Happy Halloweeeeeen!

Happy Halloween everyone! I'm excited to blog surf and see all of your pictures. We had a great time. This was the first year I didn't make Eric's costume, but I knew I couldn't do a very good job replicating Captain Rex (in case you didn't recognize him, or come from the old school of Star Wars fans, he is a new character in the Clone Wars series). I did make an attempt at Lily's Ariel costume, however. I was pleased with the results, although as I was sewing the top, I half-considered giving up and just using seashells, it would have been MUCH simpler, albeit less modest. She loved the costume, which made me happy and she actually managed to keep the wig on, which was miraculous. Her preschool had a little program. The video is mostly for the benefit of grandparents. The second video is for anyone who is unfamiliar with Lily's innate ability to preen. She has been doing it since she was able to walk. That girl knows how to work it, I'm a little worried...

The Back Posting Continues...

Our Baby turned four in May! Where does the time go? It's a little frightening. Lily has been such a wonderful addition to our family. She is all girl, which is fun for her girly mom. She loves to sing and dance, play Princesses, My Little Pony, etc. She loves her brother, but knows how to quietly push his buttons. She is very affectionate and polite, always remembering to say 'Thank You', although 'Please' is a little more difficult to master. We love you, Lily, and can't imagine our family without you!

I was going through a rough patch, so Alec helped me with the execution of the cake. Someday, I need to actually learn how to decorate a cake for real.

Picture of our kids at the temple.

Fourth of July

I know, we have been terrible bloggers this summer, but at least it was for a good reason. We were on such great trips! My wonderful Aunt and Uncle let us use their cabin in Island Park for the 4th and we had a fabulous time.

Lily was able to have a Tea Party with Belle before the Playmill performance of Beauty and the Beast. She LOVED it, despite the shy look on her face.

Our favorite golf course in Ashton, Idaho.

Roasting marshmallows.

Adorable Afton!

One of the most beautiful places on earth.

Barrett brought his guns and let us embarrass ourselves target shooting. Let's just hope we never have to do it to stay alive! If so, put me on Barrett's team.

The Happiest Place

Kezia came to stay with us for a few days before the big Judd Grandkids vacation in lieu of her Senior Trip. Does she look like she is having a good time or what? Nope, she's not wasted, just tired from playing with a rowdy nephew and niece. We loved having her!

Alec's grandparents took everyone to Oceanside for a vacation. Our kids had never been to California, so it was full of magical, new things for them. They loved the ocean. Lily loves to be chased, and of course waves are a great perpetual chaser.

They had a fun relay race for the kids as well as crafts for them during down time.

Lily loved the princesses (surprise, surprise). She was a good sport and went on the big rides all morning, but by the time we hit Splash Mountain, she was done. I took her on the smaller rides in the afternoon, which she loved. As we were in line for Small World and she saw the boats she said, "Mommy, are there any monsters, or dark, or waterfalls on this ride?"

Eric was lucky enough (thanks to Grandma LuAnne pointing vigorously at his head) to be picked for Jedi training. We thought it was kind of lame at first, until Darth Vader and Darth Maul came to fight each of them. It was Eric's favorite part of the day and I still catch him practicing his Light Saber sequence.

We also did Legoland, which the kids loved.

Anyone noticing a pattern here? Thanks for the wonderful trip, Judd Family!

Dream On My Children

Two funny video clips. We found Eric in his 3 year old Dragon costume, brushing his teeth while singing his favorite Aerosmith song, 'Dream On'. The second explains itself.