Our Arizona Trip

Wow, I have ton to write about and I am so behind, but here we go with our AZ trip. We got our Christmas break started a little early this year when we flew to Arizona on the 15th. I know it is so crazy that I actually got my whole little family to Arizona all at the same time AND it was near Christmas time. That people is no small miracle. We bought our tickets way back when I didn't know I was going to be watching kids, that Kylee would have preschool/pre-school party, and a bazillion other things while we were gone. However, I wouldn't trade all the things we missed for all the things we got to do and be a part of in AZ. So, yes we left at around 9:30 and went to The Parking Spot. Our Aunt Kitt gets a deal there, so that is where we left the car. Once we parked, the shuttle came and picked us up and took us to the airport. Kitt decided to curb check her suitcase, so that is were we split ways. She curb checked and we carried our four backpacks and two carseats all the way to the other end of the airport. Boy our bags sure felt heavy and awkward, but I doubt what I was carrying was anything compared to the two carseats. However, we made it down there and stood in a little bit of line and got those carseats checked. Then we went through security. It went without a hitch. Although it was really cute when the security guy asked Tia her name she held up her fingers in the 'ok' sign and said three. I couldn't help, but chuckle. That is what we get for putting so much emphasis on the fact that she was now three and not two. Luckily they still let her through and we went though security filled out bottles and were at our gate a few minutes before boarding.

Here we are on the plane. Kylee, Gaupo, Tia, and Me.

The girls wanted to board the plane right away, but we made them wait because they just want to move around and play with stuff once we are on board. So, we finally board and our plane is like empty. It is totally awesome. It was so great because when the fasten seatbelts sign turned off Tia had the whole row in front of us on both sides and Jason and Kylee's whole side to run around in without bothering anybody. It was so perfect, so that flight was pretty quick and fun. We got to the airport and Gaupo collected the carseats while I used the bathroom and then we all met Oma and Papa out on the curb. Oma and Papa had to rent a van to come pick us up, so both of them could come. By the time we got the carseats in, Kitt had gotten her bags and was ready for pick-up. So, we drove to her terminal and got her in and then headed to Sams Club.

At Sams, we got the family meal deal which was delicious. The only bad thing was we thought we could get any liter of soda, but it turns out with that deal you can only get Coke. Too bad we don't drink Coke. Oh well, we got food and everyone was happy. We also got to see Sis. Tieman. She lived on our street when we lived in Mesa, so that was fun. After eating there we got in the van and headed to Pima. We had to make a pit stop in Globe to use the potty, this still annoys Oma, but we didn't have any pee in her car this time, so even though it added time to the drive I would argue it was worth the stop. Anyway, we got home and Kara, Seth, Ross, and Klaire had beat us there. Lindsay, Allen, Betty, and Roxy were already there, so we had quite the welcoming committee when we came in an the said 'Surprise' to Tia and sang her happy birthday as soon as she walked in the door. It was pretty fun. Then we had a little bit of dinner and then Oma and Papa surprised us with a cool train cake they made together. It was a super cool train, but I also thought it was super cool that they did it together. So, Tia got cake and a gift from Oma and then we played a tich more an then sent the girls to bed. The rest of us visited for a bit, but like I mentioned before we were pretty sick, so I decided not to stay up too late and went to bed in hopes of not laying around sick all weekend.

Here is a pic of the train cake, and Tia.

Tia and her cake all lit up. She is in a swimsuit that Oma gave her for her b-day.

Friday was really fun. There was suppose to be nothing scheduled that day, but it turns out Kitt had a doc appointment and my mom and Klaire needed to go shopping and my dad was getting rock and so him and Seth needed to get the yard ready for that. So, not really a nothing going on day, but it was still fun. Kylee, Tia, Betty went outside and played on the dirt piles, and other stuff that is out there. However, we expected AZ to be a little warmer than it was, so we didn't bring jackets and so they got kind of cold and came inside where they played more. Kylee and Betty loved playing together and Tia enjoyed playing with them. I think Tia and Allen would have had good time, but Allen cracked his collarbone the day on Thursday, so he was not quite up to his normal stuff yet. Anyway, we had fun playing and Kara stayed home to play with me and the kiddos, so we got to play with her and Ross and that was pretty fun too. After all the playing it was time for lunch and then naps. The girls took okay naps and then woke up to more playing. I helped get some dinner stuff ready and the girls just played. The actually went outside were Papa and Seth were and Papa and Seth were great babysitters letting the kids play while they worked outside. I am actually very impressed at what they got done with 4 little kids tagging along and wanting to help. That night we had dinner and baths and then bed. Then we played a game for a bit and went to bed. It is kind of lame to be sick when you are only around family for a short time because you have to go to bed and really want to stay up and chat. Oh well, I did get to watch a cute Hallmark movie with them and enjoy the chatting during commercials, so it was actually a really good night.

Saturady was kind of a crazy day. We had family pictures at 9:00. It was a cold windy day. However, we got everyone out there and we got our pictures taken. I still haven't seen them, so I  don't know if they turned out good or not, but the place we went was pretty and we should have some good ones. Anyway, we took pictures real quick and then went back home where we kind of chilled for a bit and then had a birthday party. Probably my favorite part of the party was the pinata. It was fun to watch all the kids hit and mad alive can Betty swing a bat. I play baseball with my kids, but you would never know it by the way they hit a pinata. Oh well, it broke open and Lindsay had stuffed it with good candy, so it was worth helping your kids pick up the candy, so you could have a piece. After the pinata we had presents and then lunch. Then we had the girls take naps. This day I actually took a little nap too. I woke up before the girls though and got to visit for a bit.

Playing with balloon at Betty's birthday party. Kylee is hidden in the glare behind Betty. Then Allen and Tia.

Tia playing pin the nose on Rudolph.

After naps, the kids played while the adults got ready to go to the temple. We went to the temple and did sealings all together. It was so cool. That was the first time my family has been all together inside the temple and it was so fun. My mom had gotten some family names from someone and so we got to seal them in families like all surrounding the alter at one time. It was so cool. I had never done it before, so it was great. I love doing sealings because they are just so happy. I always feel like there is joy in sealing rooms. It was a lovely time together and when we were done we headed home and had dinner of Taco Salad and then Birthday Cake for Betty. We were also suppose to have our 'Christmas Eve' program that night, but yeah the kids were too tired and cranky, so we decided to postpone until Sunday. So, we got the kids to bed and then we just kind of hanging around and Gaupo said, So I think we should play a game. We did. We played Word Around and Quidler. It was really fun to play games and then we visited for a bit and went to bed.

