Carving Pumpkins

It's that time of year again. Time to carve pumpkins...why do the kids love it so much? We took the kid's pumpkins and hollowed them out. Then the kids got to choose a pattern for their carving. The boys worked together and the girls worked together. I thought they turned out pretty cute.

Prison Break

Well, we did it. A few of us girls in the neighborhood agreed to run Prison Break (thanks to a little coaxing from Jenny and Cala). We chose between the 5K (me), the 10K, or the 1/2 marathon. It was fun to experience together as friends. Things I would do differently: wear gloves, bring sun glasses, have a parka or blanket in the car for after the race ....it was freezing!

Something I Heart

I saw these earrings in Hawaii and I think I heart them. I have a fixation on pineapples ever since I learned they mean hospitality in the south. I think they are so cute. It's a good thing I bought a pair :)

Prince Nathan

Nate was invited to a royal birthday party where the boys and girls had to dress up like royalty...I think he looks pretty good. He had a great time.

Fall is in the air

We took our annual trip the Pumpkin Patch. The kids each got to pick out a pumpkin and I chose a few to decorate our house. This little pumpkin patch off of Star Road is our favorite. The pumpkins are cheap and they have tons to choose from.

Hawaii + Relaxation = weak moment

Imagine yourselves just returning from a week-long vacation in Hawaii sans kids and husband. Your thoughts of the past week are knowing that you you will never be able to duplicate such a perfect week in paradise...no kids, no obligations, eating what you want, shopping when you want napping when you want etc. you get the idea. Well, I felt a little guilty about the great time I had which is what my family was counting on. All of the planets aligned perfectly and Hell basically froze over because now we are the proud owner of a .....drum roll please.....DOG. My kids and my husband are so happy that we have this little walking hairball but the jury is still out for me. They did let me name him. His name is Paisley (I call him Paisley Poo) he's a shih tzu. Oh, and stay tuned for our family Christmas card picture...yes Paisley is in them (we're becoming those people)

question

Hey...does this helmet make my head look big?

Andrew's Third Birthday

We celebrated Andrew's birthday in Utah with some of his cousins. We had horsey cupcakes with Conner, Carson and Chase and he unwrapped his favorite gift of all...Mater and Lightning McQueen. (Andrew calls him Professor McQueen). Then we had a horsey cake with his other cousins. Every day he asks me to make another horsey cake. Needless to say it took a little time. I found the darling cake pattern on www.parenting.com under the cakes tab. I've made a few of their cakes and they are very easy. They show you step by step instructions and most of the decorations are candy...but I digress. Andrew's birthday was lots of fun and centered around him, just like he likes it. Happy birthday sweetie!

Caporales

We took a little side trip to see Rachel and her darling kids. We got to see their new home, their school and catch up on their lives. Their home is beautiful and Rachel decorated it so well. She also had cupcakes for the kids to decorate. She is an amazing hostess. We had a great time catching up with our friends...next time we'll stay longer!

Trip to Utah

The kids and I decided to take a few days and spend them in Utah with my sissy and her family and to see Rachel and her cute kiddos. We had a great time. We went to the Bean Museum in Provo (we haven't been there before but the kids really liked it) we also went to the art exhibit and ate Navajo Tacos at the Cougareat...delicious!

Sun Valley Book Club

My book club decided to take our monthly meeting on the road. We drove to beautiful Sun Valley and stayed overnight in what we thought would be a nice condo...much to our surprise we were upgraded to a 4 bedroom cottage. We stayed up until 3:00 am playing cards and talking. We also did a little shopping and a lot of eating. Thanks for the great time ladies!

Hawaiian Kids

My cute kids in the outfits I brought from Hawaii.

Hawaii

Aloha! I am posting this in a very good mood. I just returned from the lovely island of Oahu. My friend Brooke invited me and a couple other friends to stay with her parents in Kailua. It was one of the best, most relaxing vacations I have been on. Their home was feet from the sand and ocean. We got up each morning to see the beautiful sunrise. We went snorkeling at Shark's Cove, saw the PCC, shopped at the Flea Market, and took an ATV tour. We also swam in the ocean, took naps, ran on the beach, played cards, ate Hawaiian Snow (yummy) and Teddy Burgers (yum yum) read, swam in the pool and basically enjoyed paradise. I only wish David was with me...It would have been paradise to the 10th degree! Thanks Brooke, Darci, April, John and Kay for a fabulous week.

Sun Valley, Idaho

We went to Sun Valley this year to celebrate Wagon Days. We try to go every year with the Jenson family for our reunion. This year did not disappoint. We enjoyed the cool weather and watched the parade and the kids had a great time playing on all of the toys and riding the train. I love riding our bikes on the long trail. It was a little tricky this year hauling my 40 pound son on my bike but I got a better workout. I also l-o-v-e the Kneadery for breakfast. mmmm delicious. On the "way home" we went to Stanley to check out Red Fish Lake and the surrounding areas. Idaho is beautiful!

Cutest Butt

I love this little Lightning McQueen butt! Andrew is potty trained now. We are so proud of him. It took about two weeks to really be "trained" but he is now a pro. His reward was two little gumballs each time his pants were dry. I am such a happy mom. No more poopie diapers and lots more cute butts. Way to go Drew.

School Days

It's that time of year. All three of my kids are going to school one way or another. Nathan is in half day kindergarten and Drew is in pre-school at Ms. Crystal's. He loves it! Morgan is in 5th grade and will be in middle school next year. They are growing so fast. I love you guys. I hope this year is fantastic.

Allen Family Reunion 2009

It was time for the Allen Family Reunion August 2009. We all met at a cabin in Heber and enjoyed an Auction, Spirit Hike, Talent Show, Luau and lots of fun and bonding. Almost everyone was there for at least part of the time. We missed Jordan but he will be home in February. It was great for the kids to bond with their cousins and David and I got to know the older nieces and nephews better. Josh and Danielle were darling and loving school at Utah State. Steven is in a band in Chicago (wow) and Andrea was a doll...I can't believe how grown up they are! Ryan is a cutie patootie and shared his talent singing and playing the piano. I am so impressed! My mom and dad started getting teary when their 9 kids got up and sang a song that my mom sang to each of us at bedtime. We had a great time! Looking forward to the cruise in 2010.