Halloween

The kids got to dress-up 3 times this year. They had a school and Ward Trunk R Treat and Hallween night. After a million mind changes, Madisyn decided to be a Ladybug. Braydon chose to be Woody again this year. Cayson was a skeleton alien. Jake was a Cool Ghoul, this was his last year to really dress-up and he didn't go around the neighborhood trick r treating, he was invited to a friend's house for Scary movies and goodies. The kids really didn't mind the snow. Braydon was so excited everytime we went up to a house where there was something that would jump out or the homeowner would open the door and spook us. He would still be giggling all the way to the next house. It was fun to have my mom here to walk around with the kids.

Grandma Kathy came to visit

Last Thursday through Monday my mom came in town. She made it in gratefully through our Halloween snowstorm! Who would of thought snow?? It is practically melted now. We had a great time. We of course had fun in the snow the day she arrived. Justin was glad to get the Rhino out and use it finally. What better way then to pull the kids in the snow? Friday night we went and bowled and had a lot of fun. We also took her to Estes Park on Halloween. We thought it would be neat to go to the Stanley Hotel and take a peak inside. After all it was the inspiration for Steven King's "The Shining" and it is known to be haunted. Other than the costumed Wedding party there, we didnt see any "Spooks" around. We ended the evening with our ward Trunk R Treat and going around the neighborhood Trick R Treating. This was the first Halloween in a long time since I had to walk in snow!! She left on Monday and will return soon enough. Christmas she and my Dad will be coming.

Fall Colors of Change

Since we moved here in mid-November, we didn't get to see the beautiful colors of fall. With the cool air and the beautiful tree's changing color it really makes you feel like the year is going by so fast. Time to pull out the Halloween decorations and get ready for a fun, cool(Possible snow??)fall. They say it happens every so often, the snow on Halloween that is. I guess I need to look into more mask related costumes this year, just in case the kids have to Trick or Treat all bundled up. I took a picture of some leaves from our front yard. Gathering these colorful leaves brings back an old childhood memory of when I was in Massachusetts and we made fall place mats with leaves we found around the school. We placed them between wax paper and our teacher ironed them for us to take home and use as a place mat. Sounds like something I just might have to do for my younger ones. So glad to WELCOME FALL!! Can't believe we are coming up on a year in Denver soon.

Cosmic Bowling

Cayson wanted to have a friend party this year and we went "COSMIC BOWLING". He invited a few friends and had a great time. We had pizza, chips and salsa and of course CUPCAKES!!

Happy 10th Birthday Cayson!

Today Cayson turns 10 years old! We are so proud of you! We love you and are very blessed to have you in our family. You continue to amaze us everyday with how smart you are! In honor of your birthday we want to let you know TEN things we love about you:

1. You love to build Legos and are great at it!

2. You amaze us with how much you know and want to know!

3. You pretend to be the quiet child, but when the conversation begins you certainly can talk!

4. You are a great help with your younger brother and sister!

5. You are a daredevil! Anytime you can find time for a new challenge you are up for it!

6. You are an example to those around you!

7. Your favorite food is pizza, but are willing to eat or try anything!

8. You love reading books about bugs, snakes, and other creepy crawly things!

9. You have a wonderful attitude towards life!

10. You are amazing video game player!

We love you Cayson! You are amazing! You bring a wonderful spirit into our home! Hope you have a wonderful birthday today! LOVE YOU LOTS!!!

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

We took the kids to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National park. We had a really good time. We had to get back to a couple of commitments so we didn't get to spend as much time as we wanted to, but that gives us another chance to go back again. We had lunch in Estes Park and saw the famous Stanley Hotel(It was in the movie "The Shining"). I guess you can go on "GHOST TOURS" and stay in some haunted rooms. We also went strolling down the storefront streets. I could spend the whole day doing this. Lots of old buildings made into stores. We headed into the Rocky Mtn Ntl park and enjoyed the uphill descend. We are really close to the elk season, so we were really hoping to see a few. On our way down we saw a few, but weren't able to get a close enough picture of them. They are huge!! We didn't go up all the way to the top, but stopped at about 12,220 feet and looked out at the beautiful mountain range. The area we stopped at can get gusts of wind up to 100mph! There is a glacier lake up further, but the younger two determined that would have to be on the next trip(To many "How much longer are we driving?" questions). It was really beautiful seeing all the mountains and just getting away together as a family.

Vegas Vacation

I spent the last two weeks in Vegas with the kids. We had a great time. The first week we spent at my parents house. We had our usual get together with friends at Peter Piper Pizza(Alex wouldn't let us forget that place :) !) Got to go to my old ward, had a picnic at Butterfly Park, met with some old high school friends at Macayo's and ended the week with a bbq at my mom's. The next few days we headed off to Disneyland. I love going there I forget about the stresses of life and enjoy the fun with my kids. Uncle Tony got to go with us, since Justin had to work?!? We headed back to my in-laws for the rest of the week. We had fun swimming, celebrating Sarah's birthday and just hanging out. Justin and I have never been apart for more than five days since we've been married, so the past few weeks were really difficult for the both of us. Especially since we celebrated our 17th anniversary apart! He surprised me and the kids by flying in Friday night! I was really surprised and for those of you who know me it is very difficult to surprise me and he really pulled it off. We had a wonderful anniversary night out Saturday! My mother in-law planned family pictures while we were there. This is the first time in about six years that all of Justin and his siblings had been together in one place! We really had a great time and we were sad to leave. Braydon cried for the first fifteen minutes out of town!