Halloween 2023, Fall Break, and Cultural Night

 We had a swell Halloween! It started with the school parade walk. I appreciated how I didn't have to buy anything or pull stuff together for anyone's costumes this year. Everyone wanted to be stuff we already had. Or didn't want to dress up at all.

We had our fun mummy dogs at Mamie's with the fun dry ice rootbeer.

Jaxon stopped trick or treating last year, but he enjoyed passing out candy this year.

The girls had their Halloween skate recital a couple days before and they did just great!

We liked playing with cousins in the leaves.

And spending fall break at the cabin (we made Halloween cookies here, but I think some kids got carried away with sprinkles...)

We visited the tiny Fairview library and city park while there.

Every fall, our ward has a Cultural Night- it is the biggest ward activity of the year. Since the members in our ward come from several different countries, this is the night to show off their country's best. Everyone takes preparation for this night very seriously! Ginger and Violet performed 2 different cultural dances (Mexico and Venezuela).

There's always such yummy food. These two loved their elotes.

Jaxon was stage crew the whole night. He enjoyed it immensely. 

This is a night we look forward to every year.

Fun and Random Happenings

 The kids participated in the pop bottle contest for the school carnival again. Always a fun few days of using WAY too much hot glue. But Ginger placed 2nd place in her grade and Violet got 1st, so they thought it was worth it. ;)

Have I mentioned Talmage's obsession with chips and salsa?

We enjoy feeding the ducks...until the moment some ducks cross personal boundaries and then it's all panic and screams after that.

I love how Jaxon never feels too old to play with his brother.

We always like picking Mamie's raspberries and peaches.

A spontaneous pillow fight on the trampoline? Sure, why not?

These girls did great at Oktoberfest!

More salsa, anyone?

A Special Bell Tower FHE

I feel so lucky to know two people who play and write music for the carillon bells at BYU. This summer, I met Brigham on campus to grab some stuff from his car. While there, he pointed out that someone was playing Bridger's arrangement of Feed the Birds from Mary Poppins.

A few weeks later, I asked Bridger if my kids could get a special inside look at the bells. He was happy to oblige and we invited Brigham, other cousins and Mamie and Papa to make it a special FHE.

The kids tried playing the practice "keyboard" on the bottom floor. It's the same replica as the upper floor. It's literally a bunch of pegs you have to hit with your fists and feet that are connected to the bells.

I let Travis take the older kids up while I stayed below with the younger two. The climb up the small, winding staircase is not for the faint of heart!

I had to include a couple songs Bridger arranged for the bells.

He later switched me out and I actually got to play a few notes for all BYU campus to hear. :)

We all went out for ice cream cones after. I'm so glad we got this unique experience!

 

Ivy Turns 4

 Ivy turned 4! It seemed like she'd be 3 forever! She was so excited to finally be 4.

She was also excited to share birthday treats with her preschool class that afternoon. And that evening we celebrated with cake and ice cream, and the trick candles made a reappearance. ;) I will forever cherish her sweet, high pitched voice, asking me so many questions throughout the day. We love you, Ivy!

Jaxon Turns 12

Jaxon has grown in so many ways over the past year. He is so talented and a big help to me around the house. Out of all the kids, he's probably the sweetest with the younger kids. He's definitely their favorite.

We thought we'd get him the trick candles. Oh my goodness. He thought they were the most hilarious things ever. Although it tugs my heart strings a bit, I can't wait to see what's in store for this big boy. We love you Jaxon!

The School Year Begins!

 Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!

We have Jaxon in 6th (last year of elementary! I usually have them hold up their favorite book, but he's definitely not a book kid, so he's holding up his fidget toy just to be silly)

Violet in 4th...

And Ginger in 1st grade. She is so excited to begin Chinese immersion. She's been looking forward to this day for at least 2 years. It's going great!

And believe it or not, this little girl started preschool. She's definitely the youngest, and cutest preschooler out there. Made the deadline by 2 days!

Of course, this little guy didn't want to be left out and demanded he have a photo too.

I am so grateful for the wonderful schools my kids go to and their dedicated teachers.

Last Days of Summer

 We've had a great summer. 

Violet got her second ever haircut.

Enjoyed a huge indoor playground at Provo Beach Resort. It was a great, cool way to burn off energy!

We came home and had ice cream cones.

This is what I want their summers to be. Just kickin back, enjoying ice cream on our front swing together. 

Violet and Laykin put on a terrific magic show.

More time at the local splash pad.

Talmage discovered he loves salsa.

Pillow fight on the tramp!

One last night at the pool.

Ivy discovered she loves the indoor water slides! She goes over and over and over...

And to wrap it up, we had one last outing with cousins. Playdates with cousins is one of their favorite parts of summer vacation. They always look forward to it.

All in all, we had a fantastic summer. I wouldn't change it for anything.