it's halloween 2011

Halloween Day 2011 started off great- I woke up & wrote to missionary Jack (his email/prep day is Monday) then took Trent to see his favorite Dr. Mike the specialist we go to at the U.

As you can see it's been a gorgeous day! It's the end of term (teacher prep day) so there was no school, which gave us lots of time to get to our important Halloween activities. After the appointment we ran back home- picked up the girls- ate lunch at Arctic Circle- then picked up pumpkins to carve! Nothing like the last minute.

Before shots:

Later Trent got set up & ready for the trick or treator's

he wasn't sure he wanted to go trick or treating or not- he LOVES to give out the candy & isn't a big fan of eating lots of candy... although he does eat more than he used to- we reminded him he doesn't have many years of trick or treating left. so he changed his mind & did go out for a bit.

Chloe the mummy/zombie with her pumpkin all carved & in pain with that fork in it's eye- who knew Chloe could be so scary?

Trent's pumpkin was carved out this year entirely by him- without any help!

We live in the best neighborhood for trick or treators- I love it.

Chloe & Caroline got ready for a party- haha these two are so funny!

and look~ one of my favorite dudes came by

- captain hook!

Hailey's pumpkinand most importantly--- the loot

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

in other news:

The missionary wrote-- he's so good-- I talked to Brian on the phone for a bit & also got to talk to megan. Brett came home early from work & we ordered pizza for dinner- Does it get any better than that? not for me!

boo hoo.. our last halloween parade & party

I really can't believe it... I know I say that all the time.. but I can't!

Friday October 28, 2011- our last elementary school Halloween day parade & party. WOW

Of course, the blogger moms all saved seats & sat together (plus family & friends) I loved it. I will miss it next year. I snapped some pictures of my favorite costumes & neighborhood kids.

Then there's Trent.

He was so excited to wear his costume, (mad scientist- thanks to Karrie who saved the day) the spooky glasses & jar of eye balls floating in green liquid. Why do I always forget- really? Every year I forget he has aspergers (high functioning autism) and think he's going to have so much fun.

Then I get there & he is mostly out of costume, running through the parade in a panic!

He won't stop to say hi or take a photo.

He just wants to get the heck outta dodge. It's my problem not his- I should remember by now!? He did just great.

The school was all decked out & cute with pumpkins & haunted houses made by the students.

I absolutely LOVE that my kids have gone to this school! A school wear there is Halloween with a parade- a school with a Christmas tree & sing along- A Valentine Tea & Easter Egg hunts. Where kids can be kids. I feel sad for kids who have to be politically correct. Sorry- call me an irresponsible parent who doesn't think being educated is important- I don't care- they have plenty of time to study & learn & be serious. They are kids for Heaven's sake.

At the class party - there was pumpkin bowling

bingo, donuts & apples with caramel dip and crafts.

Something tells me I won't be this sad when my last born finishes up Jr. High?

eighteen

Last Friday Miss Hailey girl, turned

18 We celebrated by going to lunch & shopping. Besides being Hailey's birthday it was also Fall Break which meant NO SCHOOL~ sweet.

We had lunch at one of our favorite places downtown. It was so fun to be out with my girls! I think they had fun too?


We went to Fashion Place to go shopping & I stopped into See's & took this photo of the candy counter... mmm. Hailey didn't want any candy! What? I have failed as a mother.

I neglected to take more photos of her opening her presents- or at her special Mexican food dinner-or of her friends bringing by a cupcake & singing- or of the new jeans & things she got shopping.

I did get a picture of Taylor who stopped by with a Justin Beiber CD all wrapped up. I thought she would have a heart attack from the excitement!!

A couple of weeks ago I DVR'd his movie- Never Say Never- both girls watched it... then watched it again... and again-- and again & snap- just like that- Hailey is a super fan.

SUPER FAN.

fun times. I love this Hailey girl- LOVE HER

She is a wonderful daughter, sister & friend. She is funny, positive, kind & I am honored to be her mother.

Happy Birthday Hailey

catching up

This past weekend Brett & I went to a movie. did you read that? A MOVIE people! We never go to movies... so this was a big deal. Trent was at an over night scout camp & the girls had plans- so what's up? A movie -- that's what!

We saw The Big Year & I loved it! Of course we don't go to a lot of movies so maybe we are not the best judges. Still- I really loved it.

On the way in we saw this ultra cool car. I had to get a photo! It's in perfect condition & look at those sweet tires- wow. On our way home we had to run over to the camp sight (good thing it was only a couple of minutes away!) to take Trent a new pair of pants, socks, shoes .... ya- he had gotten wet- then gotten wet again. His pants, his extra pants & his pajama pants were all wet. They were camping near a pond & there was a marshy area- I guess we are lucky he wasn't soaked- or drowned? What in the world? We picked up the girls & headed off to get late night Chinese food! Ya- we're pretty hip~ going to movies~ getting Chinese food. We got into our favorite local place just 1/2 hour before it closed & chowed down on the best ever egg rolls & sesame chicken- yum. I can't remember the last time we did something like that- really fun. The girls & we visited & laughed & laughed. Good times- I wish I would have had my camera. (The view of our mountain on my way home from work Saturday afternoon.)
I got home from work the next afternoon right after Brett & Trent finished riding a 15 mile bike ride. Brett had met up with the scouts in the morning. Trent's hair was singed & he was missing a bit of eyebrow & eye lash hair... he had tried to help a leader light the propane stove----- poof. Oh my- I'm thinking maybe Brett should start going along on these camp outs?? Sunday we had a house full of company!Johnna & Clyde were in town so Ruthie & kids came down too. I'm starting to feel like our house is too small. The kitchen & eating space is always so crowded! I'm thinking we need to start eating out more, move, or remodel?
It would probably just be easier to eat out? So much for my healthy, home cooking ways-- I need a better/bigger kitchen. See what all this cooking has done for me? I'm certainly not getting any thinner & I'm seriously thinking I need a new kitchen. Golly if it's not one thing- it's another. At least I have all my eyelashes!?

johnny & hailey are friends

On Sunday Johnny came over. He was stylish in his fall flannel & khaki pants (so cute!) He brought his mom & dad - aunt & grandma & grandpa with him. He played with us & especially loved giggling with Hailey.

Oh so fun.

today

I'm behind on blogging... again. Life- it just takes over & gets all busy. I've been working & working.

The store is all pretty & ready for Thanksgiving.

I love it.

I walk through work & nearly have to pinch myself.

I LOVE MY JOB- the hours are perfect- it's a creative outlet- I work with very nice people & I'm surrounded by beautiful things.

Today I made pumpkin squares, peeled & roasted butternut squash with Herbs de province & french sea salt. Samplers raved over them.

Then I took the scenic route home.
good day

(then I came home threw on jeans & a sweatshirt & crashed on the couch- didn't get my chores done & didn't make dinner- still a good day)