Family pictures

We went to Red Rock last Saturday to take some family pictures for our Christmas card. I just figured we would set up the tripod and take a few pics of us. The day was perfect; overcast and cool. Red Rock is beautiful this time of year with the colors of Autumn against the multicolored mountains. We just let the kids run wild and tried to grab them when we saw a photo opportunity. Then out of nowhere it began to snow. It was pretty cool, the snow was not wet or cold but more like perfect little balls of styrofoam. It didn't ruin our play time. When we were done we got in the van and headed further up the driving trail. Then it began to snow pretty hard and was covering the ground. It was 34 degrees at one point and we were happy that we were in our cozy van. We did let the kids out for a minute to run around in the snow. It was a perfect fall day. These are my favorite pics:

 

 

Happy Halloween 2012

We had so much fun this year for Halloween. We decided to dress up as Cowboys and Indians. We went to our ward Trunk or Treat the Saturday before Halloween. There was tons of yummy soups and chili's and lots of desserts. The kids had fun going around to everyone's trunks and filling their bags with candy. Then on Halloween night, we hosted a Halloween party at our house. We had chili, vegetable soup, ham & cheese rolls, chips & salsa, Nevada Day cookies and cinnamon roll pumpkin sheet cake to eat. We also had Root Beer and Apple cider to drink. Everything was so good and everyone seemed to have a great time, eating and hanging out. Then we took all the kids trick-or-treating. At one point there were 21 kids in our group going door to door for candy. Quite the mob. We have started a tradition for Halloween and look forward to next year and all the fun it will bring.

 

 

Jason, Lucas & Jon

Kim & Sam

 Tyrone (Indian) & Waylon (Werewolf)

Gavin(Cowboy) & his friend Tatum (Ghoul)

Me & my Mam 

Gavin, Owen, Niamh, Chucky & Tyrone 

Niamh is 4

Niamh turned 4 years old on October 20th. I was in California on the morning of her birthday and was sad to miss the tradition of waking her up singing Happy Birthday to her. Lucas and the boys and Isla sang to her and she got to open her presents. She got 6 barbies, and lots of Hello Kitty stuff. Niamh wanted a Hello Kitty tea party with her little friends from Preschool and some of her cousins. Lucas was a trooper and handled the tea party like a pro until I got home. I did leave everything prepared for him so he wasn't too overwhelmed :) I got back in town in time for the end of her party. We played musical chairs and watched Niamh open her presents from her friends. She had a lovely time at her tea party. Right after her tea party, we had a family birthday party with our relatives. Niamh was in heaven with all the attention and the fact that she got to have 2 parties back to back. She is such a little diva. She knew exactly how every aspect of her birthday would go and it seems like she grew up over night. She is extremely smart and doesn't miss a thing. She is very aware of how things are supposed to be done and has no problem telling you the way it is. She is full of sass and spunk. She is a princess one minute and is wielding a battle-ax with her brothers the next minute. We love her so much and she is such a bright spark in our family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gavin's Baptism

Gavin was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 13. The baptism was scheduled for 9am. Gavin got to share his baptism day with 2 other kids from our ward. It was a lovely occasion and Gavin was so happy to have all his family share this special day with him. After the baptism we came back to our house and had brunch. After that we headed up to Mount Charleston with some of the family to let the kids run around and explore the trails. It was a lovely day and I hope Gavin will cherish this special day and all the memories. Gavin is such a sweet boy. He is thoughtful, kind, a helpful big brother and a great example. We love him dearly!

 

 

 

Gavin is 8

Gavin turned 8 on September 19. What a special birthday this is for him. He was so excited once August was over and he was counting down till his big day. We decided to surprise him with a Lazer Tag party. We woke him up the morning, singing "Happy Birthday to you" and he opened all his presents. He got some Star Wars figures, a skeleton hoodie, a ship toy, some clothes and a pocket knife. In our family, the kids get a pocket knife for their 8 birthday. Gavin was thrilled with all his presents. He went to school and after school we took him and his two cousins and two other friends to Battle Blast for his Lazer Tag party. It was so fun. The kids got to play arcade games for about 20 minutes, then we played a 20 minute lazer tag game. Next we ate pizza and ate yummy birthday cake. After we digested a little, we played another 20 minute game. This game was Lucas and I against the boys. We won! It was a great party and Gavin said it was the best birthday ever! The following Sunday we had a family get togther for some cake and icecream for Gavin. Gavin loved all the attention and celebrating this birthday with extended family. I can't believe baby is 8 years old. Gavin is getting so tall and mature and he is so smart. He has struggled a lot since starting school and has had many obstacles but he has overcome so much and has grown so much. He makes friends wherever he goes and he has a great thirst for knowledge about certain things. He is a great big brother and a great son. Gavin will be getting baptized as a member of our church on October 13 and I am so proud of him to have made this decision. He amazes me daily. Happy Birthday Gavin! We love you.

  

 

>