Halloween Happenings

A few weeks ago, we had a church activity where the kids could dress up. We didn't have an official Halloween costume figured out for Alex yet, so Steph and I threw this together last minute and it turned out pretty dang cute if I can say so myself...

In this picture, Steve was so impressed because he thought Alex was demonstrating the proper technique for catching a football... I didn't have the heart to tell him he was actually making the "U" sign for the Utah Utes.

We took advantage of the beautiful (probably for the last time) weather last weekend to go to the pumpkin patch.

Yesterday was the Halloween party for preschool. The parents lined the sidewalk for the kids to parade in their costumes, then they performed a Halloween song for us.

My sister made her son an adorable squirrel costume some 20 years ago which we turned into a chipmunk. Alex has been on an Alvin and the Chipmunks kick lately and thought this costume was pretty cool!

Alex and his beloved "Miss Tami".

Tumbling!

Alex is a mover and a groover. He loves to dance "beat boy" style, spinning around on the ground, doing handstands and such. So, I thought he might enjoy a tumbling class. I signed him up through the community ed where they hold classes at various high schools (quite often taught by someone who is barely out of high school themselves!), so I didn't have very high expectations, but both Alex and I have loved it. His teacher is phenomenal and Alex is about to begin a second session, now in Tumbling 2! Here he is learning to do a cartwheel...

Love the expression on his face in this one after sticking his gold medal landing.

On to Tumbling 2!

Fire Station Field Trip

Alex went on his first field trip this week... to the fire station! There were a handful of very excited little boys from his class, and 3 little girls who seemed entirely unimpressed... go figure!

The firemen did an excellent job of talking to the kids about fire safety, showing them their gear and equipment, and of course the most exciting part for the boys... getting to sit in the fire engine!

At the end, each kid got a special sticker if they could demonstrate how to "stop, drop and roll". This is Alex's turn...

He's not covering his eyes out of embarassment, you're supposed to cover them for protection (something new that I didn't know...)

This field trip must have made quite an impression on Alex as he says he wants to be a fireman when he grows up. It will have to be a sidejob though, because he's also said he wants to be a superhero... and a golfer.

Fickle Fall

Last weekend we went up the canyon for a picnic, hoping to enjoy some fall colors. There was some, but not as much as I had hoped. So, I thought, "maybe next weekend we can go back and there may be more color". Boy, was I ever wrong. Instead of color dotting the mountains, they are currently blanketed in a lovely shade of... white. Yes, the "S" word. I can't even bring myself to say it. But in typical bi-polar Utah weather fashion, it is supposed to warm back up next week. Please, please, please warm up...

Back to the picnic... it was a lovely day and my lovely boy could spend hours just playing by the creek. Despite all my "dissing" on Utah, I do enjoy having the mountains so close, snow and all.

1st College Road Trip

Steph is kicking off her second year of college in a grand fashion. Her first year she didn't do much other than go to class each day. I know, that didn't sound right... going to class is of course the most important part of college, but I just didn't think she was allowing herself to live the real college experience, you know, the social side. This year she has done a full 180. She is in "The MUSS"! (I know it stands for something, just can't remember what...) When you buy a MUSS pass, you get into all the games and stand in the student section. Kicking off the inaugural season of the U being in the Pac 12, a bunch of MUSS kids traveled to Southern California last weekend to go to the game against USC. Instead of opting to ride the bus, Steph and 3 friends drove down themselves, a decision they may have started to doubt when they locked the keys in the car... in my driveway! Luckily, from there on out it was smooth sailing.

They spent some time at Manhattan Beach during the day, walked the Santa Monica Pier at night, and had a blast meeting up with a good friend of Steve's and his family for a tailgate party at the stadium.

Steph said there were a ton of Ute fans there, which I thought was awesome. I think it is so exciting to be in the Pac 12!

Unfortunately, the Utes lost in the final seconds but definately made a good showing.

The kids ended up having a great time. I was so happy to see Steph making memories and enjoying this exciting time of her life.

Preschool!

Alex started preschool a couple weeks ago and absolutely LOVES it! From the moment he steps foot out of the car, he takes off running and I have to chase after him and grab him long enough to steal a good-bye kiss. This is Alex on the first day. He's a pretty stylin' 4 year old with his skinny jeans, Vans and Giants hat... thanks to Sissy. That's what happens when you have a 19 year old sister who is into fashion.

His preschool teacher does it out of her home and has a cute little school set up in her basement. She comes very highly recommended by a couple ladies I know. My heart goes out to her right now as she tragically lost her mother on Sunday in a car accident. Bless her heart, she still held preschool on Tuesday.

The best thing about 4 year olds, is that as soon as they see you when school is over, they are so excited to run up to you with a big hug and anxiously show off what they did in school that day. Do you think Alex will still be willing to greet me with a big hug and kiss in another 8 years when he starts junior high?! Probably not, so I'll enjoy it while it lasts...

Better Late Than Never Temple Pics

When our family was sealed back in December, it was a freezing cold, super windy day. We took a few quick pictures in front of the temple, but it was too frigid to stand out there for long. I decided we would just come back in the spring when the weather was nicer. Spring turned into summer, and finally I coerced my family into getting all gussied up to head over to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple for pictures. I didn't ask anyone to come be our photographer, so it was quite the task to put the self-timer and tripod to work. Despite it all, we did get some nice shots... I especially love the ones of Steph and Alex.