Halloween 2013

We had a lot of fun in the month of October. The kids were so excited for Halloween. Gavin was the character from the thriller, Scream. Tyrone was a soul taker. Niamh was a good witch and Isla was Supergirl. We went to our ward's trunk or treat and the kids got tons of candy. On Halloween night, we spent the evening with Lucas' family. We had dinner and then we all took the kids trick or treating. What a fun night it was. Halloween is one of our favorite holidays, I can't wait to see what the kids will pick for next year.

Niamh is 5

Our little Diva, Niamh Liberty turned 5 years old on October 20. Niamh was so excited and counting down weeks before her birthday. She made sure I knew everything she wanted on her birthday list. We had a busy day on her birthday, because we have church at 9am and we were doing the Primary Program that day, so we had to be there early. So, we woke Niamh up at 6am to give her enough time to open her presents and get everyone ready for church. Niamh also wanted her curly hair straightened for church, so we had to have enough time for that. Niamh loved all her presents and couldn't wait to show all her church friends her new dress and earrings. After church, Grandma Abbott came over for lunch. That afternoon, all the relatives came over for cake and ice cream. Niamh had a wonderful birthday and loved every minute of it. This girl is one smartie pants. She is such a sweetie and loves being part of everything going on around her. She's a princess, but she's also a tomboy. She loves to help and is so good at coloring and drawing pictures. I want to keep her little forever, but I love seeing the big girl she is becoming. We love our Niamhy-Noo.

Grandad in America

We finally got my Dad to come to America for a visit. My sister, Kim went over to Ireland and brought him back with her. It had been 5 years since Lucas and I had been to Ireland and seen him. It was so fun to have him here. He spent a week with each of my 4 siblings and I. We showed him all the local sights and introduced him to all our favorite food places. He spent time in California, Idaho and Utah with my other siblings and then came back to Las Vegas for his last 2 weeks. It was so great to see him spending time with my kids and see them bonding with him. My Dad really enjoyed America and seeing how we all live. His 6 week trip went by so fast and it was hard to see him go home, but he plans to come back and visit next year. We can't wait!!!

 

 

Gavin turns 9

Gavin turned 9 on September 19. We woke him up singing Happy Birthday, and then he opened his presents. He went to school on his birthday and had birthday treats with his class. That night we had pizza and I made him a cake. We had a little family party with just our family. On the following Sunday, we invited all the relatives over for another cake and ice-cream. Gavin loved celebrating with all his cousins who live in town. He got lots of great gifts and money so he can start a savings account. Gavin is turning into such a sweet young man. He is helpful and caring. He is so smart and has come such a long way with his brain balance program. He is a great friend and brother and is very helpful to me. Happy Birthday Gavin, we love you so much!!!

 

San Diego Part 1

We took a family vacation to San Diego in July. My sister Trudi and her family came along, as well as my Mam. Our sister Beverley and her husband Lewis live in San Diego, so they got to tag along too. We had 3 days of fun things planned. We got a great hotel, right by the bay. It was a great location for everywhere we went. The weather was perfect, the food divine and we made great memories along the way.

Mormon Battalion Historic Site

The Mormon Battalion Historic Site is located in Old Town San Diego. It tells about how 559 Latter-Day Saint men and women enlisted in the U.S army during the Mexican-American war. Its an interactive tour through the 2,000 mile journey they took from Iowa to California. It tells about the contributions they made to establishment and building up of the early California settlements. They were instrumental in discovering gold at Sutter's Fort and making trails that were used by thousands during the gold rush. It was really fun for the kids, because we got to move from room to room, they had videos and interactive rooms were we got to experience the trip these people would have taken and the obstacles they faced. At the end of the tour, the kids got to pan for gold and you can take home a little gold nugget. There is an old fashioned water pump the kids could play with as wells as seeing how bricks were made. They can use and old washboard or view Old Town San Diego from a look out tower. This tour is free and is so fun and interactive and informative.

 

 

FuN TiMeS

Some views from our hotel

 

 

 

 

We got to spend some time with some of our Wood cousins

 

Lucas with his cousin Angela

 

We had dessert at this amazing place. Ice cream cookie sandwich delights

 

Lucas had some oysters at Anthony's (Yuck!)

 

 

 

 

Date Night at "Devine Pastabilites"

 

 

Not only was this place amazing because it is my maiden name, but they are famous for their torpedo French bread that they stuff with all types of pasta concoctions. We were in Carb heaven. Delicious!

 

 

 

San Diego Zoo Safari Park