Indiana Smiths

New York pt. 2- cell phone pictures

2012-01-01T17:15:00.000-08:00

Ice skating at Bryant Park

I know, the cell phone pictures are horrible!!

We had such a wonderful time ice skating. I was SHOCKED that Kate and Elle wanted to skate. I thought they wouldn't want to. Or they would be scared once they tried and want to stop. Nope, they LOVED it!!

Parker definitely wins the award for falling the most

Those are the smallest ice skates ever! So cute!

Ok, these pictures are out of order. We stopped by the NBC store on the first day after Rockefeller Plaza for a much needed candy break.

We stopped by the Lego store. It was probably Parker's favorite part.

Dustin loved this bus

Waiting for pizza at Famous Original Ray's

Yummy!!

Lauren trying on glasses in time square

NEW YORK!!!!!

2012-01-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to not be super sad to be so far from family at Christmas time we went to New York City the day after Christmas for two nights.

The drive was about 4 hours. We lucked out and didn't hit any traffic on the way.

Ok, so you can't really see what the sign says. My bad. It says "Connecticut welcomes you"

As soon as we got there we headed out to check thing out. Our first stop was Rockefeller plaza.

Next we were off to Time Square. Parker wanted to get his picture taken with Mario. It was really funny because there were tons of people dressed up in costumes so you can get your picture taken with them for $$$$.

This guy in the background dressed up like the Statue of Liberty

Time Square!!!

Next we took a tour on our way to the harbor to go see the Statue of Liberty

The kids LOVED being on the top level of the bus.

The Bull

The subway

F.A.O Schwarz

Too bad that bird cost $100.

The kids playing the $25,000 Barbie Foosball game

The big piano

F.A.O Schwaz Soldier

On our LONG walk to F.A.O Schwarz it started to down pour. We didn't have our umbrellas with us so we ended up buying three umbrellas from street vendors. Elle fell asleep on our way to find somewhere to eat dinner after F.A.O Schwarz.

It was seriously raining like crazy. But it was great too. I know that sounds weird, but it was so terrible that we had to just laugh. We huddled together heads down and walked as quickly as we could back to the hotel. Seconds after the above picture was taken it stared to rain even harder and the wind picked up like crazy. Our $5 street vendor umbrellas bent back the wrong way. Luckily by that time we were right across the street from our hotel. We were soaking wet! It made a memory!!!

The next morning we woke up early and headed down to the Today Show. Not early enough though. There were a lot of people there. I was able to talk the officer guarding the side entrance to let us through. Matt Lauer waved to Elle and said hi to her. The kids thought it was so boring to be there, so we left after just a couple of minutes.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-01T14:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve we continued our tradition and we went to the movies and out to dinner. We had to start this tradition when we moved away from family. It keeps us busy on Christmas Eve so we aren't thinking of all of the fun our family is having without us.

When we got home we surprised the kids with a special present. When they opened it, this is what they found.

When we decided to move from Indiana we knew the kids would not be happy about it at all. So we made a family motto.Cheesy as it is... Adventures, big or small, we like them all. It turned out to work too. The kids were (somewhat) willing to move to Mass. for our next adventure.

So I thought it would be a great way to let the kids know that we are going to NEW YORK!!!! The kids were so excited!

Christmas morning

Christmas was Awesome!

December activities

2012-01-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

Santa Countdown

Everyday in December the kids glued a cotton ball onto Santa's beard. By Christmas he has a full beard.

Flour tortilla snowflake

I got this idea from Our Best Bites. The kids had a blast making snowflakes out of tortillas, putting butter on them, sprinkling them with sugar, toasting them in the oven, and especially eating them.

Gingerbread house

Every year we put together and decorate a gingerbread house. Every year it is crazy madness. The house looks crazy silly. And we have a crazy ton of fun!!!

This year was no different.

It ended with the kids licking the frosting on the house, and Dustin squirting frosting in the kids mouth.

Gingerbread Destruction

2011-12-31T11:25:00.000-08:00

This is what we had to do to distroy our gingerbread house in MA because fireworks are not allowed

Snow Storm

2011-12-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

Back in October was the last time we had any snow. (And only the second time it has snowed here this year) And it wasn't very much either. The problem was that the trees still has almost all of their leaves on them, and the snow was wet and heavy. Result, trees were down EVERYWHERE.

This is the view from the front of our house. The tree you see laying down on the right and left, is actually split in four. It used to stand as the tallest tree in the roundabout.

We had church and school canceled due to widespread power outages

Our power was out for 2 1/2 days. Thank goodness for this generator. We bought this generator when we lived in Indiana in fear of power outages due to tornadoes. We never used it in Indiana. We are now so grateful to have it!

(Some people near us were without power for a week and most did not have generators. Brrrr!)

Thankful Turkey

2011-12-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

Our Thankful Turkey

We have a thanksgiving tradition of making a turkey out of a small box. Then cut a hole in the top and write on little pieces of paper things we are thankful for and put them in the turkey. By Thanksgiving the turkey is stuffed, and we open it up and read the things we are all thankful for. It is fun because every year our turkey is a little different than the year before. This year it has darts for eyes!!

Halloween

2011-12-14T07:07:00.000-08:00

Lauren's Halloween Performance

She had a Xylophone solo

Such a cut 5th grader

Boogie on down

Happy Halloween

This year we had a Nerd, a Zombie, a lion, and Darth Vader.

(Yes, our little princess was Darth Vader of all things)

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins

2011-12-14T05:40:00.000-08:00

We spent a Saturday driving from pumpkin patch to pumpkin patch trying to find one that you could actually PICK your pumpkin. We could not find one. So we ended up at this pumpkin patch where the pumpkins are already picked, and you just pick out which one you want. But we still had a great time!

Elle felt like such a big girl

The kids so annoyed by mom wanting a picture. Enough already!

Pumpkin Carving

So serious. Such concentration.

Kate being gross. So Dad's idea! Eww!

Apple Picking

2011-12-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

We went apple picking at Smolak Farms in the Fall. The kids LOVED it!

How many people do you know who wear a Tutu to go apple picking?

We wanted to get the REALLY high apples.

