Our annual trip to the beach

Each year when we go to California we take a trip to Pismo Beach. This year was no exception. The weather was better than any of our previous visits and we had Aunt Jeana with us. We had a wonderful time.

Devon got really brave and went out deeper and deeper in the ocean. It got to the point that we had to call him into shallow water.

Makenna was no different at the beach than she is anywhere else. She was in constant cartwheel mode.

All three kids brought money to spend on the pier. Apparently they saw necklaces last year that they liked. Lucky for us, they must be regular items at the shop on the pier.

Cuddling at Nana and Grampa's house

Jayden is very gentle and loving with his little sister. They adore each other. It's my dream that my children will always feel this way about each other.

We're on our way to Cali...

It's a long drive to California from Utah. Especially if you are 6, 9 and 10. We make a stop in Mesquite, Nevada to help break up the trip a little bit. This year we were late getting on the road. We left Utah a little after ten and got to Mesquite around about 3 in the morning. Lucky for us the time fell back and hour. By the time we were in our room, baths taken and in jammies it was four o'clock local time.

Daddy

Fun at 0's 10th birthday

What a fun birthday party to attend. There was laser tag, a bounce area, the pirate's cove, and a huge rink to ride scooters around.

The laser tag vest was very heavy for Makenna. She struggled with it until the game began and then adrenaline took care of the weight.

What could be better than a Pokeball cupcake? Well, that would be an egg, milk, peanut and nut-free cupcake. Have I said how much we love and appreciate our friends?

Devon's long hair

Devon decided that he would like to grow his hair out. This was not easy for me to let him do. I love the clean-cut look. The is a picture of him after discussing (yet again) his need for a hair cut.

Election Day 11/04/08

If you haven't already....don't forget to VOTE!

Happy Halloween 2008!!!

Our Angel, Makenna
Indiana Devon

Indiana Jayden

We enjoyed our annual Halloween party at the Pottengers. The house was decorated, the meal was spooky, but yummy, trick or treating was fun to do with friends, and Halloween twister will only be co-ed for another year or two (LOL!). Whenever we share a holiday (or anything for that matter) with our friends we feel especially grateful for the relationships that we have. The meal was 100 percent safe, so was the dessert, and none of the kids have issue leaving all of the unsafe candy in their bags. We couldn't ask for a more supportive and loving environment. Thank you to everyone for all of the added extras that help to keep our family safe. We love you all for it!!!

Here's Mattie/Daddy Always (yes, ALWAYS) keeping things interesting!

In turn, my costume was meant to keep things interesting for Mattie. My tattooed arms, dark eyeliner, and blue streaks in my hair are dedicated to him. Happy Halloween Mattie!!!

Pumpkin carving

This year we carved pumpkins on Halloween day. Makenna carved a sweet one with heart eyes. Devon carved a scary one with scars. Jayden carved a Pokeball. I carved a smiley, happy one. Matt missed all of the excitement. He was at work .

Trick or treating at Grandpa and Grandma Martin's house

Halloween dance party

They all went outside and wrote their names in the parking lot, played games and passed out treats to their friends.

Makenna's dance studio held their annual Halloween party.

Top 3

I was tagged by Tiffany, so here are my top 3's...

Vacations
1. San Diego (alone with my husband)
2. Las Vegas (prior to children; it was wild)
3. Lemoore, California (there's nothing like sharing your kids with family)

Flowers
1. Tulips
2. Daffodils
3. Gerber Daisies

Comfort foods
1. Dorito Salad
2. 7 layer dip (actually 6 layer because I leave the onions off)
3. Outback's Queensland Chicken and Shrimp

Favorite places to shop
1. Rod Works
2. Barnes and Noble
3. Gymboree

Thoughts about Halloween
1. It's cold to trick-or-treat in Utah
2. I can never believe it's time for the holiday season
3. The magic it brings to my kid's lives

Thoughts about Thanksgiving
1. We get to see Mom/Nana and Dad/Grampa
2. This year (Uncle) Josh and (Aunt) Jeana will celebrate with us
3. Time off from everything and just enjoying each other

Thoughts about Christmas
1. Extremely special with little ones in the house
2. Crafts, cookies and tradition
3. Time off from everything and just enjoying each other

Things you look forward to in the week
1. Nights that Matt does not have any homework
2. My kids climbing into the van after school and hearing about their day.
3. Watching the kids in all of their activities (soccer, karate and dance)

Events happening this week
1. Halloween party with our friends
2. Carving pumpkins
3. (Aunt) Jeana's 26th birthday

I tag...
Katrina
Lena (It's a subtle way to encourage you to update your blog)