Sam is 8!

I can't believe my Sam-man is 8. Where oh where is the time going? I remember when he was just a sweet little baby. Now he is such a sweet big boy. The day of his birthday we got up and opened presents and then had cupcakes. We kind of had to rush it since we were meeting Grandma Junie in Florence so the kids could spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa in Tucson while Matt and I were gone. He was so excited. Sam can not wait to be baptized next week and is finally able to go to scouts. We just love this kid and are so blessed that he is in our lives. Happy Birthday big boy!

Kristina's the big "14"!!!

We are now undeniably in teenageville! I know that we have been in it for awhile but now there is no denying it. Kristina is 14. She had her birthday on Monday and we were so happy to celebrate with her. Since Matt and I were both working on Monday and going out to eat was going to be difficult we went out to NYPD Pizza on Saturday for her birthday. Monday she wanted me to make pulled pork sandwiches for her official dinner. Which of course me being the awesome mom that I am I did. After she was able to open presents. As you can see she got Twilight scene it for the Wii which she totally kicks my butt everytime. Then we had desert. She didn't want a cake but wanted the chocolate lovers donuts from Dunkin Donuts (which we are so happy that it is right down the road now). I think she had a pretty good birthday. She is having a slumber party on Friday and I promised to take her out shopping for some clothes since I am not allowed to pick clothes for the child anymore. Heaven forbid Mom buys her something to wear. I have no idea what looks good. Go figure! Happy Birthday eldest child!! We love you:)

Highlights from Riley's bday party

Yesterday we finally were able to have Riley's bday party. Events included the classic Pin the Tail on the Donkey, balloon relay, balloon popping race, guess how many chocolate eggs, necklace and bracelet making, eating cupcakes and ice cream, and of course opening presents. The girls were silly and cute. A good time was had by all:)

Riley's ditch day

Today was Riley's ditch day. I stole the idea from some other good moms in the ward. I let my kids have one ditch day a school year when they can choose what we do for the day. Riley wanted to see Percy Jackson and the Olympians. I didn't mind cuz I read the books and really enjoyed them. Pretty good movie. (I am going on a tangent though. Why do directors sometimes go so off base and leave out relevant pieces from books. Obviously the book is good enough to be made into a movie. Why then leave so much out and then go off track and change it from it's true form? Just wondering.) Anywho we went to an early movie. Best time to see movies by the way when school is in session. Not too crowded. Then Riley had some money burning a hole in her pocket from her bday. We went to the pet store to look at the puppies. Then to Border's to pick out more books. It was off to Toys R Us to check that store out. She was able to reserve her copy of Pokemon HeartGold for her DS. Last stop Target to get a stuffed animal (like she needs anymore), presents for her friend's bday and Kristina's bday and party supplies for her party tomorrow. It was a fun day!

I love to do the ditch days with the kids because it's a chance to do one on one with each kid. I love to see what they pick out to do. I also get a kick out of the conversations when they are apart from their siblings. They never cease to amaze me or totally crack me up. They each have such quirky personalities that make me giggle and love them even more. Thanks for the fun day. Now it's almost time for Sam's turn. Can't wait to see what that little monkey picks to do.

Riley's field trip

Last Friday:

Went on field trip.
9 kids in group.
Good kids.
Silly kids.
Funny daughter.
Cool museum.
Nuff said!

(Forgot camera. Cell phone camera. Sorry.)

Sam and Legos

Sam loves Lego's. Sam loves to build things that take up entire rooms. This day he made New York City. Silly Sam:)

Halloween!

We started off our Halloween fun at the costume parade at Sam and Riley's school on Friday. (sorry the pics are totally out of order and I'm way too tired to fix them.) We had a ward trunk or treat on Friday which Kristina attended but Matt and I had to do some other errands we just didn't have time to get to the rest of the week. Then on Sat. we let the festivities began. We carved pumpkins and played outside. It was an amazing beautiful day! The kiddos got dressed up and off they went trick or treating! We LOVE Halloween at our house. Hope you all had a grand day!

Kristina before the trunk or treat

Hermoine Riley. I know it is lame at school but did get better for the actual trick or treating.
Karate Kid Sam

The Pumpkin and her studly AquaBat!

What a crew!

Good looking group!

I love these kids

Kristina's creative picture taking skills

Decorations

Matt and his HOT DOG pumpkin

Sam and his pumpkin

Riley and her pumpkin

Kristina and her pumpkin

Me, my chins, and Mickey!

Cheese

another cheese

Aren't we hot?!

Craving the pumpkins

Fall Carnival

Each year the kiddos' school has a Fall Carnival. Since we have moved here it has gotten better with each passing year. I decided to take the last shift to volunteer because whenever I choose earlier I am always stuck much longer than I'm suppose to be there. The kids had fun but unfortunately we didn't get a single shot of Matt. Bummer! They had bouncies, games, food, and fun. Kristina and I were able to serve in the snack department this year. Awwww...good times:)

Fire truck

Kristina with the popcorn job
I'm serving up some delicious sno cones

Weeeeee!!!

Yipeeee!!!!!

Honor Roll

I totally forgot to mention before fall break that these two smarties got honor roll yet again! Kristina had amazing grades as well. Great job kiddos!

U2 Lego Concert!

I have totally trained my children right. While scrapbooking last night I got this video text from Matt. Sam and Riley made a U2 Lego Concert! Aren't they AWESOME! Tonite they were so excited because youtube was doing a live feed of U2 from the Rosebowl. I let them watch for awhile and they almost felt like they were there. It was a great concert there and I wish I could've gone to that one too. Oh well at least I have the U2 legos to make me happy:)

Bike Ride!

Today I called Matt when I went to eat my lunch at work. The kids had a half day at school and I thought I would check in. He asked if he could call me later because he was teaching Sam to ride a bike. Sam has not even offered a little bit of desire to ride so we have never pushed the issue. I had just finished eating quickly and within 15 min of calling Matt I get a pic of Sam riding like crazy up and down the street! Way to go buddy!! Now I know you are all asking what the heck is with the bike??? Since he has never asked to ride he has never received a boys bike. We thought he could try on Riley's old bike. It will be painted his favorite color of yellow and hopefully Santa will bring him a brand spanking new boy bike for Christmas:) We are proud of ya Sam!