Grandparents visit part 4

2011-11-30T09:05:00.000-08:00

Quincy Market

Bumpa, Nana, Kate, and Elle watching the street performers

Dustin helped the street performers

These goofy street performers were pretty entertaining

Fort Independence on Castle Island

Grandma and Kate were running laps around us

Bumpa, Parker and Dustin

This was really funny. Dustin was trying to catch this crab. The crab was making it difficult. Dustin finally won.

Silly Bumpa

Lauren with a crab claw earring

Wingaersheek Beach

The weather was great the whole time we had family visiting, except for the day we planned to go to the beach. Of course. It was VERY WINDY! But that didn't stop us from having one of the funnest days of all.

We had a blast exploring. Wingaersheek is the best beach for exploring.

Lauren thought that because she had rain boots on that she could go in the water. She got soaked!

There were thousands of clams! It was so interesting. It sounded like crunchy leaves when you would step on them. And there were so many, there was no avoiding them.

We absolutely LOVE when we have visitors.

So come visit!!!

Grandparents visit part 3

2011-11-30T08:05:00.000-08:00

USS Constitution W/ Grandma Marcia

The girls loved the USS Constitution Museum

Elle laying in a hammock like a Sailor would have

Martha's Vineyard

We all loved going to Martha's Vineyard

The kids loved the ferry ride over. It was about 45 minutes.

Grandma Marcia with her "New England" grand kids

photographer Lauren took this picture

On Martha's Vineyard there is a village of probably close to 100 little "Gingerbread" cottages. They were all so cute and we really loved looking at all of them. This one is for sale. Lauren and Parker wanted to try out the chairs on the front porch to make sure we like it before we put an offer in.

Boston Commons

Notice Elle in the bottom left, refusing to get in the picture. Hah...I showed her.

This person was a crazy weirdo! No, not Grandma, the guy! But it was so funny to watch him play "music"

Grandparents visit part 2

2011-11-30T07:44:00.000-08:00

The North End

Kate and Elle after eating delicious Italian treats from a North End bakery.

The steeple in the distance is The Old North Church

Parker opening Birthday presents

Parker was soooooooo excited to get a BB Gun for his Birthday

He's a natural. Makes his dad proud.

Grandparents visit New England part 1

2011-11-30T07:33:00.000-08:00

We had such a wonderful time when our family came to visit in September for Parker's baptism.

We kept very busy and we have the pictures to prove it.

Day 1: Dustin took his parents to a submarine in New Hampshire.

Dustin doesn't fit so well.

Crazy drivers!

Plymouth Rock and The Mayflower ll

I can't believe Plymouth Rock is so SMALL!!

The USS Constitution

Elle loved having Nana around

Parker loved having Bumpa around

camping!!

2011-09-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

We went camping last weekend and the kids LOVED it!

I think the kids liked fishing the best!

The girlies!

Elle ate nothing except doritos the whole time. You know...super healthy.

Elle's 3!!

2011-09-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

Elle's birthday was low key this year. Dustin was on high adventure with the Y.M. So the kids and I celebrated on our own. I made her cupcakes with sprinkles on top.

I love this picture because this is SO Elle! She loves her babies, and she only wants to smile when SHE wants to, not when mom asks her to.

LOVE THIS GIRL!

rocket launcher

2011-09-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

Dustin made a soda bottle rocket launcher.

And the kids LOVE it!!

Kate pumping it up

Parker chasing after the soda bottle

Berry picking

2011-09-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

Parker really wanted me to make freezer jam so we went to pick berries.

The kids loved it!!

Boston Temple

2011-09-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

We went to the Boston temple for F.H.E. It is a really pretty temple and I am glad we were able to walk around the temple grounds as a family.

I love my Parker!

Elle is such a sneaky girl. She brought Parker's Ipod without anyone knowing.

more updating

2011-08-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

Usually when we are going out we take our small digital camera instead of our big SLR. After seeing these pictures, I am reminded of why we bought the better camera...it takes much better pictures! Note to self, ALWAYS take the good camera!

POMPS POND

About 5 minutes from our house is Pomps pond. It is a pond that has a little beach area that the kids love to play at.

Lauren likes to swim to the dock and jump off.

Elle love to put her googles on, but NEVER puts her head in the water.

RED SOX GAME

Dustin and I went to a Red Sox game a few weeks ago.

BRUINS PLAY OFF GAME

Parker and Dustin went to a Bruins game a couple of months ago. They said it was awesome! Parker thought it was fun to take the subway. (Notice the Pacers hoodie. lol. He loves that hoodie!)

Maine

2011-07-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Maine!

It took us about an hour and fifteen minutes to get to Maine. And it was so worth the drive.

Lauren fake throwing up. The things they do to keep entertained when the Ipod is out of batteries.

Today is our 12 year Anniversary. So we thought it would be fun to drive to Maine and go to the beach. We found this really cool beach called Ogunquit. It is a really beautiful beach. The water is really clear(comparatively speaking) and the sand is soft. It was one of the funnest days!!! It was perfect!

Elle was starving when we first got there.

Lauren and Parker were the first to test out the water. The water is sooooo cold, but fun still. You get numb after awhile.

Just love this girl!

Parker loved boogie boarding.

Elle loved posing for the camera.

Kate loves to jump over the waves. This time she got Lauren to do it with her.

Parker feeling good about his boogie boarding skills.

Not so much now

Wipe out!!

Poor kid can't even open his eyes, and I'm just clicking away.

Elle loved to run and get on the boogie board and coast around.

The kids love pulling each other on the boogie boards.

Catch up time

2011-07-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I have blogged. There are a lot of pictures here, but I wanted to include them all for the Blog book.

Elle played in mud!

At the zoo!

Lauren running at her 4th grade track meet.

Parker mowing the lawn

I'm sure the frog just loved being on Parker's head.

We had an indoor campout. Kids loved making smores.

Elle thought it was best to take hers apart, which got REALLY messy.

This is a fan tent that the kids turned into a clubhouse.

Lauren and Parker are playing with the sponge bombs that I made for them.

Kate is running through the kid wash that Dustin made.

Elle fell asleep while out running errands. I put her on the couch when we got home and somehow she ended up like this. And sleep this way for awhile.

Lauren built a box around Kate.

And Kate loved it!!