Sunday was also a great day. It started off pretty normal with everyone getting breakfast and then getting ready for church and playing. However, around 10:30 we had our 'Christmas Eve' program. My sister Kara arranged it all and it was so great. Kara had Papa read the Christmas Story from the Bible and then Kara, Kitt, and Klaire sang a song that introduced the kids dressed up as nativity characters. Kylee was Mary and Tia was a Shepard. Although, once Kylee laid her baby Jesus in the manager the shepard took over by getting it our and holding it and hugging it. It was so cute.

Mary (Kylee) watching the baby and you can see the little shepherds hand sneaking in.

The shepherd (Tia) forgetting her sheep and staff to hold and care for the Baby Jesus.

After the nativity was done, we had my Mom's tradition of giving us and reading to us a book. This year it was The Mismatched Nativity and then we sang Jingle Bells. (The nativity and book reading may have been switched. I can't remember.) Next Kara had Kylee sing That Night in the Stable. When Kylee was done Tia popped up and asked if she could sing I Am a Child of God. Kara of course said yes, and Tia sang the whole thing, all the words, all by herself. It was so awesome. Just another testimony that miracles still happen, because even though it wasn't all clear and perfect a year ago that was impossible. It wasn't even fathomable. Then Kara had pictures hanging up and she had a song or talent associated with all of them, so she had the kids pick a picture and then we had what was ever on the back. So, Jack, Lindsay and Betty all sang Away in a Manger  for one of the things. Seth did a reading, and I believe that Kitt, Klaire, and Kara sang another song plus lots of other great Christmas songs were sung by all of us. It was such a great program. Kara did a great job.  I couldn't help but tease her that if anyone found out how good she was at programs she would be called as the counselor in primary over the primary program. Anyway, it was so good. After the program, it was time for last minute getting ready for church things, a small lunch and then out the door for church. Church was the main reason we came to Arizona and the part of church we went for was the blessing of Roxy. It was so cool to see my brother use his Priesthood to bless his baby. I am so glad Gaupo, Seth, Papa, Papa Ross, Lindsay's brother Ben, Lindsay's Dad, and uncle be in the circle. It was such a cool thing to be a part of. The rest of the block was pretty much church except that I manged to introduce myself as Katey Bryce instead Katey Merrill, which was kind of embarrassing because I loved that my last name was Bryce, but I also love that it is now Merrill. So, anyway whatever Gaupo knows I love him, so it is all good. Anyway, it is always good to visit my home ward and see my leaders there. We went home and had a dinner that my mom had for everyone. It was great. We had sweet potatoes, rolls, stuffing, turkey, pasta salad and then brownies or monster bars for dessert. It was super easy and good. The kids just played and played until we finally had to have them go to bed because they didn't have naps and they were getting crazy and kind of naughty.

Monday we got up had breakfast and headed to Mesa. We were hoping to leave early enough to get ice cream with Papa before we left, but that wasn't to be the case, but it was still fun to ride down there with Papa and as always hard to say good by. We got our carseats checked and then went though security. This time our food made us have to have one backpack hand checked, but of course it all cleared and we were on our way and down at our gate. We were in the same terminal as we were this summer, but for some crazy reason they had to take out the toys that were down at the end. The girls and I were kind of bummed, but oh well. We watched planes and enjoyed until we had to board. This time the plane was full, so Tia had to stay in her seat which was kind of rough for her.

A bad pic of us three girls on the plane.

Also, the flight had some turbulence and got warm which cased us all to not feel, so good and Gaupo even ended up throwing up. (He said he is not flying again. Keep your fingers crossed this isn't true.) Tia ended up peeing her pants at the end of the flight because she had already been to the bathroom and then waited until we were descending to tell me that she needed to go and I thought she was just bored. Turns out I was wrong and the stewardess did not look happy at all about that little fact when we told her, so needless to say our flight home was not the best. However, we made it safely and we got Tia changed into new clothes. Then she and I rode the train to baggage claim where we met up with Kylee and Gaupo. Then we all used the bathroom again; caught the bus to our car; got in our car and went home. Sadly we were headed home in some pretty heavy traffic due to the fact that it was about 5;00, but it wasn't too bad and we got home safe. We had hot dogs and mac for dinner and then played Chutes and Ladders for FHE and then sent the girls to bed. Gaupo and I watch a movie and then went to bed.

It was a crazy, yet wonderful time. As always it was too short. However, I am glad Gaupo has a job he likes, so we needed to get back so he could keep it. Also, I love my family, but it was really nice to be in our home for Christmas. So, it was so worth going to Roxy's blessing and being with everyone. I am so glad we went and that other than being sick it was perfect. Yeah for family and getting together especially since I think it will be awhile before we are all together again, but like our family always says "Together Forever." Then like I like to add "No matter what."

Tia is Three

Boy howdy has it been a week. However, you will have to wait a bit for this post because I need  to spotlight Tia and her birthday celebration. We celebrated Tia's birthday on the 14th because we were going to Arizona on the 15th. Tia kicked it off in her traditional way of throwing all MY plans out the window. Tia slept until nearly 8;00 which meant no present opening before Daddy went to work and because it was such busy day she had to wait all the way until after Daddy got home from work. Anyway, we got up and I fixed Tia breakfast of eggs and muffins. She even helped with the majority of the cooking. She did a good job and we had a super tasty breakfast. After breakfast we kind of just hung around a bit and then we went to swim lessons. I am not sure that Tia's pinkeye was 100% cleared up, but you know you can only deprive a kid so much on their birthday. Also, we only got to stay for about half of swimming lessons, because Kylee had a nativity and singing gig at an assisted living home. So, Tia had a blast a swimming and then was a super champ while Kylee did her thing. Seriously she was so good. I was trying to catch some video of it and she just was as quiet as could be and really wasn't too restless either. I was really impressed. For lunch we had the normal--meat and cheese melted together. While we were eating Aunt Kitt got here. WAHOOOO!! It was so fun to have her come and she brought some cool fruit and a new granola bar to try so it really was quite the party. Then Kitt read the girls a story and put them to bed while I started presidency meeting. Presidency meeting went well and really didn't last too long. Although, I got two insurance calls while I was in it. One was from the people insurance that hit our car saying they would pay for it and the other from the rental car company that we will be using while our car is getting fixed. They were both good an important calls, but kind of bad timing. Oh well.

After naps is kind of when the real partying began. We had a snack and made brownies. Tia was so excited to help. She did pretty good, but she still struggles a bit with keeping her hand out which is especially bad because of how sick we have been at our house lately. Oh well, we all survived and the brownies got made. It was fun to do something very special just for Tia. We played and read books and just kind of hung out till Daddy got home. Once he was home it was present time. Tia got some pretty cool stuff. She got a Duplo train, TinkerToys, Chutes and Ladders, Mr. Potato head, and some cute clothes. Tia had such a great time opening the gifts and is still loving playing with all of them. We even played Chutes and Ladders for FHE last night.

