Princesses, Witches, Angel & Fireman Oh My!

October was a month full of fun! Maya got to enjoy a fun princess tea party for a precious little princess in our neighborhood. The party was a hit even before Aurora showed up.

We enjoyed an afternoon with the witches.

Maya informed us that she wasn't scared of them this year.
Carving pumpkins wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. I figured Joel would jump right in, the mess loving boy he is, but once Maya informed us that pumpkin guts were Yuck then Joel just kept saying "Yuck" and wouldn't even help.

For Halloween Maya was an Angel. She's been talking about it and informing people this was what she would be for over a month now, but when the time came to wear the costume it too mom 20 minutes, lots of coaxing, and informing her that if she didn't wear her costume she would get no treats because costumes are what Halloween is all about before she would even put the thing on and then the halo and wings didn't last too long.

Joel was a fireman and kept informing everyone as he would point to himself, "Fieman, fieman" it was so cute!

Joel's new word

This is a little better video than the one in the next post, of Joel's new word.

Isn't he cute?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

My children have lofty goals for when they grow up!

Really could a mom be more proud?

Yes you heard that right. A great new word for a one year old huh? His doctor was pretty impressed at his 18 month check up, especially for a kid with an head in the 3%.

Beach Fun!

Maya enjoyed the sand much more than the surf!

Joel trying to play with the big boys.

Building sandcastles

Joel playing in the surf with Grandpa

Burying Grandpa in the sand.

Shaggy to Short

Joel had is second hair cut a few weekends ago. I took off at least 3 inches and I still can't get over how different my little boy looks. Much older and boyish instead of babyish if that's possible. He didn't particularly appreciate the hair cut, but the Popsicle helped.

Shaggy Before

The cutting

So short after

Adventures in Montana

We enjoyed a weekend in Montana for the 4th of July with family. On the way up we went through Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. It was a bit longer, but fun to see the parks. Maya's favorite part of the National Parks was not the bison or Old Faithful, but feeding the ants, yep you read that right, the ants!

Beautiful Tetons
Old Faithful after an eruption that we watched from the parking lot. :-)

Hot Pots!

Bike riding in Montana. It was perfect weather for a bike ride, especially the uphill part.

Dancing while waiting for fireworks

Our free river rafting adventure, it pays to go to church on vacation!

The kids both enjoyed it, Maya more once she got over wet feet.

Joel particularly enjoyed Grandpa holding him over the side to play in the water.

Ricky's first river trip.

What a great weekend vacation!

East Coast Adventures

We had a wonderful trip to the East Coast to visit my brother and his family. We started our trip in North Carolina where we spent one night before heading north.

With a drive through the beautiful state of Virginia, I wish we could have spent more time exploring there, but maybe next time.
Then onto 5 days in our nations capital. Washington DC was quite different from my previous trips, I credit that to 6 children in tow. Little ones don't have the interests that adults do and they get tired and cranky much quicker and don't know how to suck it up because it isn't every day you get to be in Washington DC.

Finally we enjoyed some fun filled days at the beach.

And ended with several days just playing with the cousins. We had a fantastic time and there will be lots more pictures of our fun to come!

Celebrate good times!

Joel's had a month full of celebration for his birthday.

We celebrated with family and friends this past weekend with a BBQ and train birthday cake.

He loved the cake
and the presents too!

On his birthday we spent some time playing in the sand at Grandma & Grandpa's house.

We also went to the aquarium. He loved the penguins

The weekend before his birthday we were in Idaho and my sister made him this cute dinosaur cake.

We also went swimming at the hotel.

Happy Birthday Joelie!

I can't believe my baby is one. Where has the year gone? Joel is a joy to have in our family. He is quite the busy boy. He has been walking since 9 months, loves food, and is busy busy busy. He has a pretty easy going temperment and is happy most of the time. I really appreciate those qualities in my little boy. He puts up with his big sister and loves her a ton. He has been a blessing to our family and I'm sure he will continue to be!

Newborn

Six months

One year

I'll post birthday celebration pictures later.

Easter

Better late than never!

We had a nice relaxing Easter. Spending time with family and friends

and remembering what our Savior has done for each of us.

Dying Easter Eggs

Easter Buckets

Bubbles during conference

The Easter bunny

Egg Hunting at Grandma & Grandpa's house

Egg Hunting at home