Spooky things are in the air

We are having fun getting ready for Halloween! I'm like a kid when it comes to holidays. (We started making these spiders and ghosties out of plastic bags when we were still in school). It was so much fun that it is now a tradition that the kids really look forward to. It's a really easy craft for the kids and a cheap decoration... plus it's really cute when the wind blows them.
It might be a little sad... but this is the tallest my corn grew. But who cares... it fits just right on our porch. And we grew just enough pumpkins for all the kids to have one.

Brooke, Ben and I made all the silly decorations while Madi was at school. This one is a bat... Brooke wasn't satisfied until we gave it fangs.

Brooke and Ben making "ghosties"

Fun at the Bingham's

I loved doing this when I was little! We had a laughing good time until one of the girls fell on top of Ben.Little Divas! While visiting cousins the girls had fun performing in their music room.
We also got to swim in their pool. Cold yes, but way fun. Brooke would turn blue before she'd want to get out.

Ben had a ball as soon as he remembered what the water wings did.

Madi had a sink or swim lesson. And guess what she decided on? I was so sad that we moved from California just as the kids were getting the hang of swimming. (We were spoiled with a pool just out our front door).

A Pirate's life for me

We had a pirate treasure hunt at my in-laws. (Organized by my charming husband, captain scruffy beard here). We all made hats, and come to think of it... the whole darn get-up, out of paper bags. I think Brett's was the most impressive. We had a lot of fun... and it is nice to know that if on tight halloween budget... it is possible to create a whole costume out of grocery bags.

MY BABY!

I have a sister who, when she was little, totally looked like my aunt's kid... or so they said. So, for those who know Mark and his little crew... Doesn't Connor look like one of his boy's?

I had a really peaceful time making dinner and this is why! I was ok with them making mud pies and it turned into a mud WAR.

Madi's first day of school! We had fun getting everyone ready... Ben and Brooke had to have their new crayons and notebook too. (They are doing preschool with me at home and it is way fun!!!!!) Here is Ben with his pack... he was so excited that he went to bed with it on. That seems to be his thing...

"Camping Trip"

Dad was on a business trip and we needed a little something fun... so we had a camp out in the living room. The kids even drew forest and animals on huge pieces of paper and decorated their "camp site." It was really fun. We had smores and all sorts of nasty camping food (like top rommen and instant oatmeal).

Playing Catch-Up!

So between a wedding and a funeral (the last two weekends) and driving all over the place, we have been really busy, so here is another quick catch-up.Guess where girls! We went to find a geocache in Rexburg while we were there and it was right THERE and I couldn't resist a picture of our old stopping grounds. Kind of silly, but... Hooray for Birch 216!
Me and my Curly Girlies!
The girls both wanted curly hair this morning, so we had some fun with the mousse and blow dryer.

Hot stuff Madi! She kept saying, "I feel like a big girl today." After that, I was all for doing pony tails on her the next day.

Brooke was prancing around like a beauty queen.

Daddy daughter dance! Brooke and Madi LOVED this part! (We were at Brett's cousin's wedding reception).

Brett's cousin Sarah was married in the Rexburg temple. It was so nice to be there, see family, and sit in the temple with my sweet heart. The kids couldn't wait for Sarah to come out. They followed her around holding her train. (She was so tolerant!)

Goodbye Grandma

My grandmother passed away this Monday. She was such a wonderful woman... one of those amazing people that touch the lives of everyone they meet. I am so glad that my children got to meet and really to know her. (Grandma collected dolls like no one I've ever met. She gave each of my girls one of the most beautiful dolls in her collection.) My girls love to hold their "great grandma doll" and I am glad they will have a little something to remember her by. We will miss you Grandma!