Thanksgiving

Steve had to work on Thanksgiving this year so his family graciously agreed to have it on Friday. That meant two Thanksgiving dinners for the boys and me because a friend in the ward (the Rynearson's) invited us over Thanksgiving day.
We had dinner at Grandpa Peres' house Friday and were joined by Phyllis, Teresa, Deron, and Deron's family. Later Teresa had friends stop by. It was a fun crowd. The highlight of the afternoon was playing Jenga. I had never seen the tower get so tall! Everyone played really well, but I came out on top with my steady "surgeon's hand", as they all called it. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it. All I know is I felt my blood pressure rise like crazy when it was my turn. I don't know how surgeon's can be under that kind of pressure for so many hours!

Deron, Scott, and Steve.

Noah and Joshua at the kid table.

Grazing before the main event.

Noah and Joshua enjoy their food in their own way.

Deron's family (I am terrible with names!)

Steve, Scott, Teresa, Deron, Phyllis, and Grandpa Peres.

Deron and his steady hand...Joshua looks on with awe.

Teresa takes a stab.

Joshua covers his mouth. He can't stand the suspense...and probably doesn't want to be responsible for blowing over the tower.

Hooray for a Fun, Successful Soccer Season!

November 14th was the last soccer game. It's amazing how much the boys improved this year and learned to love the game. Yeah! Scott played goalie & did really well. It was a tough game! Noah shined out on the field as usual. They had team parties and were awarded trophies. (Pictured above) At Scott's party the kids told what they loved most about soccer before they received their trophy. Scott showed that he loved falling down. He got lots of laughs, as usual.

Veteran's Day Parade

The kids were out of school for Veteran's Day (something we hadn't experienced before) so we headed to the Veteran's Day Parade. The kids were so excited to get MORE candy. We were just about out of Halloween candy. Oh well. It was a fun parade. I always get choked up when the flag and the military people go by. I am grateful for my freedom.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween this year was a lot of fun. The day before Halloween we got to see Scott in the school Halloween parade. Noah went on a fun field trip to a pumpkin patch with the Kindergarten and got to wear his new tie dye shirt he made at school.

Scott--Darth Vader

On Halloween we had soccer games, worked in the yard, went to the ward Halloween dinner/trunk or treat, and then went trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. This is the first year the boys finally caught on to the need for speed and actually ran to each house shouting "Trick-or-treating is awesome!" They came home with over 2 1/2 lbs of candy each. Can you say sugar high?

Joshua "Spiderman", Scott "Darth Vader", and Noah "Batman" with their pumpkins.

Joshua checks out the Halloween decor.

Ready for trick-or-treating!

On a major sugar high!

Noah's cute scarecrow he made at school.

Noah and Corduroy...again.

Noah and Corduroy at pack meeting eating yummy treats.

Good morning Noah and Corduroy!

Corduroy gets to wear Noah's tie dye shirt.

Joshua, Noah, and Corduroy play monsters and bats.

Noah got another turn with Corduroy the Bear and having his own special day. Not too many exciting things happened besides going to the pack meeting, but it was fun having Corduroy tag along.

Scott's and Steve's First Pack Meeting

Scott is a brand new Cub Scout and Steve just happens to be the new Cub Master. They had their first pack meeting October 27th and Scott earned his Bobcat. Way to go Scott!

Gathering activity--mummy making contest.

Steve presents the Bobcat badge to Sam Pueblo and Scott. Elizabeth prepares to paint their faces with frosting. YUM!

Sam and Scott.

Never In A Million Years...

My friend, Mary, invited me out for a fun Friday evening, but it was a secret. She wouldn't tell me where we were going. Much to my surprise we were headed for a pedicure...something I would NEVER do for myself. I was a bit worried since my feet are extremely ticklish, but the lady had the magic touch and it was a lot of fun. Thanks for the pretty feet, Mary!

Mary getting her feet soaked.

Elizabeth and Mary

Pretty feet. Elizabeth's on the left, Mary's on the right.

The Honest Truth

I've always appreciated Steve's honesty, especially when it has to do with my weight. Apparently, most husbands lie when asked if their wife's butt looks fat because the wife gets offended. I don't get offended, I really want to know and Steve always gives me the truth. Well, we were having one of those conversations again last night as I have gained 5 lbs over the last few weeks with all the birthday and baptism celebrating we've been doing. Steve was telling me I was looking a lot better after my weight loss efforts this week. I told him I was so glad he could be honest with me. He said "I tell people they're fat all day long, what's one more?" I laughed so hard I cried.

Happy 12th Anniversary--October 11th

For our 12th anniversary Steve tried to recreate our first date for the boys on the back deck. He's a fantastic cook and won me through my stomach. Our first date was a yummy campfire dinner up in the mountains. We told the boys the story about our first date while we ate around the fire. Steve even made S'mores with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups instead of the usual chocolate. YUM! Thanks for 12 fantastic years, Steve. I love you!!!

Scott's Baptism--October 10th

Scott was baptized by his dad, Steve, on October 10th. The chapel where the baptism was performed happens to be right next to the Sacramento Temple. What a beautiful place for a baptism! (I'm waiting for my mom to send a copy of the picture she took of Scott and Steve together in their baptism clothes and of Scott's cake. Hint, hint Mom!)

The sun was VERY bright. We had a hard time getting a decent picture.

Mary Maher, Deron and Teresa Rodriguez were there.

Phyllis and Grandpa Peres were there.

Noah loved playing in the fountain.

So did Joshua.

Scott and his Grandpa Peres.

Noah, Scott, and Joshua with their Grandpa Peres.

Scott, Noah, and Joshua with their Grandma and Grandpa Turner.

Scott's baptism cake says "Congratulations Scott, you're on your way."

Grandma Turner brought all of Scott's new Cub Scout stuff. Very exciting!

The Cub Stuff bucket holds all of his scout things like his book, belt, etc. Very clever!

We gave Scott his own set of scriptures and a journal. He said it was his very favorite birthday present of all. What a good boy!