Tia opening her gifts

Tia dumping the train. Dumping is by far her favorite way to get things out of a box.

Setting up the train.

Tia and her presents.

While Tia was playing with her presents we made her birthday dinner--Mac and Cheese with hotdogs and peas. It was super easy and super delicious. After food was cake and ice cream. Then we played some more and took baths. Then we sent the girls to bed. Us adults talked for a bit, but all need a good rest for the next day.

Jason lighting the candles. We both want to do that part because we never got to light candles as kids. How silly is that?

Tia and her cake.

Our crazy family.

Our favorite Aunt Kitt.

It was kind of a simple birthday, but I think she loved it. We tried to be as much about her as we could. She loved her birthday sign. She loved figuring out how to tell people she was three. She loved the cake and ice cream. She loved licking everything to help clean-up and we ate all of her favorite foods, so really even though there was nothing super amazing it was perfect. She feels special and she knows she is three so that is what is important.

So now on to the really important part of this blog post Tia. Tia is now three and really in the last couple of weeks she has become ready to be three. It is kind of hard to explain, but she has. Just in some of the ways she handles things, expresses herself, independence, and stuff like that. It was pretty amazing to watch what my brother calls 'the losing of her tail.'

Tia is such a wonderful girl. I can not believe all the things she has done between the ages of 2 and 3. She is now fully potty trained. True she sure gave me a run for my money on this aspect, but she did it and is doing great. She has now learned that she can get down from the table to use the bathroom once during a meal and does it every day every meal.Tia has tons of words now. Kylee and I usually understand most everything she says. Others have a little harder time, but you would be so impressed. She sang I Am a Child of God all by herself on Sunday for our family's Christmas program. She sang all the words and she didn't need any help. Tia can speak easily in 3-4 word sentences and sometimes longer depending on what she is saying. She loves to sing with her sister and dance. As always, Tia is a mover. She loves to dance, run, jump, chase, play, swim, and ride her bike. She can swim underwater for about 3 seconds, and she can now jump off the side instead of just supermaning it. She can now do 12 piece puzzles and some bigger ones, but needs a little help. She loves reading books, playing with trains, building with blocks, and taking care of her baby. She loves to change her clothes. She also loves to color and it is interesting to watch her because she does it much more purposefully than Kylee did at her age. She is still Kylee's biggest fan and Kylee is her biggest fan. These two girls love each other so much and are really good at playing together. They love to copy each other, make each other laugh, team up against mom, push each other to do better, and sometimes just like to be together.

I can not believe all that has happened this last year for Tia. She has had speech and occupational therapy which has helped her go from saying "wa-wa" to saying "Drink of water, por favor." She has gone from not being able to focus on a fine motor task for longer than about 2 minutes to lasting about 10. She has so much personality it is amazing. She is determined and has her own ideas that she wants to make happen. She loves life and takes at full strength. She has recovered from her 44 staples no problem. She has learned to loving reading books and watching shows. Her favorite is "Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat." I think it is funny she calls it that instead of just Curious George. I am telling you Tia is a real joy. She gives us a run for it sometimes, but then other times she can just turn on the charm and spunk and you can't help, but stand in awe of the awesome daughter of God she is. She seems to always know when I need her and is more than willing to help with things. I feel so blessed to have my Tia girl. She is so fun and spunky and I feel so blessed to have her with me in my life right now.

Happy Birthday Tia. I hope 3 is the best year yet. You own it girl!!

Tia is so a second child. I have no recent pics of just her. So enjoy this one of the three of use taken three days before her birthday.

The Plague

Conversation between Kylee and I on Tuesday when I planned on writing this post.

Kylee: "Are you going to blog tonight?"

Me: "Yes."

Kylee: "What are you going to blog about?"

Me: "Being sick."

Kylee: "Grandpa-Great does not want to here about that."

Me: "Well, he might not but blogs are suppose to be about our life and getting sick is sometimes part of it."

So, sorry Grandpa-Great and others. If you don't want to read about the plague we endure then just skip this post.

Last Monday, during his nap Trent threw-up. Not just like spit-up but tons. Oh man it was so gross, and there was so much. Needless to say, Trent needed a bath. I don't know that he really liked baths at my house. I must do something different than his mom, but we got him all bathed and in clean clothes. Then all the other kids wanted a snack and so did Trent, so Gaupo gave him a little taste and he didn't want anymore and went wondering off. Well we took a peek at him and he starts like spiting up. So we cleaned that up and we were getting dinner ready and he had done really well and so I let him go downstairs. Well, after a short bit down there both Kylee and Tia say "MOM, Trent just threw-up!" I go down and sure enough he had. So we changed his clothes again, but we were out of his clothes, so the lucky kid got dressed in the most gender neutral boy clothes I had. Yeah, there wer still pretty girly, but they were warm and he was not too traumatized. He went home and we thought life would return to normal, but boy was I wrong.

Tuesday morning dawned fairly normal. Tia had a little cold, but we went about our day as usual until right before lunch when Tia started crying and telling me her ear hurt. It was a bitter/sweet moment because for the first time Tia had told me what was wrong and so we could get help, but it also meant an ear infection, blaugh. Anyway, I scheduled her an appointment and got Auntie Beth to watch the kiddos while I took Tia. It was in fact and ear infection, so we got antibotics and went home. We did not go swimming that night just to try and give Tia's body a rest. The night went normal, but my stomach really started to hurt, but I didn't think much of it and went to bed.

Well Wednesday at about 5:30 I woke-up needing to throw-up. I felt pretty good after that and went back to sleep. Then the girls came and woke me up to help them get ready,so after doing Kylee's hair and before doing Tia's I had to throw-up again. Gaupo called work and said he couldn't come in and thankfully was able to stay home and help me. So, I slept while Gaupo feed the girls breakfast, took them to swim lessons and entertained them for me. It felt so good to sleep, because honestly I didn't feel like I could have done anything except lay on the couch. By the time night came, I was feeling pretty good. I managed to take a shower and watch a couple shows before tumbling into bed.