Camping out in Mass

2011-06-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

This was moving out day. It was such a HOT and HUMID and long day. This is a picture of the one room that the kids could be in. Everywhere else was off limits because the movers were packing everything up. Elle got tired and napped on Dad.

Once we got to Mass, we had to wait 6 days until our things arrived. ( the movers took there precious time)

This is how we ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 6 days. Doesn't that look like fun?!?!

We had to be creative to keep the kids entertained.

(No, Dustin does not have a work van, it was the cable guy hooking up our cable)

Who knew you could have so much fun with plastic cups?

Yay! Our things FINALLY came.

Parker and Elle playing the leapster.

On moving in day Elle got wore out and feel asleep while watching a movie on the Ipad.

Our drive out to Mass

2011-06-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

We decided to drive out to Mass and stop by some Church history sites as well as Niagara Falls on our way. Everyone who knows me, knows I hate to drive long distances because our kids don't do so well on road trips. There was a lot of whining and crying and "are we there yet?" But, it was worth it all for us to visit the Church history sites as a family.

Our first stop was in Kirtland Ohio. It was really great to have this opportunity to see all of the wonderful church history in this city.

I tried to get a picture of the kids in front of the Kirtland Temple, but Elle was not in the mood, all she wanted to do was cry. And the other kids were so wiggly. They were so happy to be out of the car. So we ended up with a picture of Lauren and Parker tickling each other, and Elle crying.

After Kirtland, we drove to Niagara Falls. Unfortunately the hotel was horrible and had no children's channels on the TV(they need Comcast, ha ha). Thank goodness for the Ipad!!

We had such a great time seeing Niagara Falls. It was a little chilly, and very foggy. We went on the Maid of the Mist, and love it. It was so cool to be able to get so close to the Falls. I was surprised at how wet we got.

We were in a hurry, so we drove straight to Palmyra. What an amazing place! I love this picture of Parker standing in front of the bed where Joseph Smith saw Angel Moroni.

As you walked from the Smith's log home to their frame home you can see the Palmyra Temple in the background. We weren't able to go in the Temple this time, so I can only imagine the gorgeous view that there is from inside the temple looking out to the Sacred Grove.

After we looked in the Smith's frame house, we headed into the Sacred Grove. Wow, what an amazing place!!! It was amazing to walk through there and think about the incredible event that took place there so many years ago, and that I wouldn't be who I am now if Joseph smith's vision had never taken place. I am so grateful for Joseph Smith and all of the pioneers of our church.

Our Easter without Dad

2011-05-31T07:47:00.000-07:00

This year Dustin had moved out to Mass about a week before Easter. So I was on my own. It was strange to not have Dustin home for Easter, but we did the best we could on our own. (needless to say, we are HAPPY to be together now)

Our visit to Utah

2011-05-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

Oh My Goodness, We had so much fun in Utah!!

This post is long, but since we had so much fun, there are a lot of pictures.

Uncle Mike bought confetti eggs. Everyone had fun cracking them on each other.

Parker is getting Myia in this picture.

It's not a party without a pinata!

Notice Dylan T. is down with the kids collecting candy. (hey kids get out of my way!)

Uncle Brysen with cute baby Keaton. (Some day Keaton WILL like me...weather he wants to or not)

Elle getting some attention by putting her toe in her nose.

Grandma Marcia with Keaton and Elle.

Elle was pretty grumpy on the trip. So her uncles tried to bribe her with sugar. This is second or third cupcake of the night.

Same with Kate. Cupcake after cupcake after cupcake....

Mom and me!! LOVE YOU MOM!!!

Kenny and Parker just LOVE to drop things from the little window upstairs.

Next day...MORE sweets!

I love to watch Myia and Lauren jump on the tramp. I love when cousins play together!

Elle and Brittney watching Lauren and Myia jumping.

We just love to play the Oreo game.

Aunt Shannon

Bumpa

Dustin and Aunt Jennie. Jennie was the CHAMP!! WooHoo!!!

Fun times at Jumpin' Jacks!

Brandon, Parker and Dylan. Such handsome boys!!

Lauren and Stephanie frosting (and eating frosting) a cake at Nana's.

Cute Avery and Cute Kate playing together.

Birthday cake at Nana and Bumpa's

Dustin went shooting with his family. Guns...not really my thing, so opted not to go.

Bowling with the Smith's. It was so fun! And funny, I love watching kids bowl.

The BEACH!!!!

2011-05-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of Blogging to catch up on. I don't know when I will get to it, or if I will. I need to blog about Kate's bday, Parker's musical, and our trip out here to Mass. But, last Saturday we went to the beach, and as everyone knows, the beach is my favorite place!!!! It was wonderful. The weather was perfect for walking along the beach. Even though the water was freezing, the kids still managed to get wet. The beach is about 40 minutes from our house, not so bad. The pictures are all out of order. Sorry, but I am not taking the time to put them in order.

Kate writting her and Elle's name in the sand

Elle and Dad

The kids running to the water as soon as we got there. (this should be picture #1)

Kate and Elle playing together, nicely. Only the beach could get these two to be this nice to each other.

Elle walking along the beach holding her flip flops with her shades on her head.

When we first got to the beach Elle hated it. I think this picture is so funny. The other kids playing, and Elle crying, refusing to have fun!

RUN!! The water is cold!

OH MY GOSH!!! Is it true, they are not only playing together, they are HOLDING hands!?! WOW!

The water is so COLD!

Elle was super mad when we first got there.

Elle got over it fast. And she started to LOVE it as much as everyone else. I think she could play in the sand ALL day long.

I love the beach so much. There is just something about it. It is so beautiful and peaceful and WONDERUL! Plus it reminds me of being a kid and playing at the beach with my brothers.

We are headed to check out another beach this weekend too.

Lauren's 10th Birthday

2011-04-19T12:07:00.001-07:00

My sweet beautiful Lauren turned 10 on March 31st. I can't believe she is TEN!! Lauren is such a great girl. I am so happy to have her in our family.
Her birthday started out with cake and presents at home.

Then we headed down to Dave and Busters. Lauren and her friends had a great time playing.

Ella really liked this game. She was eyeing all of those coins just hoping they would fall.

Ella, Lauren, Hannah, Helena, and Jolie.

