Santa's Newest Helper

"...But do you recall, the most famous reindeer of all?" Nope. Sorry Rudolph. Ashton's our favorite reindeer this year!

'Tis the Season... for Ice Skating!

When McKenna grows up, she wants to be a fashion designer, artist, mom, actress... oh, and an Ice Skater! She received ice skates for Christmas last year, and we were thrilled that they still fit this year! Being the extremely patient Dad that he is, Justin cheerfully took our kids ice skating today--even though he knew it would mean a sore back later! This was Carson's first year, and he had a great time being carried/pushed/pulled by his Dad for two hours. Even though the kids are covered with bruises, they still insist that "it was awesome!" What a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Halloween Hoop-la!

October could not have been more busy or more fun. Here's a glimpse of just some of our festivities:

Daddy-Daughter Date... with Grandpa. Daddy is gone working in Boise almost every week, so thankfully Grandpa saved the day for McKenna's Achievement Day Halloween Party.

A gorgeous fall day at the Pumpkin Patch!

The more kids we get, the more pumpkins we have to carve! We are developing some serious artistic carving skills.

Witches Night Out. Each year, all the ladies in my neighborhood dress up as witches and go out to eat together. It's such a crack-up!

School Carnival. No smiles from Kyler. He was completely in character! And since Carson is obsessed with the alphabet, "Super Why" suited him perfectly!

My first Halloween Piano Recital. The costumes were hilarious, the lighting was dim, the music was spooky, and my forked eye-ball treats were both disturbing and adorable. So much fun!

And finally, the official Halloween Night. By now, we had worn our costumes so many times, they got boring. Super Why became a pumpkin (who insisted on wearing Vampire teeth) and Dracula became a Zombie Cow-boy! Carson loved Halloween this year! And, boy, did we make a haul on candy! Sweet!!

Happy Birthday Kenna!

Our little girl is seeming not so little anymore. McKenna turned nine in October. Gone are the days of princesses. Gone are the days of dress-up... it's so sad, but exciting at the same time to see her becoming a little lady.

McKenna was appalled that we still had to go to school and do our usual routine on her birthday. I think she expected it to rank up there with the National Holidays. McKenna gets so excited about everything. She truly adds a unique energy to our home. I love making things a little extra special for her because she appreciates and loves everything so much.

McKenna has such a vivacious personality. She's out-going, imaginative, sentimental, and strong. She loves having a bunch of brothers because she can wrestle with the best of them! Of all my kids, she is without a doubt, the toughest and rowdiest! If we would allow her to sign up for wrestling, she'd do it in a heartbeat. She was born with serious determination. When she decides she's going to do something, look out. It will happen. And my favorite thing about her? Her giggle. It's absolutely contagious. I'll never forget when we took her to the movie theatre when she was four or five. She was giggling so hard at the squirrel in Ice Age, she got the entire theatre laughing too. Not at the movie... at her!

We love you so much, Kenna! Happy 9th Birthday!

Attack of the "Swine!"

The dreaded Swine Flu paid a visit to our home this past month. Was it as bad as it's been made out to be?

YES!!

We were literally down in bed with high fevers. But with the help of some chicken noodle soup from Grandma, Snuggies from Dad, and lots of essential oils from Aunt Brooke, we survived to tell the tale!

Swine Flu never looked so cute! (This was one of those happy moments when the boys were loaded up with Motrin! It never lasted long!)

Conductor Carson

Why can't it be General Conference every Sunday? Church is so much more enjoyable in your pajamas! I am also a huge MoTab fan, so I was especially delighted when Carson leaped up to help Mack Wilberg direct today! Oh, Grandpa Luke would be so proud!

Tator Time

How lucky we are to have cousins that live in Firth, Idaho... potato country! We had the greatest time gleaning potatoes last week. It truly is a kid's dream... a treasure hunt in the dirt! We are looking forward to consuming tons of carbs this winter with all of our glorious free potatoes.