Thursday Morning Gaupo woke-up throwing up around 3:30 in the morning. Luckily I was feeling better because Kylee woke-up saying her eyes were hurting. I looked at them and they looked a little pink, so I decided to keep her home from school. Tia's therapist's decided to brave this sick house and still came over. That was really nice because it kind of helped break up our day a little. Gaupo pretty much rested the whole day and just did laundry trying to get all the sickness out. In the afternoon, I did end up taking Kylee to the doctor for her pink eye, but found out it was a viral pink eye so there was  nothing that could be done except to wait it out. AUGHHH! I think that if I pay to go to the doctor that they better have a cure. However, it was not the case and we went home. The missionaries were suppose to come over for dinner, but I had to cancel them coming in, but instead of them going without dinner I just made them dinner to go. They were so gracious and it has been nice to meet them since then. However, it is a good thing we cancelled because about 4:30 Tia threw-up. Luckily for Tia this bug doesn't seem to wipe out kids like it does adults, so she threw-up a couple more times, but really was fine. That night after dinner Gaupo gave Kylee a priesthood blessing because we needed a miracle. We need Kylee to either get sick like 2 minutes after the prayer ended or not get this stomach bug, so she could participate in the ward party. So, Gaupo gave her a blessing in which she was promised that she would be able to enjoy her activities this weekend. On Thursday night, I pretty much did nothing.

Friday nothing new happened, except I panicked and thought that maybe I had some pink eye too, but after it all I don't think I did, but I do think my eyes enjoyed the break from my contacts for a couple of days. Anyway, on Friday my friend who knows like everything about natural remedies and things like that came over because I had asked her the night before about safe disinfectant options. So, she brought me over so partial bottles of some essential oils and said I could have them. I was like are you sure these aren't cheap and she said yeah I am sure, so I kept them and am so grateful. She brought me over lemon, melaleuca, and OnGaurd essential oils. She also brought us a combo of Goldenseal and something else it is now know to my house as the nasty medicine. Anyway, I used the lemon to disinfect all the toys, couches, pillows, I don't like everything. I put the OnGaurd on my kids and didn't quite know what to do with the Melaleuca, but later found out. Anyway, nothing new happened, so we just spent the day trying to act normal.

Saturday was the ward party. We went and Kylee did a great job singing "Picture a Christmas." She loves singing and singing in front of people so doesn't bug her, so she did so great. The party itself was fun. We had a great breakfast of breakfast burritos and/or pancakes. We got to see Santa and enjoyed being around people again. Seriously, I was feeling pretty isolated at the time. Anyway, we get home and Kylee cuddles up to me and starts complaining about her ears hurting. I am like no not again, not on the weekend. So, I give her some ibuprofen and had a quick lunch and took naps. She seemed to being doing better and Gaupo had homework to do. So, I decided to go get some shopping done on the other side of town. Well, I was one block from the store when I hear sounds from the backseat. I think to myself  "Oh, no." Then it happens Tia throws-up in the car. I quickly turn around and head home because she is covered and it stinks. I try to call Gaupo to warn him that we are coming home, but guess what--some kids have played with my phone enough that it is disabled for 10 minutes. So, I just keep driving. About a block from my house, my phone unlocks, so I call Gaupo to warn him to be done with his homework. So, I strip Tia outside then send her in for a bath. Then I start cleaning the car. Oh man, that is one gross mess in a car. I hosed everything down, washed what I could and then sanitized it as best I could and then prayed that it would not stink anymore. It worked our car doesn't stink and all is well.

After Saturday, we didn't get any sicker, so we have been on the mend. We have had lingering colds and poor Kylee has had a cough, but I think we are getting over that too. I mentioned above that I found what I could use Melaluca for and it is ear infections. Between the Goldenseal and Echinacea, Melaluca and Ibuprofen we got the ear infection and the pink eye to clear up without going to the doctor. It was a test of patience to try and wait it out, but it worked and Kylee's ears don't hurt anymore.

From this Plague of sickness I learned something.  I learned that God answers prayers. He blessed Kylee that she felt great until we got home from the ward Christmas party, and she never got the stomach bug. That is a miracle because everyone else who was exposed to it got it, but she really wanted to do the ward program and she was blessed to do it. Also I learned a lot about essential oils which I really am not the person who will never use antibiotics, but I learned a lot and am so grateful we didn't need to go to the doctor again. Using my limited knowledge and a lot of prayer Heavenly Father allowed us to take care of that ear infection without having to see the doctor. Heavenly Father is so aware of our needs and desires. He truly desires to bless and help us with the things we need. We just need to trust him both when prayers are answered and when they seem to go unanswered. We have a loving Heavenly Father and I am his daughter and He loves and cares for me and my family.

Here is Kylee singing if you want to see it...

Thanksgiving 2016

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love everything about it. I love the reason--Gratitude, and I also love what happens for me because of it. Thinking about my blessings started on the first and I had really good intentions of covering my wall with tons of grateful leaves and there is a good amount on there, but sadly not nearly enough to represent how richly blessed I am. I have so much to be grateful for. The top ones being my family, Jesus Christ, being a member of the Church of Jesus Chirst of Latter-day Saints, the scriptures, Gaupo's job, and the miracles and tender mercies that are continually worked in my life. Life throws crazy things at us like my brother's house sale just feel though, my nephew almost go kidnapped, and I know compared to those two things Tia going to preschool isn't that big of a deal, but it is to me and I know that those things that are big to us are big to God. I don't understand his plan and his timing. I don't understand why Tia wasn't miraculously healed in her speech and I also don't know why it is so hard for me to accept that she is going to preschool by it is. I also don't know why the sale would fall though on my brother's house when they are doing what they feel they should be doing. I don't know why Melanie almost had another kid taken from her when she just had a miscarriage. Sometimes life just seems so unfair especially when you feel like you have done everything you can to do what is right. When you have tried so hard to follow and do all the right things. However, I do know that even though hard things happen God is a God of miracles and and that he will bless us as we need. He has a plan and lessons that we all need to learn. He will protect us. He already has. For example, there was a large man close by and Melanie heard Blaine scream and then screamed herself and that man was there to scare the kidnapper. My brother didn't have the sale on his house go through, but there is time and I know that Heavenly Father knows what they need and when the time is right they will have it. As for Tia, I think her miracle is the fact that she can speak as well as she does. Today she actually told me her ear hurt and so I was able to get meds to help her before I just would have wondered why she was so crancky and probably chalked it up to the cold she has too, but she told me clear as clear my ear hurts. That is truly a miracle because she hasn't always been able to do that.

Sorry long tangent on gratitude, but the reason is because Heavenly Father is the source of our blessings and I love Thanksgiving because even though I didn't do the best job at being grateful I still was able to think and reflect on it more than usual. I am so blessed.

Of course Thanksgiving is about being thankful, but to me it also means family and food. This year we went to Idaho to spend it with Gaupo's family. We left Wednesday morning at 5:03, a whole three minutes later than we wanted to. We pushed on and we made good time. We even made a pitstop at one of my favorite places--Arctic Circle. They don't have those out here in Colorado and so I ask Gaupo almost every time we go out to Idaho if we can stop and usually he says no, so I was planning on the same answer again, but this time he said Yes! I could hardly believe it and then our Aunt Kitt treated us all. That was so not the plan, but it was such a good treat and she even spoiled us with some crisscut fries. Those fries always remind me of summer shopping trips with my Grandma. Especially the Preston ones where we would go shopping in the basement of Kings, and then do a few other stores and then go to Arctic Circle for Crisscut Fries and Lime Rickees. It was so good.

