!

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving and

Christmas are next!

We can't complain though,

these are memories that will last forever!

H A P P Y  C A N D Y - E A T I N G !

p.s.

I thought I would note that Owen was

thoroughly disgusted with the bowls set out

with a little sign asking everyone to, "Please take one."

He wanted so badly to knock on each door

and announce, "Trick or Treat!"

Without that,

what was the point?

Candy!

Particularly chocolate!

That's always the point, Owen!