April fools

2011-04-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

I just love April fools day! This year for breakfast Dustin put food coloring in the kids cereal bowl, then filled it with cereal. When the kids poured their milk in their bowl, the milk turned green. It was so funny. The kids were so confused.
For lunch I made "grilled cheese" sandwiches and "french fries". I took pound cake and sliced it then toasted it. And the "cheese is frosting that I colored orange.

Elle thought it looked weird. And refused to eat.

Lauren, Parker, and Kate thought it was so funny and they loved it!!

Ipad obsession

2011-04-17T16:52:00.001-07:00

I think it is funny that the kids huddle around the Ipad to watch a movie when there is a 50 inch Plasma right in front of them.

Our first hockey game

2011-04-17T16:48:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago we went to our first hockey game. It was strange to see ice in Conseco.

Parker lost his first tooth

2011-04-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

Parker lost his first tooth when he was 7 1/2. He was so excited for it to happen since most all of his friends have already lost at least one tooth.

Lauren's Science Project

2011-04-17T07:59:00.001-07:00

Lauren did her science project on growing crystals. It was fun to watch the crystals grow. Lauren did a great job. She did it all by herself, and she got an "A".

Auntie Tawni came to visit

2011-04-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I haven't blogged for a LONG time. I have been so busy! I have so much to blog also. I decide to get started today and blog about Tawni visiting. Let me start by saying that we LOVE when family comes to visit. Hint hint! We had a great time with Auntie Tawni. We went to the movies, the sports complex, and a Pacers game.

Parker jumping into a pit of foam. (the foam is blocks just like head-on foam, Uncle Dylan should make a pit like this in his house!) Lauren jumping

Nedra jumping.

Notice where we jump from is super skinny, I barely fit through. It is definitely made for kids.

Dustin jumping

Tawni getting ready to jump. We didn't get an action shot of her.

Can't have family over without playing the Oreo game. Love that game!

Elle in the foam

Dustin and Tawni sitting front row at a Pacers game. A BIG thanks to Alan!!

It was a great weekend, and I am grateful Tawni came to visit us in Indiana.

Things we did to keep busy during the snow days

2011-02-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

The kids were out of school for a week because of the big ice storm we had a few weeks ago.
So, we were stuck in the house for a week. And I was sick with a Sinus Infection! URGH!!
It was nice to have Lauren and Parker home to help take care of the other kids while I was sick, but it was hard for us to be stuck in the house.
I did get out of bed a couple of times. We made OOBLECK. Which is one of the funnest things ever!! It amazes me every time I make it.

And the other time I got out of bed was to let the kids finger paint. What a mess that was!!

Kate and Elle

2011-02-24T11:20:00.001-08:00

Elle is wearing Mom's shoes. ( Also wearing the dress Mom made for her). Looking so cute. I love that crazy girl!

Kate go a VERY fat lip a few weeks ago while playing at a friends house. She slammed the door shut and a board feel on her. She now says she will NEVER slam a door shut. Lesson learned.

Great Wolf Lodge

2011-02-24T11:00:00.001-08:00

About a month ago we took the kids to Cincinnati Ohio to an indoor water park for an escape from winter.

Everyone was so happy to be out of the cold and to be able to run around.

Kate loved it so much. You could NOT get the smile off of her face!

Chillin' with big sister.

Getting hit by a wave.
Elle didn't enjoy the water in her face.

Elle and Kate could have stayed in this area the whole time. They loved the water coming up.

Parker LOVED the basketball hoop.

Kate was very excited to see how big she was.

FHE activity

2011-02-24T10:52:00.001-08:00

For the FHE activity a few weeks ago we shot Parker's rubber band gun at a pyramid of cups.

It was a lot of fun for the whole family.

I think Dustin has a bit of an advantage because his arm is longer than the rest of ours.

Globetrotters and sleepover

2011-01-26T05:34:00.000-08:00

We went and saw the Harlem Globetrotters at Conseco. It was so much fun. Lauren told us that finally she was able to see a basketball game at Conseco that she actually wanted to watch. It was really fun!

Thanks so much to Alan and Beth!

Kate was not so happy to be there. (just one of those days)

SLEEPOVER WITH DAD!!

The kids had a blast having a sleepover with Dad and cuddling with their new soft pillows from Grandma

Daddy with 2 of his girls.

Elle is such a Daddy's girl! She just love, love , loves her Daddy!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T14:08:00.001-08:00

This year we had a great Christmas! We had a very relaxing day. We enjoyed spending time as a family just hanging out and playing with new toys. For Christmas dinner we headed over to the church to enjoy dinner and games with our wonderful friends (our Indiana family).
It is so hard to be far away from family, especially during Christmas time. However, having great friends makes it a lot easier.

We ended the day by cuddling on the couch and watching a movie. It was a great day!

Gingerbread house explodes

2010-12-29T13:38:00.000-08:00

We had a lot of fun decorating a gingerbread house for Christmas this year, but then what?? What else but blow it up, of course!

The top picture is of the hole where Dustin put the Firecracker.

Sitting courtside...

2010-12-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

...at a Pacers game.

Friday night we were able to take the kids to the Pacers game. Well, not Kate and Elle. And as much as we love Kate and Elle, it was great to take just the older kids to a game.

Parker, Lauren, and Ella on the floor. (Ella is a part of our family now, she has to be, she and Lauren are always connected at the hip)

This pictures for you Beth.

Why is he looking at me like he doesn't even know me? He totally had to practically beg for five from me not to long ago!

After the game they let kids shoot free throws.

Parker and Lauren had a blast at the Pacers game!

Circus

2010-12-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday we took the kids to the Circus. They had never been before this. They LOVED it! It was a fun night out with the kids.

This is just wrong. Your body shouldn't do this!!!

Lauren and Elle with clown noses on.

Kate was mesmerized by the Circus.

Actually, all of the kids were mesmerized by the Circus. ( and sometimes Mom and Dad too)

I did feel badly for the animals though. The looked a bit sad.

Thankful Turkey

2010-11-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

It was a tradition in my family growing up to make a Thankful Turkey every Thanksgiving, and everyone writes on slips of paper things they are thankful for, and stuff the turkey with them. And at Thanksgiving dinner, we read what is written on the slips of paper. Dustin and I have continued this tradition in our family.

The turkey has some evil eyes, and crazy teeth. Also, did you notice the "mom" tattoo.