Moosetracks shake and fries. YUMMMM!!

Anyway, after our pitstop at Arctic Circle we made it Grandpa-Greats house by a little before 2PM. We had lunch with them. Then the girls and Gaupo took rests and/or naps while Grandpa, Kitt, Klaire and I all chatted. It was super nice to just chill and visit. When the girls woke up we had a piggy painting party. ever since I told the girls we were going to have one they had been begging for it to happen. Tia wanted bright pink and Kylee wanted Aunt Klaire to do her's Christmas. Kylee's were so cute that I just had to try and copy. So, they are similar, but different, but still Christmas. After the piggy party it was time to get dinner started. So, I made some enchilada sauce and then Grandpa helped me fry some tortillas for Mormon Enchiladas. Oh man, that meal is so good. We were all stuffed, by the end, but so good. By then it was time for us to go drop of coolers and head to Grandma's house. I dropped of the coolers to Uncle John, so he could fill them with his fabulous grass-fed beef. I did end up visiting for just a bit, and then we went to Grandma's.

Gaupo was the first one to enter his house and although Grandma may have said 'Good to see you,' the first thing I heard is "Where is everyone else?" Sorry Gaupo, I think you might be taking second to your kids. ( I doubt that is true just so you know.) Anyway, we get there and Grandma takes me upstairs, so I can see that there are Christmas presents from Grandma Hammond up there and then she plays and plays with the kids while Guapo and I haul things in and Christmas out. All the playing made for kind of a late night which in that house is like 9:00, but still. So, we headed to be, so we could be geared up for Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving was great. Most of the food just had to be heated in the oven, but nothing really had to be made. So, even though we were fixing a feast there was still time to play and enjoy each other before the feast. The girls were begging for a four-wheeler ride and so we took them on one. It was of course a little cold, but still fun.

Me, Kylee, Gaupo, and Tia on the four-wheeler.

Heidi and Jeff arrived with there kids about 11:30 and at Noon the feast began. We had all 19 Merrills there. It was kind of crazy, but you know I would have had it any other way. The kids got to sit with there cousins and the adults were all eating and chatting together. As the kids finished the adults were actually able to finish eating and continue talking. As per Merrill tradition, pie was not eaten until dinner that night, so after the meal kids went down for naps and there was of course more visiting. It was mostly just naps and play until dinner where we had leftovers and then topped off with pie and ice cream. After dinner we gave the kids baths and then got them to bed. We talked in the kitchen for bit and then went to bed. For me it was a perfect Thanksgiving. The right amount of food with tons of family and visiting. This trip was really fun because the cousins actually played together, so the parents could actually visit without having to worry too much about the kiddos.

The day after Thanksgiving is also a great holiday because usually there really is no agenda you are just all there to hangout because only coming for one day is not nearly enough time together. So, we had breakfast and then after breakfast we had family pictures. Oh boy is it hard to get 19 people to all look at the camera and be happy, especially if 8 of those 19 are 4 and under. It was pretty epic, but I think we got some good ones and Grandma and Grandpa are happy with them, so I think its good to go.

The only one with Tia looking at the camera. 

Us being goofy.

Katelyn, Kylee, and Tia playing.

All the grandkids.

My personal favorite.

After pictures, it was kind of a disbanding moment. Heidi and Jeff went down to the Anderson's and Melanie and Aaron had sick kids, so they took them home to sleep, and well it just seemed like the perfect time to go for a run. Since Derek's funeral I have been wanting to run from the Merrill house to the Cemetery. I don't know why it didn't happen this summer, but it didn't so I was hoping I could do it now because I would have to wait another long time before the opportunity came again. So, I seized the nice weather and the disbanding moment and did it. That hill up to the cemetery is a killer, but I did it. It is only 2.5 miles but like I said more than the miles its the time, so I made the time and did it and I am so glad. Gaupo and Kylee came to pick me up and Kylee is so sweet. She asks all kinds of questions. Probably her favorite is "When is the resurrection?" We talk about what it might be like to have him after the resurrection. She thinks we will bring him home in our car and play with him and stuff like that and I am just excited that one day I will get to see him again. I don't know if he will be a baby, but he will be my boy and I am so excited. Anyway, it was fun to talk about Derek with Kylee. Then we went to Redrock to see if we could get the gym there, but we don't have service, so we could't. We went home and helped get lunch on and had lunch and then got the girls down for a nap. During naps Melanie, Grandma, Scott, Gary, and I played Ticket to Ride. The kiddo's woke up before we were done, but luckily Gaupo took care of them while we finished up. Then Gaupo, Kylee, Tia, and I went on another four-wheeler ride. Kylee had been dying to go up to the pond, so we rode up there and then back. Boy is it cold on a four-wheeler but really fun. We had dinner and played put the kids to bed. Then we visited in the kitchen and played a game. We played Quiddler and it is so funny how Heidi can not help helping people. It is so counter-intuitive for her it is hilarious and what makes it even more funny is how it drives Melanie and sometimes me too up the wall because we play to win. Oh different personalities. Got to love families if for no other reason than that it brings all different personalities together. After games we went to bed.

Saturday was more playing and visiting. We played outside, had more four-wheeler rides, played inside and visited. After lunch, I went down to Virginia to visit again and pickup our meat. I had a great visit with my Grandpa and sisters. We even got to go through a drawer of some of my Grandma's craft stuff. It was pretty fun to see what was in there. She was so talented with stuff like knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, and things like that. It was way fun. Also I picked up one of my Grandpa's white dressers. I think with will be good to have an actual dresser for the girls room and so I am excited to have that. Then we visited with Aunt Karen and Uncle John for a bit and then it was time for me to head back. I got back and went on another four-wheeler ride. Then helped make dinner and then baths and visiting. Then showers for us grown people and bed.

Playing with Grandma's technology is definately one of the kids favorite activities.
Katelyn, Arlen, Kylee, and Tia.

