Crazy Birthday Bash!

I knew all week that Friday was going to be busy. There was no school but that opened the door for many other opportunities. Ashlynn was going to have her birthday party with her friends that night. Then Gunner's scout leader called and asked if I could help out from 4:30 -5:30. Sure, if i am really prepared that will work out. Ashlynn's party doesn't start till 6.

Then Kathy called to ask if we could all be at my house while Josh and Liz were down to visit. They adopted Kathy's baby and bring her down every once in a while for a visit. It is so kind of them to share Mara with us. Of course I said yes.

The morning began with breakfast with my mom at 9am to celebrate her birthday which was last week. (this is one of the few pictures I could find of my mom.)

Then at 10:00 Kathy arrived at my house. Emilee said she would help me out and get the day going smoothly. Emilee and Andee Kay.
Liz, Ella, Mara, Kathy, and Andy.
We had a great time when the Iggy's arrived. They are such a great family. Mara loved Sienna's Rapunzel castle. I was cracking up when Liz was telling about trying to explain the evil mother and Rapunzel's real mom... Evil mother stealing her from her real mother...
Kathy and Mara, who just had her 3rd birthday.
Kathy, Mara, Liz, Josh, and Ella.
It was a fabulous afternoon and before I knew it 4:30 had rolled around.

Off to scouts!

I ran back to the house with just enough time to say goodbye to the Iggy's and welcome Ashlynn's friends!
They enjoyed pizza, and the Monte Carlo movie.



Opened presents, and enjoyed pie!
There was some just dance, plenty of happy squealing, and giggling!



Happy Birthday! I now officially have a teenager! I'm kind of feeling it.

October Break 2011

This October break we went to California. We thought we would try out Lego Land!
It was fine. definitely for 3 to 6 year olds... I wouldn't go again.

Some of the Lego guys were pretty cool.
The kids liked the driving school. But for the price totally not worth it. Of course this is only my opinion. Though my kids never ask when are we leaving Disney Land. just sayin.
The next day was much cheaper and a blast! The beach is never a let down.

Everyone enjoyed the waves and hunting for tiny crabs.


Later that afternoon we checked out Balboa Park. I was a little sad it was so late in the afternoon, everything was closing up. We walked around a while though and admired the buildings and such.


Posing by the fountain.




Our last day in California was spent at the San Diego Zoo. I love that zoo.
We started off the day on the bus tour, riding on top of course. On a side note, this was probably the warmest of the days we were there.

We spent a long time watching the gorillas. They were giving quite a show.

Sienna and Ashlynn

Mason and Rigdon
Rigdon's favorite part was the snakes and lizards. He was thrilled by everything!

We didn't even see 1/2 the zoo. We could have done two days there and not done Lego Land at all and been perfectly happy. With everyone all tired out we made the journey home.

Some things change while some things remain the same.

Most people know we have been house hunting for the past 2 years. We would really like to find the house we are just going to stay in for a very long time. While the house we a currently in is perfectly lovely and I could happily live here until I die... The desire for a home on a little bigger piece of property is there. I would also never choose to live in a home owners association again. It makes me feel sick every time I get an e mail or attend a meeting. blah!

So we look and look and look.

Last week we looked at a beautiful house, it had a basement, big yard, no HOA, quiet street, close to the new temple... All things I would love to have. We came home and went about the rest of our Saturday.

As the day progressed and turned into Sunday I wondered why we weren't talking about this house. We both liked it. What could be the problem? My desire to be free from someone telling me what I can and can't do to my own house is sometimes overwhelming.

But there has been a little nagging voice telling me it's just not time yet. Well little voice, that is just not what I want to hear!

Then last Sunday afternoon President Wilcock called to see if he could talk with Andrew and I.

While we waited we talked about how we hadn't been talking about the great house we had seen and if this could be the reason. And of course, what could be worse than high counsel?

Well Andrew was released form the high council and called to be the 2nd couselor in the bishopric.

So I guess we will be in this house for a few more years at least. OF course I really would be fine if I never moved. At least I can stop hurting my brain thinking about moving.

It will be new and different. I hear I will be a bishopric widow, we'll see how it goes.

I on the other hand am loving my calling, teaching the 10-12 year old girls in primary. This is pretty much my first time serving in primary, I don't count the 7 times I've served in the nursery. They are so fun and ready to learn each week!

I'm pretty awesome...

October 7th was the last day of school before Fall break. Gunner wanted to compete in the battle of the books with some friends so we went to watch. They answered questions from four books and did a great job! I was feeling pretty proud.

After I went over to Angela's to can some chicken for the first time. I tried to eat canned chicken from the store once... I was not loving it. So I had a 40 pound box to cut up and can.
And wow a few hours later I now have 35 pint jars of chicken good for at least 3 years! I feel so awesome! And of course I never mind spending the afternoon with Angela. She was so nice to show me how to do this and let me use her canner.
Now every time I go into the food storage room I smile to myself.

Preschool Field trip

Rigdon is Loving Helping Hands Preschool. His cousin Daigen is also in his class which thrills him. It is so strange to think that this is my baby!

Anyway we took a trip to the farm. We saw baby cows, donkeys, horses, chickens, turkeys...
And turtles! Yes, Albert will grow to this size.Hopefully I will get a bigger yard someday. I've got some time.

We had such a great time! I think it's so fun to watch children interact with animals and to check them out.