Halloween

I had so much fun this year for Halloween. I always say that I am going to make theme costumes for everyone and of course it never happens. This year was no exception:) I guess there is always next year.
Since Halloween fell on Sunday we didn't trick or treat that day but my mom did plan a fun little party for all the grandkids. They were so excited to trick or treat to the different rooms and have an aunt, uncle, Grandma or Grandpa give them some fun treats. We played a few games and ended the night with homemade doughnuts. It was an awesome day!
Our trunk or treat at the church was on the 22nd and it went well too. We had a neighborhood "LDS party" on the 30th and also a party at my mom's work on the 30th as well. Needless to say our kids each made a haul!
Here are some cute pictures of my cute kids.

Parker "There's a snake in my boot"


Carson "To infinity...and beyond"

Camy was THE cutest butterfly/strawberry

Brynlee was my nice and plump strawberry. I loved it!

Camping-Day 2

The next morning we just ate an awesome breakfast (I love it that Keeper cooks breakfast), packed up and went swimming. It was such an awesome time. I love to get away from it all and focus on what is truly important, my family.

Soda for breakfast...yum! I did say that it was a "yes" trip didn't I?


Drawing some more. Parker loves to be the big brother and knowing how to draw things that Carson's interested in.

Huh?

Camy went swimming before we went down to the river:)








Zoopal paper plates are something special we buy just for camping trips. The kids were looking at them in the backseat on the way home and I looked back at Camy and this is what I saw. She was asleep with a Zoopals plate on her face:)

What a wonderful weekend!

Camping-day 1

Our kids LOVE camping and it is so nice to get away from it all. We can tell the kids yes to almost eveything (as long as it doesn't put them in danger) and we are all happy. I love it!
A few weeks ago we went to Garner State park. We picked Parker up from school and headed out there. It was supposed to rain but we didn't see a single drop on the way out there. When we were checking in the rain started down hard. We hung out in the truck until it passed and then ventured out into the mud.
We first tried to make sure the mud stayed out of the tent and the other equipment stayed somewhat clean. After a couple hours we gave up on that and decided to just enjoy it. We were very muddy and gross but we had such a good time.
Here are the pictures from the first day. There are a lot but I like taking pictures, sorry!

Parker has been into drawing lately and he drew anything he saw on the way out there.

The little ones all slept. I think Carson and Camy look alike. What do you think?

Hanging out in the truck during the downpour. Camy was stuck and mad.


Isn't Bryn tiny? Especially compared to me:)

Keeper had to run through the rain to check us in so his shirt in wet, but I love this picture. Camy loves her daddy.

Down by the water. The kids loved all the puddles.




Using his boyscout skills

Carson loves anything outside. Dirt, mud, bugs, etc... Roly Polys were the big thing this day. We een found a tree that we called the roly poly tree because it was covered in them. He was in heaven.


Waiting...

Definately not the best picture of me but I love my little girl:)

Putting him to work

Parker really wanted a school shirt and we didn't get him one before school started. Keeper didn't think he needed one and he didn't really care until the first Friday of school. He was one of the few who didn't wear one. We decided that he could earn money for one so that he could buy one. I made a list of 10 different things around the house that needed to be done and he did them. He scrubbed bathrooms (with some supervision), washed dishes (the floor was soaked after but they were very clean), did laundry, disenfected toys, etc... He loved it! It was so fun to see him so into it and the Friday after he got his shirt he was VERY proud because he had earned it himself.

Funny kids...

I haven't been as good at going places lately. It's always hard with a newborn and then an almost 2 year old, who has hit the 2's for sure, and a 3 year old who is very good at doing the exact opposite of what I would like him to do. It's been tough to venture out. Carson and Camy have been hilarious lately! They come up with little ways to entertain themselves and make me laugh. They are so goofy!

The other day Carson went into the bathroom and was in there a while. I went into check on him and this is what I found.

Yes, those are the underwear that were on his bum. Needless to say he got a bath that night:)

This was a while ago and I don't think I posted it. I thought it was so sweet. Camy's a good big sister...usually.


Camy also found a few things to keep busy.

She thought she was funny but when she wanted a drink and couldn't get it out she got mad.

And of course, what could be more fun than running around with a bucket on your head.


I was talking to someone the other night and I said that sometimes I will catch myself saying something for the kids when they aren't even there. For example, "oh look at that huge airplane" when it's just me and Keeper. The lady I was talking to said, "isn't it great that kids help you enjoy the simple things in life."
I've been thinking about that a lot the last couple of days and I AM so grateful for that. I love that my kids pick me weeds everyday on the way home from the bus stop because they look like flowers. I love it that a bucket of water can lead to hours of fun. I love the way a simple smile or a little giggle from one of my kids makes my heart melt even when they are pushing me to my limits. I love my life! I hope all of you do too. If you don't, come to our house and enjoy some of the fun chaos over here.

Early Release/the zoo

Parker had his first early release day at school and we headed to the zoo and met my SIL, Celeste, and her girls there. It was so fun! The kids had a blast and it was fun to actually talk to an adult during the day. Definitely a success!

Of course we had to sit on the lion statues.

Goofy Carson at the little beach there.

Parker strutting his stuff.

This is my niece Molly. She is so funny. I love her so much and I loved this picture of her. She's dirty, like they all were, but it's just a fun picture.

My sandy Camy.

I never get in pictures, especially when Keeper isn't around. It was nice that Celeste was willing to take a picture of me and the kiddos. (Bryn was asleep so she missed out)

All the kiddos.

Checking out the animals.

Reading books

Block towers

Pretending to be a turtle.

What a perfect day!!! Thank Celeste and girls for coming with us!