Sunday dawned early because I had to get up and get things going. I read scriptures and then waited for the kiddos to wake-up before packing stuff up and getting ready. We made sandwiches, had breakfast, and got dressed and even had a few minutes to spare before having to leave for church. Our original plan did not include staying for Sunday, but Grandpa was being made bishop of Swanlake Ward and asked us if we could stay. So, we changed our plans and stayed (we made these changes like a week before.) It was great to be there. We didn't get to see him set apart, but I am really glad we got to go. I thought that it was a great meeting and the Stake President said some really good things. The two things I remember were, "He loves Swanlake Ward and he wants to let it stay a ward, but that means that the ward members need to serve. They need to serve where and how they are needed." I was pretty impressed by his boldness and yet you could tell he was speaking with love. The other thing he said was "If you are taking your spouse for granted don't. (long pause) Just don't." It was super powerful. I did feel the spirit in that meeting and I would have loved to stay till the end and see the setting aparts, but in winter you got to get as much time on the road before it gets dark as you can. I think President thought about changing the setting apart time when he saw we had to leave, because he told Grandma and Grandpa that he felt that he needed to wait. Then the water to the church ran out, so they had to end early and he said he felt that was what was suppose to happen, because almost all of the ward ended up staying. He said it was good for them to see the transition. I think Marsh Valley Stake has an inspired stake president who listens to the Lord and is sensitive to the needs of his stake. It was pretty cool to witness it. Anyway, the drive home was calm and the crazy and then calm. We made it safe and sound and were really glad we didn't have anything going on super early in the Morning on Monday. I did have to register Kylee for school, but that ended up being really low key, so that was good.

It was such a great trip and I am so grateful to everyone who put up with us and stayed around so we could see them. It was so great. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday to Sunday

From this last Thursday (11/10) on till now, I feel like my family and more especially my kids are on a exponential growth line. We seem to be drinking from a fire hose of knowledge, but somehow managing to absorb some of it instead of just being blown away.

For example, last Thursday was Tia's preschool eligibility meeting. I got the report a couple of days before hand and read through it. I understood a lot of it; was surprised by some of it and then did understand a little bit of it. Going into the meeting I was kind of nervous because I didn't know what to expect, but I sat down with the three people who did the evaluation before and we went over all the sections. By talking to them, I was better able to understand why what they wrote was import and pertained to Tia going or not going to preschool. I got to understand just a little bit more about language development. For example, I always thought that Tia understood everything, but it turn out that might not quite be the case and it isn't like she is terrible at it or anything it is just that I thought she was great at it, but then when I paid closer attention to how she followed through on instructions or answered questions I am like oh maybe we don't quite understand it all. The understanding of language supports and lends itself to actually expressing oneself though speech. Anyway, it something interesting I learned. To make a long meeting short, we discussed in depth Tia's speech and language skills. We talked about how her pretend play is good but is only one step for example cooking food, but rarely going two as in to sit down and eat it for feed the baby. We also discussed how it takes her awhile to learn a new speech patterns. Eventually, we reached the decision that if we consented to services Tia would qualify for speech. So, Gaupo and I discussed it real quick (we had done much indepth talking before this) and we decided to consent to services, so Tia will be attending preschool in January and even though I think we need to try it I am so not ready. So like I said, I am sure the school district thinks we are all in, and I will try it good and solid, but if she doesn't like it or its not helping then I will take her out and we will see what else we can do. Anyway, it is nice to know, but still a little nerve racking (understatement) to think that she will being going to school. 

So, that was Thursday. Then on Friday Gaupo had the day off because it was Veteran's Day. Gaupo spent some of the morning doing homework. Kylee still had school, so we waited for her to come home. We just kind of took the morning easy and enjoyed not doing much. However, after naps we decided to go to the Ft. Collins Temple and do Initiatory. So, we took all four kids down to the temple. We got there about 4 and didn't get home till about 7. Gaupo went in first and he was in there for an hour and a half. It seem liked a long time. The kids and I strolled the grounds and then went to the van for a snack and then walked again and then we playing when Gaupo got out. I then went in for about 45 minutes, during which Gaupo and the kids watched a movie in the van. Waiting outside the temple was honestly a little rough, but I survived and really I think it made going inside the temple all the much better. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with the familiar warmth and light and quiet of the temple. It was so great to listen to the blessings of the Initiatory. It was great to be quiet and still. I love the temple and it was so great to feel the peace there. I loved not having to drive through traffic and having it only 45 minutes away. What a great way to spend the evening.

Trent, Me, Tori, Kylee, and Tia.

Kylee, Trent, Tori, and Tia at the back of the temple.

Me at the Ft. Collins Temple.

Gaupo also didn't have to work on Saturday and he got his homework done the day before, so we got to enjoy the whole day. Kylee went to a pancake and PJ birthday party. She had been looking forward to it the whole week and had an absolutely fantastic time. She is quite the social kid and is ready to go and spread her wings and this mama doesn't quite now whether to cry or rejoice that she is so great. Anyway, while she was there we had our own pancake breakfast and then Gaupo and Tia watch some Gilligan's Island while I tried to go shopping. I say tried because I didn't get anything because it was all out of my budget and not really my style, so that was too bad, but oh well. Anyway, I came home and watched Tia while Gaupo replaced the fence that got hit by the car awhile back. It is great to have the fence back. While he was finishing that project, Tia and I went and got Kylee and we all came home and then went swimming and rock climbing. Both girls did great at rock climbing. They scaled the wall almost no problem, that is until they realize that they were out of reach and up to about 3 times there height. Then they were done, but they both did it a couple of times. I climbed once. Man am I out of rock climbing shape. My arms were burning and dead by the time I was done, but I still love it, so I guess I will keep doing it when I get the chance. It was a very successful swim trip aswell. We all had fun and Kylee learned to successfully float on her BACK. WAHOO!! Tia is also working on doing stuff, but Kylee is finally having all these concepts click and it is so fun to watch her be successful. Tia and I had a great time on the slides and diving and jumping in the deep water. It was a way fun swimming adventure. We got home had a quick lunch and then went and took naps. Then we dilly dinked around until it was time to make dinner and we had some delicious greasy tacos. Then it was baths, Pokemon (or as my girls say Picachu), and bed. 

Sunday was also a great day. We had great talks on work. One thing that stuck with Gaupo was that he needed to use his time better, so he should play less video games/tv. Video games are easy for me to say no to, but TV is a little harder. So, two days into that goal we are actually doing really well. It was nice to play games on Sunday and Monday nights. I will be honest it was really hard to get ourselves motivated on Monday because we were both really tired and wanted to be done, but we didn't give in and it turned out really good. I have also been trying to limit social media and so far it has gone good, but I have also had projects to do during naptime like making lazagna and rolls for Thanksgiving, but hey it is still a good achievement. The other part of the talk that stuck with me that I am still trying to sort through is priorities in the budget. Gaupo and I have goals for where we want to be, but we also have a family that we need to make memories with, let be involved in activities and such and so do our goals align with our priorities? I don't have an answer because I am still processing, but what I do know is that I think our priorities change and so can the answer to this question, but we do have to think about it. Anyway, it was a great Sacrament meeting. 