Lauren and Kate putting their slips of paper in the turkey.

Kate is thankful for the "world."

Parker's first Basketball game

2010-11-13T18:39:00.000-08:00

Parker made a basket at his first game

Man, he is a cute little basketball player.

I love watching my kids play sports!

Halloween

2010-11-02T17:44:00.001-07:00

Kate was Snow White this year. My mom always wanted to dress me up as Snow White when I was a kid and have my 7 brothers be the dwarfs, but they never went for it...shocker.
Pictures this Halloween did not turn out all that great. The kids were so excited and in a hurry to get into the Halloween party that they didn't want their picture taken. Lauren was a Vampire(except her vampire teeth wouldn't stay in). Parker was so happy to be Darth Vader, and Elle was fittingly a (pink) Monster.(she is a little terror these days)
Also, the kids and I made their trick or treat bags together. I remember making a trick or treat bag when I was a kid too.(thanks Mom)

Dustin made mummy hot dogs with the kids.
(while I was sick in bed with a cold)

And glow in the dark Lemonade. I got a recipe off of the Internet, and it called for tonic water. I had never had tonic water, so I had no idea it was disgusting!! It does however glow in the dark with a black light, which was really cool.

all things pumpkin

2010-10-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

The night started out with Jack o lantern pizza.
Lauren and Parker dug right into the pumpkn carving.

Kate was a bit less enthused.

Elle was by far the least enthused.

Elle thought the inside of the pumpkin was disgusting!

Guess which pumpkin belongs to which member of our family????

1.

2.

3.

4.

Pumpkin Patch and Brown County

2010-10-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

We went to a really great pumpkin patch for Family Home Evening last Monday. It was fun to drive out to what felt like the middle of no where Indiana and pick our own pumpkins. It was a fun little adventure.

A week earlier, I took Elle and Kate to a different pumpkin patch with friends.

The girls loved the hayride out to the pumpkin patch.

But, it was cold, very cold. And Kate got, well like Kate, and refused to pick up her pumpkin.

One of Elle's new best buds is Lyndee. She loved sitting on Lyndee's lap during the movie on farms.

Kate loved doing farm chores. Too bad this enthusiasm for chores didn't continue when we got home.

Dustin took a day off a couple of weeks ago, and we drove down to Brown County State Park. It was so beautiful there. It was a really fun family day.

Elle wanted Lauren to hold her hand almost the whole time we were there. It was so sweet.

After Parker had gone down this hill, he thought it would be fun to run back up it.

Lauren and Kate found a caterpillar.

This is the covered bridge we went through to enter the State Park.

The Dining Room molding is finished

2010-10-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Dustin put molding up in our dining room. He did molding around the doorway, he raised the baseboard, and he put a shelf around the room, and vertical lines around the room. I think it looks great. He did a great job!!!

This is the corner of the shelf.

This is the corner of the molding around the doorway.

We use our Dining room as a piano room.

Dustin and Elle cuddling. She loves Daddy so much!

volleyball

2010-10-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

We have tried baseball and soccer, dance and gymnastics with no true enjoyment, but Volleyball on the other hand, Lauren loves it. She is awesome at it too. And Dustin and I LOVE to watch her play.
I know this picture is blurry, but you can see the ball coming towards Lauren, #8, and she bumped it over the net. It was a great shot...Good job Lauren!!

I know I am a bit partial, but what a cute Volleyball player!!

She's Crafty

2010-09-12T14:23:00.001-07:00

Here are pictures of the sewing projects I have been working on lately...

This is my latest bag. I think the size is great for a diaper bag. And I love the fabric I got at the crazy sale at always in stitches; it was well worth the madness.

This is my first bag I made. It is still one of my favorites. I can't believe I found this cute fabric at Jo Ann's. I love my pool bag!
I found this cute idea from some crafty blog. The original idea came from J Crew.

I went on the J Crew website, and got the idea for this shirt. These shirts were about $45 on J crews site. Crazy!

I LOVE this skirt. It is super easy to make. I made the exact same skirt in Elle's size too. I can't wait for her to where it.

And the best part is Kate loves it too. She twirled in it. And it passed the twirl test!

And my very favorite thing that I have made is this dress. I love the fabric that I got at Always in Stitches. And I was so surprised and shocked that I could actually make a dress.

And the good news is Kate loves it, and once again, it passed the twirl test!

Elle is TWO!!

2010-08-23T09:00:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that my baby is two! She is so sweet and so crazy and silly and funny all at the same time, and I love her!
Elle got a cute outfit in the mail from Grandma Marcia and I had to try it on her right a way.
She LOVES it!! She loves to feel like a princess.

Since she is two now, I put her right to work.

She actually loves to help unload the dish washer.

Kate get's a Chocolate Rush

2010-08-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Kate thought she had the best Dad in the world when he said she could have a bite of the chocolate that mom was using to make brownies with.

Dustin sure thinks he is funny

Lauren's first job

2010-08-20T09:25:00.001-07:00

Our neighbor asked if Lauren would like to walk their dog after school. She was so excited for this opportunity to make a little extra $.
Lauren really likes Jimmy Choo. He is like the dog she never had. (my favorite kind of dog...the kind we don't actually own)

A few randon pictures

2010-08-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

Elle is such a girlie girl. She loves to play with her dolly and push her in her stroller. She LOVES shoes(especially other people's; in this case Lauren's), and notice she has Lauren's sunglasses on upside down!
Elle was soooo happy when Lauren got home from school on the first day. I think they really missed each other!

Kate was pretty bored as we waited for Lauren and Parker to get home from school on the first day of school.

In true Kate form, she refused to let me take pictures of her as we were waiting for the kids to come home from school. But with a bit of reverse psychology, I got a couple cute pictures.

Like I said, Elle LOVES to wear other people's shoes. This time it is my running shoes and socks with her princess tutu-cute outfit Elle!!!

Parker absolutely LOVES to find frogs around the yard. What a score to find two in one window well.

First day of school

2010-08-11T13:38:00.001-07:00

Lauren and Parker were both very excited for school to start. Parker was, however, far more excited to start school because he gets to eat lunch at school and ride the bus to and from school for the first time.
Parker started first grade!!

Lauren started fourth grade.

Parker lost his lunch box on the first day of school. This is not a good sign.

