THANKSGIVING DAY

MESA ARIZONA TEMPLE

GRAND CANYON

We decided to go to Mesa, Arizona for Thanksgiving. Nate has been dying to reconnect with his cousins. I think his going through a bit of a midlife crisis. He is having a hard time. We drove through the night to some Indian Reservation in the middle of no where. They had a really yummy all inclusive breakfast the next morning. We went from there to the Grand Canyon. Nate said he has been wanting to see the Grand Canyon his whole life. It really was spectacular. Nate stopped at every look out along the way and all the kids had to get out of the van to see the sights everytime we stopped. Nate insisted. It all started to look the same after a while and the girls no longer wanted to get out of the van at every stop. Nate wasn't impressed at their lack of enthusiasm. This was the Grand Canyon kids! 

We were so blessed. When we pulled into the visitor center at the park it was so crowded. Nate wanted to see the IMAX movie but was worried there would be a long wait. We walked right into an almost empty theater. The movie started right away. When we left the visitor center and called Uncle Brad he was worried we would hit major traffic on our way through Phoniex. However, we hit Phoniex a little before four and missed the traffic. Nate has a hard time with crowds and traffic, I felt both were tender mercies.

GRANDMA and GRANDPA

 Grandma and Grandpa McKnight came for a quick visit. They played in the yard with the kids and helped rake leaves. I have been trying to find excuses to get outside and play with my children. Raking leaves seemed to be the perfect excuse. The boys loved it especially when grandma jumped in and helped them ride in the wheelbarrow. 

DENTIST

Nate shaved his head for his 40th birthday. It has been a lot harder to get use to than I imagined it would be. I have encouraged him for years to do it. He has a good shaped head and he has lost so much hair lately. I think it will grow on me. 

He taught a preschool about proper dental hygiene. They love his visits. I don't think he has switched up his presentation since he started his practice. Those are still the teeth dress up's I made years ago and the tooth brush I made. The kids still love them. Teresa also went. She is Nate's hygienist. 

IAN BIRTHDAY PARTY

Ian's birthday party was touring the police station. I thought it was such a great idea for a birthday party. Nattalie gave them all goodie bags at the end and we went home. Simple and perfect. The boys loved it. Ashton was all grins when they got to play with the siren. James talked Sergeant Sawyer's ear off. At the end of the tour James proclaimed he too wanted to be a police officer when he grows up. He has talked of nothing else since we got home. 

TRICK-or-TREAT DOWN MAINSTREET

We went trick-or-treating down main street. Sierra didn't want to bother getting all dressed up again. She was a cowgirl. Not too original since she pretty much is one in real life. However lately the less I have to hassle her the better for both of us. I pick my battles. It was crowded and I let the boys walk so it was slow. When were done Sierra said, let's go home. I thought we would hit up a few neighborhoods. She loved to fill her sack when she was younger. She convinced the boys they had enough candy. Madison wasn't buying. I tried arranging for my friend to take Madison out again with her and her boys but then Madison changed her mind and decided she was done too. I think these kids are spoiled. I remember trick-or-treating until I couldn't take another step or until my bag was so heavy I couldn't lug it around anymore. They just aren't that into it. I stopped off at the store and bought stuff for burritos and we went home and ate burritos and watched Free Rein. My girls favorite show lately. We were all in bed at a decent time, so I guess quitting early really isn't too bad. 

WINDOW VIEW

When you glance out of the corner of your eye and you see movement. You realize your sick baby has escaped in his diaper. Mom Fail.

GHOSTS

Yesterday, I was frustrated. I hate when I have to make dinner and I am not hungry. I don't know why it bothers me so much but when I am not hungry I am happy to make pancakes or something easy but a full meal is bothersome to me. I know I am ridiculous. I was made dinner threw it on the table and called Nate and the kids into eat. I went to change my dress because I spilled onto the dress I wore to church making dinner. Why I don't wear and apron is beyond me. I changed and was headed out the door to do my visiting teaching and to attend stake choir practice. I headed to the door. I paused to look up the message. I shouldn't have paused. Ashton came walking toward me and projectile vomited all over me and the into the boots I was wearing. I wish I could have recorded it. I have seen a lot of vomit over my last 12 years of being a mother. I have never seen it project like a hose. He was four feet away and it was inside my new boots. It was impressive. Funny enough, I wasn't mad. My whole family made a quick break for the front door. I locked them out until dark. I cleaned up the mess and bathed Ashton. I turned on conference and cleaned up the kitchen and finished the laundry. It is funny how something so bad can actually make you relax. It immediately slowed me down and helped me priorities. Visiting teaching and choir practice was really not that big of deal. Loving Ashton Max was the most important think I could do.

I cancelled our friend Halloween party for tonight. I was so excited about it but I didn't want to pass along the bug. Especially, the day before Halloween. After ignoring the boys and letting them hang out it their pajamas and watch television. I decided to call them to the table for lunch and a craft. The boys made fluffy, spooky ghosts. They loved it. 

 

HALLOWEEN

I was teaching a photography class for super Saturday. I got my kids dressed up for Truck-or-Treat. I dropped them off with my friend Lily. She was so sweet to take them around. (After teaching a photography class, I am slightly embarrassed about this photo but you take the the moment when you can get it. I don't think I have had a picture of Sierra this good in a long time.) She is Rey from the new Star Wars. Madison is BB8 from the new Star Wars. James and Ashton didn't want to join our theme. James was Spiderman and Ashton was Optimus Prime. Ashton doesn't even know who Optimus Prime is and I tried to get him to be Superman or Batman and do a family superhero theme but he refused. He saw the Optimus Prime costume and nothing would sway him from wanting to be the alien robot. I put both the girls costumes together for around six dollars. Everything was thrifted from Sierra's costume. We found a mostly white outfit from Madison's closet and bought a hat and some felt. I was pretty darn excited about how they turned out.