So overall a great week. Once again it was full of my favorite things-family, and fun. We did manage to also get some work done. I feel so blessed right now to be enjoying my family and life even though I still feel like there is a lot of change and growth happening. It is true that there is not as much as some people, but it is enough that I could easily forget to love where we are right now and so I feel so blessed to be able to enjoy.

A Weekend to Remember

Believe it or not our post Halloween week was pretty fun. It consisted of normal stuff like swim lessons, preschool, and watching Trent and Tori. However, it also included leaf jumping,  a visit from Aunt Kitt, a trampoline, a BBQ, a teacher council meeting, and regional stake conference.

Here in Colorado the weather has been beautiful. It is a little cold in the early morning, but it is November so I am not complaining at all. Anyway, on Thursday the weather was so nice and I really wanted to stay outside while we waited for Kylee to come home, so I decided there was no better time than the present to get the tempting leaves on my lawn into a pile. Tia, Trent, and I walked over to our neighbors house and borrowed a rake. Embarrassing huh, we don't own a leaf rake. Oh well, my neighbors do and they were more than willing to let me borrow it. So, we took it home and I raked up the leaves into a pretty good size pile. Before I was even done, Tia was running through the pile and playing in it, but Trent didn't even want near it. Even when I was done and held his hand or whatever, he wanted nothing to do with the leaves in a pile unless it was rubbing them between his hands. Tia on the other hand was game for anything. We took turns burying each other, jumping in, walking through them, and throwing them. We did that for like a good 15 or so minutes and Tia started getting distracted, so I raked the pile up and moved it closer to our bench. Then we did some more jumping and burying until Kylee got home. When Kylee got home we did more. By the time all the playing in the leaves was done we were down to like maybe a 1/3 of the pile we started with. After awhile, we went in and had lunch and naps. Then we played with our friends, but when they left we jumped in the leaves some more until really they were so mashed up it wasn't very fun anymore. So, then I taught my girls how cool it is to throw a giant pile up and let them 'rain' down on you. So, we let it 'rain' the leaves all over our yard and us until Gaupo got home. It was so fun. I really wish I had the pile proportions that Tia had when we started, but it was still so fun.

Tia in the leaves.

Kylee in the leaves.

Thursday night Kitt came to visit. WAHOOO!! I feel like it has been forever since we have seen her, so I am glad she could get away for a bit and come to our house. When she arrived on Thursday we stayed up and chatted about life until about 12:00 and then went to bed. Friday, we woke up and we had breakfast. I made a really good baked oatmeal recipe I found and then Gaupo, Tia, and I took Kylee to Preschool while Kitt got some work done. The rest of Kitt's visit encompasses the other great things of the weekend, so hang on.

After we dropped off Kylee, we went to Tia's OT's farm where we picked up the girls Christmas present--a Trampoline!! I have been wanting to get one for the girls, but they are expensive and I worried about giving it to them at Christmas because it would be their only gift from us and they might not even get to play with it because it could be snowing. Anyway, during Tia's OT appointment on Thursday I mentioned we were thinking about getting the girls a trampoline and Julie said, "Can I be your Santa Claus?" In my brain I am thinking you seriously have $250 dollars just laying around to give us, but not being one to turn down a good offer I said sure. She then explained that someone donated one to the farm where she works, but they don't need one so they were going to give it to someone, so if we wanted it we could have it. I was so excited. I couldn't believe it. So, we arranged to pick it up on Friday and we brought it home, and not being ones to let good weather go to waste we set it up and started jumping. Oh man, it is so great. It might be even better than I thought it would be. Tia loved helping us build it and Kylee was so surprised and excited when she saw it after Preschool. It was so perfect. We have had a couple of bonked heads and one tumble, but nothing major and I think it is going to be so perfect. I love that the girls will go jump and though they like me to be out with them I don't have to be. Kitt did have to help us with the setup of the tramp a bit, and then she had to hide for a bit while she got her work done. When she was done it was lunch time and I got the kids started, but then Gaupo and I left for a date.

Tia helping us out.

Kitt, Tia, and Gaupo putting the last piece together.

Tia and Gaupo on the finished tramp.

Kylee jumping on her own.

Tori, Tia, and Kylee working on getting their jumping legs.

That is one way I got Kitt up here was using on of her free babysitting coupons. Gaupo and I didn't really know what to do, but I decided that we would go to lunch at Texas Roadhouse. Texas Roadhouse is my favorite place to eat. So, we went, but I miss guessed and they don't open till 3 on Friday. So, we decided to go try out Bufflo Wild Wings instead. We ordered an sampler appetizer that included wings, mozzarella sticks, nachos, and onion rings. Then we got as many sauces as we wanted to try with our wings. Gaupo and I had a great time tasting all the ones we got and deciding what was good and what wasn't. It was just such a good time for us to try lots of things. Both Gaupo and I decided we would go back, but not because the food was super awesome, but because we like trying lots of stuff. After eating lunch, we went to Cold Stone and used our gift cards from our dentist and got some ice cream. It was pretty tasty and it was fun to do it fancy. We never go to Cold Stone, but it was definitely way fun to try all the flavors there too. It was a simple date and was only two hours, but it was so perfect and it was fun to do it without interruption and together.

That night we had a BBQ with the families that Gaupo home teaches. It was really fun to talk to them. I don't get to sit down with those sister that often, so it was fun and Kitt was a good sport to go with us. It made for a fun evening. When we got home we were pretty tuckered out, but we decided to play a couple round of Sorry. It has been too long since I have played that game and so it was really fun to play it with Kitt and Gaupo.

Saturday morning we sent Gaupo off to work and then us women had breakfast and headed to the pool. The girls were really excited to show Aunt Kitt all the fun stuff they can do. Kylee can jump in the water, front float, front glide, swim, and kick. She has recently almost accomplished a back float. Tia can jump in, go under water, 'dive,' and of course loves to go down the big slides. Tonight she started to kick while holding onto the barbell. She also is doing better at getting her feet of the ground. She is coming along and I am so pleased. So, anyway it was way fun to let Aunt Kitt see all the tricks they have learned since this summer. After swimming we headed home, and had to send Kitt off, so she could attend the teacher council broadcast at her stake center.

Once she left, I got the girls lunch and down for a nap and then turned on the computer to watch the broadcast myself. It was AWESOME!! I loved the spirit that accompanied that meeting. I felt unified with the other members listening although I could not see them, but I felt united. I loved the way they demonstrated different teaching methods, answered questions, talked about real challenges, and acted like real teachers. It was so cool. I loved the way they looked at the scriptures for examples and actually picked them apart in the scriptures. I love the videos. One thing I noticed in one of them, was that most of the 'family' teaching they showed the parents and children were gathered and learning together where they felt most comfortable. I guess I always picture a family sitting perfectly on couches, but it wasn't that way. They were on the floor or where ever worked for their family, but the important thing was they were together and learning. It was just totally awesome and I am so glad I was able to participate and focus on it.