Nothin' beats...

2010-07-28T14:49:00.001-07:00

...a package from "the uncles"

This morning we were out running errands and Kate saw a UPS truck and said "maybe he is going to our house to give us a package from the uncles." I really thought "probably not," but I said "maybe."

When we got home from a rather crazy trip to walmart, there was actually a package from Uncle Dylan, Uncle Jordan and Dylan T.!!!!

The kids absolutely LOVE the sometimes very silly and crazy packages that come from their always very silly and crazy Family in Utah. As Kate calls them "the uncles."

Thanks Uncle Dylan, Unlce Jordan, and Dylan T.!!!

We miss you crazies!

Holiday World and French Lick

2010-07-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

It was burning hot from the minute we got to Holiday World. This is the first ride Kate went on, yet she is already hot,sweaty, and tired.
Kate was so hot that she looks as if she was having no fun. But I promise she was having a blast. The kids especially loved that there were unlimited free soda at Holiday World (since I don't drink soda, they rarely get it)

Parker had such a great time. He even went on some big kid roller coasters. And liked it!

We were able to stay at the Baden Springs Resort in a suite. It is a beautiful resort. The kids loved that there was a couch and a tv in a separate room from the beds.

Kate loves to swim so much...

That she got so tired...

she told me that her legs were broken, and so she couldn't walk back to our room. She got very dramatic about it. Oh please!!!

What is it about a hotel room that kids just always love it?

Kate and Lily...the cutest little best friends

this is the view of the resort from the pool

This is the inside of the resort. There is a huge atrium in the middle, and this is one side of it. This picture actually doesn't do it justice.

We went to a water park in French Lick, IN.

these two are inseperable!

On the way home Elle was getting pretty tired...

and then she fell asleep.

We had a really great time getting away for the weekend enjoying family and good friends.

Lauren learns to sew

2010-07-17T15:04:00.001-07:00

Lauren has been asking me for a few weeks now to teach her how to sew. So I figured that a pillowcase would be a good project to start with. She really had a great time and did a really good job for her first time sewing.
This is her finished pillowcase.

Good Job Lauren!!

It's always fun when family comes to visit

2010-07-09T05:49:00.000-07:00

Grandma Marcia came out to spend time with the kids, and watch them while Dustin and I went to New Orleans for Dustin's work trip. Grandma and the kids stayed very busy while we were gone. They went to the Children's museum, Conner Prairie, the movies(a couple of times), and the pool A LOT! The kids had soooooo much fun with Mom and Dad gone and Grandma there to spoil them.

And then Mom and Dad came home, but the fun didn't end there.

On Monday Mom, Grandma and the kids went to an Indians game.

And then on Wednesday we picked Brittney up from the airport. And on Thursday we went to the Children's museum.

And then we went back to the Children's museum on the next Tuesday.

We went to Sam's club and bought a lot of super fun fireworks!!

Grandma went up to Michigan to pick up Oliver's kids.

Abby and Kate had such a great time playing together.

Brittney and Dustin both LOVE fireworks!! Brittney was surprised that it is legal here to light off all the fun fireworks that are illegal in Utah.

Lauren and Justin had a great time together as the oldest of the "kids."

Jake and Kate LOVED the sparklers. They had one in their hands throughout the whole evening.

This was Lauren's first time to hold a firework as it went off. She loved it!

You better run fast...you never know what will come flying out!

Brittney,Taylor, and Dustin did the majority of the fireworks lighting. They are just "big" kids.

Brittney is trying to figure out "what exactly does this one do?"

Tuesday night we had a fire and s'mores. It looks so light out in this picture, but it was really about 9:30 at night.

Lauren, Parker, Brittney, and Kate looking at the firefly that Parker caught. Everyone tried to catch fireflies, but somehow Parker was far more successful that anyone else.

Also on Tuesday, we made purse notebooks.

Dustin cut off the corners of the notebooks, and then we modge podged scrapbook paper on it, and then added flowers and ribbon handles. They are so cute!!

Abby and me having a TON of fun at the pool. She loved playing with me in the pool, but she wore me out.

Lauren, Parker, Brittney, and Kate.

I think my kids could spend every day at the pool and still love it.

We had a great time with family visiting. We were sad to see them leave. Family is so important, family is everything! I wish we all lived closer together. But until then I am willing to spend crazy amounts of $ to fly my family out to visit their Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. Because, as crazy as my family is...they are still my family.

New Orleans

2010-07-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

New Orleans was such an interesting place. It wasn't really what I had envisioned it would be. In pictures and on TV it is hard to tell that it is a really dirty and run down looking place. We only went to the French Quarters, maybe the rest of New Orleans is much nicer. It was super HOT there and humid. But, getting away for a few days of no kids was really nice and just what I needed (But, I have been home for a week now, and am in need of another break). Dustin was in meetings most of the time, so I just roamed the streets of the crazy town, and laid by the pool a lot.

There are so many people on the streets trying to get money. This guy was completely silver, and also had a silver alligator(stuffed) on a leash. And a silver top hat upside down on the street hoping to get some money from people.
I am embarrassed to say this, but I thought that New Orleans was on the gulf coast. I was so wrong, this is the Mississippi River. No oil here.
Dustin and I on the air boat getting ready to go see some Louisiana wildlife.

We saw a bunch on Alligators. And they were up REALLY close to us.

Our tour guide had a bag of marshmallows with him. As it turns out alligators LOVE marshmallows. I would have never though that.

There is moss all over the trees in the River/Bayou/marsh.

We had our own "Crocodile Hunter" for a tour guide. He was sorta funny, but mostly crazy!

edible crafts

2010-06-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

The kids got a Silly Foods Cookbook from the library and I let each of them pick out a recipe to make. So far we have made these hoagie cars, and chocolate covered pretzels that were "magic wands," and a couple of yummy fruit drinks. Oh yeah, and fruit pizza. The kids have really loved to actually be able to make their own food.

Lauren's first 5K

2010-06-10T12:01:00.001-07:00

Lauren at the finish line. After running her first 5k, and she is still smiling. She really did great, and pushed herself to run hard.

Good job Lauren!!!
Lauren enjoyed some ice cream after the race.

We were running this race in memory of Amanda's mom. It was great to be able to be a apart of this race.

