Day of Thanks

We shared our day of thanks with our wonderful friends and neighbors (that alone is enough to be grateful:). Here are just some of the highlights caught on camera.

poor clark, just waiting for something to eat.

the brood, enjoying their feast.

the bird...it was as good as it looks

before you start licking your lips...these aren't snickerdoodles, this was my first failed attempt at non-dairy rolls. These were as disgusting as they appear. Luckily I made these early enough so I had to time to redeem myself and just made a normal batch...full of butter and whole milk.

...and here's Audrey (hiding under blanket), enjoying her first Thanksgiving meal.

Bosom Buddies

Our week of thanksgiving (a bit behind I know) started out great with a quick (and I mean quick) visit from our dear friends Herb & Ciara. We were one of their stops on their way to AZ. As quick as it was, it was so great to see them and catch up. Grace and Sage played every single moment they had together. As they were getting ready to leave, the kids and I were also getting ready to go see another great friend of mine, Debbie, up in Fresno, CA.

Debbie and I met while our husbands were at BYU in Provo. Then we followed each other up to the great northwest. We then moved to CA within months of each other. Poor thing, she just can't get rid of me. Our trip was quick but I'm so glad I went. Fresno is only 3 hours north of us. So I'm grateful that we're not too far for a quick trip to hang out and see each other every now and then. And to make it better, our kids get along great. It also happened to be my bday while there, and Debbie was sweet enough to treat us to an hour at the zoo. I would have loved to stay a bit longer, but with all the rain, we opted to leave. And later that night her husband was kind enough to watch the kids while we went out to eat. What a guy!

Thanks Debbie for everything and being such a sweet and dear friend!

M.I.A.

This little guy has been through a lot of changes in the last couple of weeks. Besides turning 3 (happy birthday buddy!!), he has said goodbye to the binky...forever. He didn't take the news too well at first, but I think he's come to terms. He'll still ask for it, but with a little distraction, he goes on with his life.

And starting tomorrow I'll be 'missing in action' for the next 3 days getting him potty trained. I've stocked up on juice and CARS underpants, I think we're ready to roll. Wish me luck!

faster than fast

A week before Halloween, I was on a mission to find Clark a rescue pack and vest so that he could dress-up as Diego (I already had stuff for Grace to be Dora (her idea)). By Wednesday, I realized that we would have to come up with a different idea, cause I was striking out. Clark had mentioned that he also wanted to be Lighting McQueen. So I decided I would cut out some cardboard, spray paint it red and call it good. Andy took it upon himself to make it actually look like McQueen.

What started out looking like this:

turned out like this:

Not bad for a night's work.

He also decided to make a Sally, for Grace:

...and he still found time to carve our pumpkin.

For some reason I am having a difficult time getting the halloween pictures to post. So here are some recent shots of my 3 year old and 3 month old. These two are best of buds and get to hang out with mom all day (lucky them:)

Oh Blessed Day!

Almost a month ago, we drove our little family all the way to St. George, Utah. Why you may ask? Well, we decided it was easiest for everyone in our families to be a part of the blessing of this little girl.

When it came time to travel, I'll have to admit, I was not looking forward to traveling with 3 young kids. But thank goodness, it was a very pleasant trip. Audrey gets the prize for being the best traveler of the troop.

We decided to bless her on Saturday, right before my nephew was to be baptized (thank you again guys for letting us share your day:), since Andy and I had to get back to LA by Sunday evening to attend a friend's wedding. So it wasn't your typical blessing during a sacrament meeting. But for me, that made it all the more sweet.
Thank you to our all our family for making the day a special one for us and Audrey.
We love you!

G.A.C.

It's been 8weeks since I was recovering in the hospital and getting to know this little one. I haven't had her 2month appointment yet, so I have no current stats to share. By my guess, she's probably 10lbs 8oz. She is a pro at holding up her little head and smiling back to melt any heart (especially mine:).

I'm trying to cherish every little moment with her, since this time goes by so quickly. I've heard so many people say, 'I can't remember my baby ever being this small.' I'm loving every moment. (thanks to Jamie for this oh-so-cute hat!)

Not to be over-shadowed or forgotten, this little guy has been such a trooper through all these changes in our household. He no longer takes naps (otherwise will not go to bed at a decent hour). But today, he climbed up on the couch and fell right to sleep. The best part of it all is that he went to bed at a decent hour! Now-a-days the only time he falls asleep is in the car. I can't remember the last time he has fallen asleep like this, so I couldn't resist the photo op.

I think one of Clark's favorite part of the day is picking up Grace from school. He insists on wearing his backpack when we get her. He really looks up to his older sister (btw, Grace is loving school:)

And baseball is one of his new favorite past-times. Can ya tell?