Halloween Night

We took pictures at home only to be offered a mini photo shoot by our friend Ali:

Our 3 cuties:

Our block had a big block party that we went to before heading out to trick-or-treat. I love that our kids are still young and don't yet understand the, "go to as many houses as you can and get as much candy as you can" mentality because we went to a dozen or so houses and every one was happy to come home and go to bed!

Xander totally cracked us up this year. He had an Optimus Prime costume and a Bumblebee costume that he was going to wear but never did. When he went to his sld us it was because it was goign to be the last year chool's fall carnival, he dressed up in his old Thomas the Tank Engine costume and then last minute decided to be Buzz again this year. He told us he had decided to be those guys just one more time!

Pumpkin Carving 2011

Nana & Grumpy came over for pumpkin carving this year & so we got it done BEFORE Halloween! The kids had a lot of fun each in their own way-scooping, cutting and eating. It made for a calm Sunday afternoon activity and we were ready for Halloween festivities!

Abigails Blessing

Abby couldn't have been happier to be blessed on Sunday October 30. In our church our babies are not baptized at birth but instead receive a special blessing that is similar to a Christian-ing. Ben was able to do this with his brothers, his Dad and my Dad at our regular church meeting. It was a very special day and we are so grateful to have family near to be part of such events!

BABIES!

I was pregnant with 2 friends this time around and our 3 babies (2 boys & 1 girl) were born August 3, Aug 16 and Aug 26.

Hallo-WeEk 2011

Free Monster Pancakes @ IHOP! I brought Xander & Eliza & invited some friends when we found out about this promotion! No purchase necessary. The waitress was so excited because we were the first to show up--and we came in after school for lunch. The kids had a ball decorating their pancakes & eating them for lunch.

Music Makers, Halloween Style! It was so fun to see friends all dressed up. Eliza sang, "Once Upon a Dream" for her spotlight song and did so well. I wish I had caught it on video but at least i got one shot!

E & Vi were invited to a preschool party with our friends, the Gilberts. It was so much fun and the girls had a great time.

Lastly, our ward did a trunk-or-treat and Eliza got to bring her friend Coralie & Audrey. Xander went with their brothers to their motor-cross race (yes, his two 6 year old friends race motorcycles!) so Ben & I went with 5 girls under 4. The girls were great and we had fun braiding hair before-hand, making Rapunzel hair and other "girl" activities!

Eliza's Preschool Field Trip

Thanks to a new friend, I was able to take Eliza by herself to her class field trip! We went to Zittel Farms here in Folsom and we had lots of fun and learned a lot too. We got to go in the petting zoo, have a hay ride, and pick out a mini pumpkin. I love spending time with my kids one on one--it really gives me insight into who they are becoming. Eliza you are a wonder! Stay strong little one and be your independent self!

Our Babes @ 2 Months Old

Can you tell who is who?

Tootsie...

ROLLS!!
Check the rolls out on this baby!

Abby your fluff is loved by all!

Not much going on

Well, Abby is now 2 months old! Can you believe it that we've survived? It is only because of my amazing friends who have been so patient and helpful. Thank you to everyone who have forgiven me for my random behavior and for taking my kids to play with them. I have seriously felt so loved.

Abby had her 2 month check up today and weighed in at 13.3 lbs! See that belly in the bath picture? She's stocking up for the winter. :) How is Vi doing with a baby, you ask? FABULOUSLY! I mean there are the times when she can be a little rough but she is also my little helper! She loves to get me things she thinks I need, to bring books to Abby. She tries to share everything-her water, her toys, her blanket. It is adorable. She is very protective of her baby too and in a quiet way she almost introduces Abby to people--she points her out to everyone who talks to her. She loves to hold Abby too and sing to her. It really is tender and I try to soak it in whenever the moments happen so I'll have them in reserve for the more tough parts.

What have we been up to thought? Not much. I am trying really hard to not have any expectations of getting back to normal and getting out and doing things. We try and go to soccer with Ben & Xander on Monday nights and we've made it to a few other things but since it is quite the production to get every one out the door when I'm on my own, I do not do it.

BUT we are happy, healthy, smiling and enjoying each minute! I am so grateful for cooler weather so that we can play with all our neighbors--and even more grateful we live on a cul-de-sac that has so many built in friends. Things will start picking up soon though--I'll take some pictures of some crafts I've been working on (huh, you say, Wendy & crafts?! yes, it can happen) and there are field trips and parties coming up.

Until then you can enjoy Eliza's preschool pic's and I'll post Xander's once I get to a scanner! E's were done by a photographer mom in her class and I'm in LOVe with them!

Miz Independant

Why do all my kids have such an independent streak? (Ok, do not answer that). Boy has Violet been growing up lately though! WOW! She isn't much of a talker but she communicates very well without words. She will feed herself, thank you very much and she wants to dress herself and brush her own teeth and hair and wash herself in the bath. Oh my! It gets so frustrating sometimes. She especially loves being outside. If a door opens-she bolts for it. She watches out our windows for neighbor friends and gets very excited when she sees them. It's adorably annoying. :)

Abigail is 2 Months old?!

I cannot believe how fast time is flying! Abby is such a sweet and smiley baby. She (at her two month check up) had nearly doubled her birth weight and was a whoping 13lbs 9oz. She is very calm about things and patient with us all. She lights up as soon as she sees one of her siblings, Ben or I. And she is already coo-ing up a storm! It is absolutely adorable. And she is so expressive--it isn't just happy cooing but at times its concerned or frustrated and then happy and cheerful. She is a true delight and we are grateful for her in our family!

Piano Lessons

This is a terrible picture but it's the best (and only) one I got. Xander has been begging to start piano lessons for months. We were lucky enough to get a piano from Ben's amazing Aunt Karen and Xander would sit and play for large chunks of time. I got in touch with my old teacher (a family friend) and she said she would love to teach Xander. So, he started.

Me: Xander, tell me about piano.
X: "it's good. And it's so fun. And Sis. Scott is nice. She gives me points. So I still have 4 points."
Me: What are the points for?
X: "A toy, a prize. I have to earn it."
Me: What do you like most about it: "Just cause I have a Christmas song"

It's been a learning process for all of us--especially in helping Xander remember to practice. But he really already does play a little tune and it's fun to see him progress. And he loves to ask me about when I was little and what prizes I earned and if I practiced. I hope it won't damage him too much if I tell a white lie and say that I did practice!

Bath Time

2 babies in the bath gets crazy! And sometimes there are 3. But at least these girls love to get clean. Check out that belly on Abby!!