The runners...Amanda, Brett, Morgen, Lauren, ME, Lyndee, and Kelsey.

Parker working in the yard with...

2010-05-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

...His Dad

Dustin decide he wanted to start working on the border around our house just hours after I ran the 1/2 marathon. So, obviously I was not a lot of help. As soon as Parker saw that his Daddy was working in the yard, he got his motorcycle gloves on and started to help. He did a great job. He worked hard, got tired, but stuck it out and helped dad until the job was done.
It was cute to watch them working side by side.

My First 1/2 Marathon

2010-05-22T17:19:00.001-07:00

The kiddos waiting patiently for Mom to finally cross the finish line.
WooHoo, go #3002!

No, we didn't plan on taking a picture right in front of the Comcast sign.

Amanda (my running partner) and me.

We have trained together for a few months now. It was great to finish our goal together. We wanted to finish before 2:30, and run the whole way. We accomplished both of our goals.

I absolutely LOVED having my super cute, sweet family cheering me on at the finish line. It meant the world to me.

Baseball

2010-05-20T06:09:00.003-07:00

Parker loves to play baseball. Well actually he love to hit the ball. Outfield to him is soooooooooooo boring. He is usually out there throwing his hat up in the air.
But, batting is what he loves!!!!!!!!!!

I just love to watch my kids play sports! And luckily they love to play them too. I am looking foward to the fall when Kate will play soccer. Parker will play basketball, and Lauren will play volleyball. It will be a very busy time, but it will be fun.

This it what Lauren and Elle do to pass the time. They love to watch Parker hit, but beyond that they have no desire to watch the game.
Elle really does LOVE her big sister Lauren!

is that lip gloss?

2010-05-14T18:12:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when mom is talking with friends, and not paying attention to her 1 1/2 yr. old!

Elle got a hold of Lily's dress up lip gloss, and thought it would be a good idea to put it all over her face. EWWW!!

Kindy 500

2010-05-14T17:54:00.001-07:00

Parker's elementary school does a kindy 500, which is where all of the kindergartners get on tricycles and take turns racing. It was a lot of fun, and all of the kids were super cute! And yes, Parker won his race...yeah, he's that good!

Kate's Preschool Graduation

2010-05-14T17:46:00.001-07:00

Kate graduated from her preschool this week. She loved every week of school, and will really miss playing and learning with her friends.

mother's day

2010-05-14T17:39:00.001-07:00

This year for Mother's Day Dustin and the kids made me big candle holders. They worked hard on them, and the candle holders turned out great.

However, Kate thinks that they are for playing on, and not for candles.

Lauren's Piano Recital

2010-05-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

Lauren had her first ever piano recital. She did great! I was so proud of her. She LOVES to play the piano.

I love you Lauren!!!

Kate and Elle

2010-05-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

Man, they are CUTE!!!!!

Kate and Elle have such a love hate relationship. Today they are loving eachother.

Kate looks just like me in this picture. I swear somewhere I have a picture of me at her age, and I looks just like Kate. I need to find that picture.

Elle loves to wear my high heel shoes. She puts them on in my room, and walks down the stairs wearing them, and then today she got up in the chair wearing my heels. What a girl!!!!!!!!!!!

Elle is showing off her new outfit that she got from a sweet friend of ours. Thanks!!!!!

Lauren's new favorite thing is...

2010-04-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

...Her Roy Hibbert Shoe!

After the last game of the season, the Pacers players gave out autographed things to the crowd. After a lot of screaming and trying to get a players attention, Lauren ended up with a Roy Hibbert shoe. Yes, just one shoe! She was so excited, and she just loves it.
Thanks so much to Alan and Beth for the invite to the game. It was a BLAST!!

Spring Break in...

2010-04-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

... Chicago!

The drive to Chicago was a bit long for Elle. As soon as we got to our hotel, Elle climbed up in the bed and got comfortable.

What else do you do to a giant head, but pick it's nose?!

Running around the steps of the Field Museum.

At the end of Navy Pier.

Kate never wants to hold any ones hand. And Elle is usually the same. Yet today, they held each others hands.

The main reason for the trip to Chicago, was to go to the Temple. It is a beautiful temple, and I am so glad we went.

look Dad, Barbie has a...

2010-03-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

...Butt Parker was getting pretty bored in the Barbie exhibit at the Children's Museum. He had to find ways to entertain himself, and he noticed that yes indeed, Barbie has a butt.

Elle loves to climb through the tunnel and go down the slide.
Kate had fun doing Barbie's hair with mom.
Elle got wipped out at the museum...too much fun!

It's good to be...

2010-03-21T12:13:00.001-07:00

...31

This year my Birthday was 4 days of celebrations.

It sarted with Girls night out at Olive Garden on Thursday. What a great group of friends I have here in Indiana. Thanks Ladies!!

Friday night we went to a Pacers game and sat right next to the Pacers bench. It was a blast. Dahntay Jones' gave Dustin and I five. And the head coach talked to us. Very exciting!!!

It is cool to be so close to the pacers huddle that I could hear what they were talking about.

One of the nicest people I know watched our kids for us, and even took them to the game too. Thanks so much Beth and Alan!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday morning I ran a 10k for my birthday.

And on Sunday we get to eat CAKE and ICE CREAM! Yummy!

my first race...a 10k

2010-03-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

The morning started out early for us. We woke the kids up at 6:30.

Before the race started, there was a kids fun run. Lauren and Parker ran it. Kate was in a true Kate mood and she refused. Lauren and Parker loved it, and felt part of the race.

Half way.

The end! YAY!

Amanda, Lyndee and I had a great time running together.

what the kids do at a Pacers game...

2010-03-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

On the way to a Pacers game.
Parker watching tv with friends at a Paers game.

Lauren changing the channel at a Pacers game.

Kate coloring at a Pacers game.

Lauren and Ella got their faces painted at a Pacers game.

As you can see, the kids don't go to Pacers games to watch basketball, they go to play with friends.

What we've been up to

2010-02-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

A close up of my Mr. Potato Head

Yes that is a rubber snake mouth on her chin. Why you ask...have you met her dad?! Enough said.

Parker enjoying the cupcake decorating.

Kate loving the cupcakes at her preschool Valentine's Day party, Sitting by her best friend Lily.

