Scary PaPe!!!

Don't scare the kids Dad!!!! Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!!!

Halloween is one of my least favorite holidays. I could not tolerate the Halloween parade at elementary school, so honestly, I never went. Making costumes were not my thing and I could never pretend to be excited for my children. As a child, I could never make the candy last for 2 nights but I always knew cousin Karli had a stash. She could make it last for years!!! However, I did enjoy the early years Trick or Treating through Pacecho Valley. Beautiful homes and great treats. In all fairness, my mother did an exceptional job with Halloween costumes. I just never caught the excitement of dressing up or my children. It's right up there to cooking. We had a few fun years playing loud music and Jason spooking the kids when they came to the door. Pumpkin carving...it's just a mess, sticky and smelly. Jordan was quick to leave with Jason for a grocery run and came home with it...the pumpkin. She did carve it with some help from Tanner and it proudly sits outside. Don't worry, I have candy ready for the trick or treaters and Jordan, Tanner and Taylor are off with their friends. Now, I can't wait for what's ahead...report cards this Friday, Tanner in High School Musical, Jordan competing at Jr. Nationals, my mom is spending the week with us, snow and getting things ready for Christmas!

The Good Old Days!

I am a very lucky person. I have a terrific marriage, challenging yet gifted teenagers and amazing friends!!! Nothing is better than having a great friend. Eight years ago, when we moved to Utah from California, we purchased this amazing house. The best part was our neighbors, especially Colleen. Her children were 10, 8, 6, and 4 while mine were 8, 6, and 4. I am so thankful for meeting Colleen. She is an incredible mother and friend. Our children had a blast growing up. We didn't have a fence so our backyard was one big field. They spent hours dancing, fighting, making up games and just having wonderful memories together. It's strange and surreal how much can change in a few short years. Of course we moved and found an area we love but nothing can compare to the friendship I share with Colleen. Back then, we would talk everyday and now it's a struggle to find an hour to catch up. However, it doesn't matter if we have not talked for weeks or months when we finally do, it's as if we never missed a day. I have a handful of things that I am so grateful for, and having a friend like Colleen is one of them. Over the past weekend, we were able to spend some time together. Her daughter was having a baby shower...now what touched me the most was the bond our children have created. Tanner begged me to join the party. So among all these women, Tanner joined us playing the games and enjoyed watching his friend venture into motherhood. Yeap, nothing beats a great friend. No pictures of Colleen and I because we spent every minute talking. We stayed much longer and enjoyed watching the World Series together. I did take a photo of Tanner, Nicole and Jordan asleep in the living room. Thanks Colleen for a wonderful family and letting us be a part of your lives!

Jordan Made It!!!

What a week! Jordan placed 4th in the Central Pacific Regional Championships, earning a spot to compete in the US Junior Figure Skating Championships November 26 - December 1. She had a terrific program and enjoyed the crowd support. I will admit I was nervous earlier in the morning. It was a terrific competition and all the skaters were strong, energetic and showed so much personality on the ice. It's a great group of girls that are advancing from our regional. Congratulations Jordan! We are so proud of you!!!

Uncle Steve and Uncle Larry making us all laugh and acting silly! Uncle Larry threw Jordan the duck that her Great Grandmother gave him. Uncle Steve is trying to keep his bald head warm!

Tanner stayed in school but Taylor joined us for Jordan's final round. The past week Tanner stayed with Aunt Missy while Taylor and Jordan searched for the surprises Jason left around the house in the mornings. Taylor is a great big brother!!! Jason announced later in the evenings for this competition.

Brent, Uncle Larry, Uncle Steve and Aunt Missy

Uncle Kool-Aid and Uncle Steve

Jordan made it to final round!!! It will be a very tough competition and Jordan will have to work very hard and execute all her elements. It was a sweet surprise to see Uncle Kool-Aid and Uncle Steve. They even joined the figure skating spirit of throwing stuff animals on the ice. However, Uncle Kool Aid plans to bring a pillow and blanket tomorrow for the final round. The cold bleachers were not too comfortable.

Tanner in Cedar City

Tanner had a great weekend attending the Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City. He left with his drama class Thursday morning on a yellow bus for the 5 hour drive...yuck! Tanner watched many many plays but his favorite was the Mouse Trap. He loved the stages, classes and being with his friends. Of course, most of the photos were taken of girls but I found at least of one of him at the hotel. He came home 2:30 am on Sunday morning and we talked till 4:00 am. We surprised Tan Man with his own cell phone the day before he left. He had to earn a 4.0 to receive his phone. Even though the school quarter isn't over, his midterms were 4.0. Now he has to keep it up! He slept from 4:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tanner wants Aunt Missy to chaperon next year. They would have a blast!