Ward Party

This years ward party was marvelous.  Good food. Good people. Good Entertainment. 

The Fuller Brothers performed for us. {Rootbeer Reunion, ever heard of them?} 

They were amazing.

The kids loved it too.  This picture is proof that Bracken tried. He was good, at least for a few songs.  But I think the excitement got to him, and mosh pits incurred.  A quiet song would come on and he would stand up and yell, "whoo hooo!"  Crazy kid.  

The same thing happened in church the next day.  He got to go to 'Big Primary' for the first time.  The older nursery kids were brought into singing time and at the end of singing Follow The Prophet Bracken yells, "Whoo Hoo!"  We'll have to work on that.  You'd think we were concert goers or something.

Santa showed up after everyone sang Jingle Bells really loud.  He came in and sat down and the kids were  so excited they just stood there in awe.  One of the Fuller Brothers said, "I think he want's you to go sit on his lap or somthin!"  Bracken turned around and said, "Can I go?" and I let him.  He was excited to be the first one and not afraid.

I wanted a picture of Ella seeing Santa and Jason was helping take down tables
so I asked one of the girls in the ward to take her.  Thanks K!

Ella wasn't so sure but didn't cry...

This funny guy is K's dad, he was being silly during the performance 

and this picture had to be taken!

Party Time!

One year old and wiser for it too!

Can you believe all these months have passed us by?

and 1 year old...

when asked how old she is...

It was the funniest thing, when sang to she was so shy and looked away{on both occasions.} 

We had a party on Sunday at Granny's and Thursday at home (can we say spoiled?!)

not to say she didn't LOVE all the attention!

Bracken blew the candle for her :)

Me.

Meghan and Andrew.

Amber and Granny.

Ella.

On Sunday I followed her around with the camera trying to get her leg sticking out. Success.

Fun cake moments....

 

Happy Birthday Little One.

Lovely.

Ella is always going.  Always into everything.  She can't sit still.  It's draining.  Dang good thing she's so cute.

Church is exhausting. Sitting on a bench for over an hour? Ha. Ha. Ha.

I loved the comment we got from a neighbor sitting behind us this week, "She is just brimming with personality!" I smiled and said thanks. Outside, I said to Jason, "That's one way of putting it!"

Saturday her face collided with the rock mantle at my parent’s house. Ouch. Just in time for her birthday...

I am too worn-out to say much else. She is sleeping, for a minute.  I best get what I can done with the opportunity given!

For this {was} Halloween...

Halloween lasted for a week. We didn't mind though, we had fun!

The festivities started on Saturday October 23rd, 8 days before Halloween...

I have some fabulous cousins who put together a Great Grandma Halloween Party so we could all get together with Grandma and Grandpa.

They planned activities, food and games. It was perfect.

Here is Bracken decorating his pumpkin. 

Here is Bracken decorated like a pumpkin!

Ella feeling a bit left out...

she got a slinky all was better!

Then on Sunday we carved pumpkins at Granny's...

Monday thru Thursday festivities consisted of running through the house in our costumes. 

{well, Bracken, in his costume!}

Then on Friday it was time to go out again... This time we added a cape to the frog ensemble. 

{at the great grandma Halloween his cousins were super hero's and he felt a bit sad}

So here we have Super Flying Frog Bracken

and Princess Ella.

Princess and the Frog

With the 2 of them all decked out we headed to Information Alliance to work, 

then to Tremonton to the Main Street Trick or Treat. We had lots of fun!

Saturday was the designated 'real' Halloween.

Here's my clan...

me and the kiddos...

me and CK :)

If you came by the house to Trick or Treat or saw me make my one trip outside with the kids you got the full effect of my Pajama Mama costume.. if not. This is what you get :) {I'm just sayin I think it was better when I was standing!}

remember this

Yesterday after Trick or Treating up and down main street in Tremonton, we made a few visits to see family.  While at Grandma and Grandpa Thompson's Ella took her first few steps from Grandma to Mom.  So exciting!

When trying to get her to do it again she tipped around like a drunken sailor :) But I believe before long we are going to have a full time walker!

Where did my baby go?

This is Fall

Really, because the kiddos are in bed, Jason is gone playing basketball and I have time to myself on the computer I should be working {ya know.. making money?}  But alas.  I am all caught up on my Facebook friends lives, up to date on my blog stalking and he still isn't home; so instead of working on my current project I will share some funny {well we think so} stuff/pictures...

There were 109 photos on my camera.  Lets see how many we can fit here.  Shall we?

Okay I changed my mind.  I picked 8 photos from ONE day... I'll share those.  We'll move from there.

The day: October 9th 2010 {Happy Birthday to Amber and Happy Anniversary to Grandma Jo and Grandpa Gordon - who are NOT in the pictures}

 This is Gracen. Bracken's 'kid.' 

He loves him and tries really hard to be nice to him 

{most of the time it works}  

In his words, 'Is my kid coming with us?'

We went to the Black Island Farms {I think} in Syracuse, it was SO fun. 

I tell everyone who asks {and some that don't} that it blew American West Heritage Center away. 

far away.

Bracken's kids came with us {er- we went with them, so very glad we got invited.}

We swung.

 and slid

 Played in the 'Corn Pile' 

{I loved this, as did the kids as they buried each other!}

 Got train rides

Went through the corn maze with toddlers leading the way... 

{no pictures of being lost OR finding our way out with the map...}

 Got a tractor ride - I must add that Bracken was disappointed that he didn't get to drive.

{yes I am cropped out of the picture- sorry folks only so much of my face I thought you could handle - 

and obviously Ella was more interested in the tractor than the camera.}

AND picked our own pumpkins. Winner! 

{I forgot to mention the pig races that were so funny
and the rubber duck races with the water pumps the kids could have stayed all day...}

For all those times...

For all the times I said, "I wish I had my camera..." 

and realized I had my phone!

I told you you were into everything El!

Spunk

Oh My Mr Buddy....

You are a character indeed.

I could just eat you up some days

and lock you in your room on others!

You were the best helper while dad changed the oil in the Saturn... 

but when he was done you needed him to help you!

You HATE bedtime and are working on keeping your bed dry at night, 

a few times we have found you in the hallway asleep...  

{I guess that's one way to keep the sheets dry.}

{yes, that is a baby doll... you have been attached to it recently...}

I have gone to extreme measures to try and get you to eat...

when chocolate is involved you love me best!

One day Meg came over and played with you... by the end of the day she was more than ready to go home.  She was prepping you for her departure when you said, 'Can I sleep at your house?'  Caught her off guard and she couldn't say no.. you ran and got your bag packed.  You were all ready to go snow boots and all... when you asked me, 'Mom? Where does Meghan live?'  Ha ha ha! You didn't even know where you were going!

You are an EXCELLENT big brother.. 

even if you'd leave her alone every once in awhile ;)

He he he.  This was funny.  You put the BK crown on upside down and said , 'Mom, look! I'm a hero!'

I can't forget to mention your funny phrase when you do something all by yourself...

'I can do it all by my onsies!'

You are loved buddy!