Lauren learned how to make newborn baby hats in Activity Day Girls. She made this one on her own. She was really proud of herself, and so was I.

Lauren wore these same jammies when she was Kate's age. Lauren used to LOVE these jammies, now Kate LOVES them. Thanks Nana!

Mr. Potato head

2010-02-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

Last week I got together with my sewing group (Melanie, Lyndee, Amanda, and Morgen) and this time our project was Mr. Potato heads. They were a major pain to sew because there were such small pieces. But it was a lot of fun to get together with good friends and try something new.

We usually start our projects pretty early in the morning in order to get finished in time to take the kindergartners off to school, thus I look like I just woke up.

Unfortunately, the kiddos don't even love to play with it. Elle will for a little while during church once she has gone through all of her other toys, and is desperate. Oh well.

sweater dress

2010-02-02T06:48:00.001-08:00

A couple of months ago I made Kate a sweater dress out of an old adult sweater. I was so happy with the way it turned out. It was a lot of fun to learn how to make. And best of all, Kate actually likes to wear it! I just kept forgetting to get a picture of it.

preschool field trip...

2010-01-25T11:34:00.001-08:00

...to the Post Office

Kate's preschool went on a field trip to the post office. It was actually really interesting for the parents but probably pretty boring for the kids. They did however, really love getting in the mail truck. (thanks for the pictures Melanie)

Dustin's Birthday

2010-01-25T08:06:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was Dustin's Birthday. We celebrated it by having cake and ice cream and watching the Colts game. It was a great day!
Elle found someones leftover cake, and decided to act quickly! I couldn't resist taking a picture of a topless girl in a tutu eating cake.
Man she's CUTE!!!!

Parker got hit in the head by a door knob, and then a follow up hit later in the day by a plastic golf club. This picture really doesn't do his goose egg justice at all...it was the biggest goose egg I have ever seen. OUCH!!!!

Family Home Evening

2010-01-18T18:02:00.001-08:00

Tonight we wanted to go bowling for family night. So we went to the bowling alley, there was a 1 hour wait, so we decided to get some dinner and then come back. We came back about an hour later, and the guy said it would be another hour. Not going to happen, it's a school night. So we decided to let the kids play the arcade games instead. They loved it! Loved it much more than bowling! (and the guy at the bowling alley gave us coupons for free bowling for next time)

The newest member of our family!

2010-01-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

Dustin's safe came today, he is so excited to have it.
He says that it is unfortunate that the newest member of our family is empty inside...he is currently excepting donations to cure this problem.

Manicure day at the Smith's

2010-01-16T13:14:00.001-08:00

Lauren helped paint Kates nails.
Elle got her nails painted for the first time. It is a super light pink, and I just realized you can't really see it in this picture. Oh well, it's going to have to do. The point is she LOVED it...smiled the whole time.

ouch!

2010-01-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

Poor Kate got her finger stuck in the kitchen Aid attachment!

I just couldn't resist taking a picture.

you've been caught!

2010-01-14T10:52:00.001-08:00

What must Elle be thinking? Why do 1 yr. olds think it is ok to climb up on the table? She does this all of the time, and has only fallen off a couple of times. You can totally tell by the picture that she knows she is in trouble.

Random pictures taken with our new camera

2010-01-09T11:32:00.001-08:00

This is a long post, sorry, but I just couldn't pick which pictures to leave out, so I posted them all.

We made brownies for family night. Parker was sure he could crack the eggs. Crack them he did...and the whole egg ended up outside of the bowl, and the shell in the bowl. oops!
Ella, Lauren, and Kate giggling from a sugar high on the way home from Ivanhoes.

The kids love to play freeze dance. Parker has some killer moves.

Such a girl...she loves her lip gloss.

Christmas morning was exhausting to this little girl.

there's nothing like a gun magazine (at least that's what they tell me)

Christmas morning

The whole family love to make sugar cookies.
It is a Christmas tradition.

Kate is always using her imagination, this time she was playing with some things on moms counter as we were getting ready for church. She needed just a little boost and she thought what better then....

Lauren loves to be in any picture!

that's not trash!

2009-12-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

Elle will randomly pick up toys, books, socks, pants, or whatever she can find around the house (that doesn't belong in the trash) and throw them in the trash. See, the thing is, we have a fun trash can ( I mean to a 1 year old it's fun), it opens automatically when something is placed above it. Kids LOVE it! She really thinks she is helping out when she does it...she is really proud of herself.

What I need to do is get her to pick up actual trash, and then she will be helpful. As if that will ever happen.

She keeps me so busy!!!!!

Love you Elle Belle

pictures are hung

2009-12-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

I finally got some of the wonderful pictures that Lee Ann took hung up above the fireplace. I love the way they turned out.

The Girls new skirts

2009-11-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

I can't even believe it, I made my girls skirts!!! I am not a sewer (well I was not). I am so grateful to Melanie and Lyndee for teaching me how to sew these cute skirts. They are so easy, I have actually made six skirts so far.

My next project is to turn an old sweater of mine into a dress for Kate. (assuming Melanie will help me with that too. It looks sorta hard.)

Family pictures

2009-11-03T13:05:00.001-08:00

So we had family pictures taken last week by our good friend Lee Ann. She is a great photographer. I warned her that my kids would not cooperate... and so this is now the proof...

In this picture here, I had to bribe Kate to sit and smile by telling her she could have her friend Lily over for ice cream. And Elle is obviously not happy. But none the less, they are my beautiful girls.

I love my 3 yr. old...I love my 3 yr. old...I love my 3 yr. old...Can't you just Smile!!!!!

Hey even we can get it right... if you are NOT supposed to look at the camera.

Lee Ann actually took a lot more great pictures, but I can't put them all on.

Halloween Party

2009-10-25T16:38:00.001-07:00

I had a lot of fun this year with Dustin's costume. I used liquid latex, toilet paper, face paint, and fake blood. And I torn up some of his clothes. Oh yea, and the creepy fake teeth.
Superman to the rescue!

A beautiful Renaissance Princess

Elle won the costume contest for the kids category. And look how cute Kate is as a cowgirl!

I wish I had a better picture of Dustin's face. It was really cool with lots of texture. Maybe on Halloween I can get a better picture taken.