Not much else happened on Saturday. I did do our vegetable 'canning.' Gaupo made a great dinner and we watched a show together and had popcorn. I love when my family slows down and gathers together. Sure sometimes I wish we could play a game instead of a movie, but I think it is more important that we are excited to be doing the same thing together and I love those sweet short moments when we do.

Sunday we our regional conference. It was really good. A lot of it was actually on repentance and knowing that process and that it is OKAY to have to repent. We all do and we need to. They also talked about temple attendance and taking refuge in the temple. Once again, I already can't remember a lot of what was said, but I loved the feelings I felt there.

I am so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord. He knows what our family needs. He cares enough to help us get a trampoline. He cares enough to help Gaupo and I get out on a date and love it even though it didn't go as planed. He knows what we need to hear and feel. I needed to feel the spirit and I loved being able to feel it in my home and at church. He knows I need socialness especially now that Frisbee is over and I don't have someone to talk to at swim lessons. He knows and loves me enough to not give me all the answers I want all at once and to send gentle reminders that He is here and I need to wait. He knows that I miss my brothers and sisters, so even a virtual hangout is better than nothing. I know God loves me and is in the details of my life. That does not mean my life is perfect, that I am perfect, or that I never ask for things I shouldn't. It jut means that I know that when what I want doesn't happen I can trust that God has something in store for me if I will just wait on Him. I am so grateful for the weather this weekend and the wonderful time I had with my family. So simple and yet so wonderful.

Halloween Week 2016

Halloween I think gets more and more fun every year. I really hope that never changes because I actually  really enjoy liking Halloween. I like how we enjoy working together to plan meals. The point to make and eat meals together is better accomplished, and trick-or-treating with little kids is awesome especially if they are super troopers like mine.

So just like in years past for the week before Halloween we make some Halloween themed foods. This year we tried out some new things and kept some old things, but overall it was successful and fun. Here is the food...

Monday Meatloaf Hand. Uncooked.

Cooked. This was my favorite meal of the week.

Tuesday: Ham and Cheese Ghosts

Wednesday: Trick-or-Treat Turnovers and Frankin Cups

Thursday: Jack-O-Lantern Cassadias. This was by far the easiest meal.

Friday: Spider sliders. These were also really good and actually got better with time.

Dessert for the weekend: Dirt cake

Saturday Squirly worms on a bum and those other worm looking things are worm salad. I did not like the salad at all.

Sunday: Pumpkin Pizza, so use your imagination to make those look like pumpkins.

Halloween Night: Mummies on a Stick

Like I said above it was pretty fun to make all this great food and I am really glad we did. Everything was good except the worm salad, so that is definitely a no-go for next year, But I think the meatloaf hand might be my new favorite with spider sliders coming in second. I think that the dirt cake was amazing as well, but that wasn't really new and it was sugar, so it can't win the contest.

We did celebrate Halloween in other ways besides food, and that just made the celebrations that much more fun. On Wednesday we went Trick-or-Treating at Library storytime. It is usually crazy busy and this year was no exception, but I still like going and hearing the stories and then taking the kids around the Civic Center to trick-or-treat. I did have all four kids with me, so I was glad when Gaupo could tag along with us to help keep everyone going and doing what they were suppose to. One story that I love from this storytime is The Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything. It is a really great story and allows the kids to get involved. Another fun moment this year was when Gaupo introduced me to some he works with and they said "You have a great husband." To which I replied, "I know. I am so lucky, huh?" It kind of took the person by surprise, but I never get tired of hearing compliments about Gaupo. He really does try very hard to do a good job at work and I feel like he is good at his job, so I like when other people tell me he is.

Our next Halloween fun was on Friday. Kylee's preschool class had a Halloween parade. The three kids in her class walked around the teachers loop three times and each time they passed they said "Happy Halloween!" Kylee thought this was so fun. Then after circling three times they lined up on tape marks on the floor and sang us parents three songs. They sang All the Earth is Mind, Gray Squirrel, and a witch one. It was so fun to watch them preform and it has been so fun to hear Kylee sing those songs all this week too.

Alyssa, Ryker, and Kylee all lined up to sing. Kylee was Elsa for this parade.

After the parade, they had a party and we left. I asked Tia what she wanted to do since Kylee was at school and at first she said she wanted to go to the train park, but then she insisted she wanted to go swimming. So, we quickly grabbed our suits and headed to the pool. We swam for a bit and then they turned the big water slides on and we went down them probably about 15 or so times. We were the only ones going and it was just me and her, so I took her until she said she was done. It was so fun to see her totally enjoy them and keep asking for more. It was a great way to have a party while Kylee was having her own.

Also on Friday, we invited Gaupo's co-worker Ronda over for dinner. It was so fun to have her and she thought our food was delicious and she spoiled us by bringing deviled  eggs, a super good green salad, and a bowl of candy. She enjoyed both dinner and dessert with us and even helped clean up. It was so fun to visit with her. Ronda and Gaupo get along really well and she also thinks my girls are just great, so it was so fun to share our holiday festivities with someone.

The next real celebrating we did was on Halloween. The first way we celebrated was by picking up Tia's new glasses. She looks so cute in them and for the most part is doing really well at leaving them on. She isn't perfect, but it is way better than I thought she would be.

I could hardly get her to look at the camera because she wanted to play so this is the best pic I have.

We had dinner and got costumes on. I finally managed to snap some pictures of these kids in their costumes and then me and the girls headed out to trick-or-treat around 6:15.

Tia as a witch.

Kylee as a kitty.

A witch and her Kitty.

We went up our street to the top of the hill and then we crossed because we were going to go to our friend Jensen's house, but we ran into Jensen and also are friends Kalo and Sony, so we went trick-or-treating with them. Man my kids got so much candy, but it was so fun to watch them get excited over every piece. It was fun to see them full of excitement and fun. It really was fun to watch, but man we stayed out till like 8:00 and the girls were so tired when we got home that they feel asleep in no time. It was AWESOME!

Tia and her loot.

Kylee and her loot.

Halloween was super fun. I totally enjoy having kids that are starting to get into dressing up, fun meals, and trick-or-treating. It is fun to see how much they have grown and it really does make the holiday fun. I really enjoy the ages of my children they are old enough to do stuff, but not old enough to worry about what other people think, to want to hangout with friends instead of me, and they don't have too crazy of schedules. I mean it is so good. I am loving being a mom to these two fireballs of mine.