A Little Catch Up

October

We celebrated Sophie's 3rd birthday.  We made it special and she knew that it was her day.  She struggled on the triplets birthday this year(since she was the only kid not blowing out a candle) and we wanted to make sure she knew it was her day this time!  She pranced around like a princess (as she always does) all day.

We went to Chuck E Cheese for her birthday and invited all of the family and cousins that live here in Utah.  Sophie has a large obsession with princesses and we had every thing princess, including this cake that I made.

 Fun was had by all!

Halloween is always a fun time too.  There is the pumpkin patch. 

 Pumpkin carving. 

 Picking out fun costumes. 

 The triplets did a Halloween program with their preschool class. 

Then, there is the trick or treating.  Unfortunately, it was pouring down rain, but we weathered through it.  You couldn't even see most of the kids costumes because every one had coats and umbrellas.  Oh well.  The most important part is the candy and hanging out with friends and family.  Adam and Lisa had the Halloween party at their house this year.


                                                                    November

In November we took the kids to a nearby park and took some fun pictures of them.


It snowed for the first time.

We also went to California for Thanksgiving.  I drove out by myself with the 4 kids.  That was a first for me.  They actually did really well.  The worst part was the traffic outside of Las Vegas.  It took forever.  Hence, why I was taking pictures.  :)

We went up to Angels Camp with Heidi, Heather, and their families.  It was fun just hanging out in the condos with every one.
 We also took a day trip to Columbia to check out the old gold mining town.

Then, Dan flew out really late Tuesday night.  We had Thanksgiving dinner at Eric and Jill's and we had a great time with every one.  Thanksgiving night Heidi, Heather, Miranda and I started shopping at 10 pm.  We got home at 7 am.  Another highlight of my trip!

We left to drive home at 4am Sunday morning.  I was so glad to have Dan this time.  Unfortunately, we were driving right toward a snow storm. 

It was a little dicey in some areas and we didn't get home till 11 pm that night.  It was a very long driving day, but we were so thankful we were able to go to California for Thanksgiving.

Kate's Pierced Ears

I have talked with the girls here and there about getting their ears pierced, but they have never been interested.  Then, in October, we were talking about it one day and Kate perked up with a lot of interest.  She started begging to get her ears pierced.  I called Dan at work and asked him if he had an opinion.  He said to go for it.  So, I called Claire's and made sure there were 2 people working(so they could pierce both ears at the same time) and off we went. 

She was very nervous, but very excited.  She picked out the cutest Hello Kitty studs and they look adorable in her ears.  She did cry for just a minute, but then she was thrilled.

Afterward, she wanted me to text a picture to everyone.  She was so proud.  She tried to talk Lily and Sophie into having their ears pierced, but they continue to say "no way."  :)

My Missionary Parents

Something else memorable happened in September.  My mom and dad went on a mission.  My parents have always talked about going on a mission.  Then, after my dad retired, they got serious and started getting all of their affairs in order.  I think it was May when they finally got all of their mission papers in and then there was the wait.  The wait to see where they could be used to help serve the Lord.

Then, a few weeks later, the call came.  They were called to the Lansing, Michigan mission to serve as CES specialists.  They were to check in to the MTC on September 6th.  What a perfect call for my parents.  They love young single adults and are so good with them. 

They packed up their house into PODS and rented it out starting in July. Then it was off to Bear Lake where they resided for the summer. We spent as much time with them this past summer as we could. Since we now live in Utah, we were also able to spend one last weekend with them down in Provo.

I am so proud of my mom and dad and the work they are doing.  We miss them, but try to call them at least twice a week.  The kids are proud of them too and they always make sure to bless them in their prayers.  I also have a new iPhone that we can face chat with them on.  The kids especially love that!

September Happenings

In September, Dan and I were finally able to go on our first date since we moved to Utah.  We celebrated our 11 year anniversary (which was August 20).  A little late, but better late than never.  :)  We went to The Roof on top of the Joseph Smith building.  We hadn't been there in years and we really enjoyed it and the view.
Luke, Lily, and Kate started their last year of preschool.  They are going to a preschool right in our neighborhood and they absolutely love it.  They go on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons.  They always look forward to going and come home with so many fun things.  These pictures were taken on their first day. 

The kids also started a tumbling class at a place called Lil Flippers.  Their cousin Jaxson also goes with them.  All 4 of them love it and are always excited to go.

Another big event in September-Sophie finally got new furniture.  No more crib.  In fact since she has her own room and enough space, we bought her a full size bed.  She loves it.  Dan painted her room Tinkerbell green and he put bead board up in it.  This picture was taken on my iPhone so the color looks a little different than it should.  It definitely still needs some decorating, but it is coming along. 

The Triplets Turned 5

 It is crazy how the years fly by. On August 26, Luke , Lily, and Kate turned 5 years old. They decided that they wanted to have a birthday party at Build-a-Bear. They love playing with their stuffed animals. So, we invited all of their Utah cousins for a fun evening. Each kid got to pick a bear, stuff it, play games, and get some fun accessories. Every one had a great time.

After everyone had finished their bears, we returned back to our house for pizza, cake, and present opening.