Birthday boy CONNOR!

I brought in Mario cupcakes for Connor's birthday treat at school. The kids thought they were pretty cool, especially to find sprinkles inside that would help them grow bigger, just like on Super Mario Bros. Brielle ended up licking the frosting off of several cupcakes before the day was through. I know that Cael and Brecon appreciated having a little cupcake, just not one without the frosting.

As a treat, we brought in mustaches for the class to wear. These kids looked so great and especially grown up with the dark facial hair. It was hilarious!

Carson, Connor, and Braxton pose for a quick picture together and their awesome mustaches

When we opened presents, everyone was excited. More Legos and cool toys from the grandmas, cereal and books from friends and family. What a lucky- Happy Birthday BOY!

MONSTER DASH 5K

Trunk or Treat

We got all dressed up for our chili dinner and trunk or treat with members from our  branch- Cael looked really great dressed up as Jack frost, Brecon in his Ironman costume for the fourth year in a row, Connor as Spiderman going on two years, and Brielle as a West Point cheerleader. We had a white hairspray from six years ago and used that on Cael to give him the frosty appearance. I guess I sprayed a little too close to his scalp- it remained white for a bout a week. 

The dinner was delicious, plenty of tasty soups to try. It's always nice to enjoy dinner without having to cook. Good friends to talk to you and great support from dear friends from church.

Time Out for Women

We found this cute lion on our walk Saturday afternoon. It was hard to find a place without a really long line to eat some food. We finally got sandwiches at a bagel shop which was so delicious. And then I made everyone take a picture in front of this blue painted horse.

we are having so much fun!

I had such a great time going away for a Friday and Saturday trip to Saratoga Springs, New York. It was a good thing to look forward to, especially since Ben had just left on Monday. These women are incredible, The messages were very uplifting and inspiring. We even had a fun sleepover, restaurants, and a little road trip.

I was so grateful for my friends who could watch my kids while I went away. I sure have some great people in my life. Feeling very blessed.

THE BLAZE

Everyone told us we needed to go to the blaze. We bought the tickets and thought it would be a great activity to bring the whole family to, plus my mother after she had spent the whole week watching the kids for us. Little did we know that Ben would be gone! His flight left early in the morning. It was a strange day, but we kept our plans and just went without using one of our tickets.

We were quite shocked at how much an adult ticket cost, as well as a child's price to enter this historical event.

Walking through there were pumpkins everywhere, carved in so many different ways and many different faces. We got there at dusk and were able to see an overall view of the area, which was nice. As it continued to grow darker and darker it became easier to lose the children while walking around the property. We had the boys hold hands with either me or grandma. Briel thought it was funny to run off at different times.

this was a huge spiderweb made out of pumpkins, and hundreds of pumpkin spiders all over the ground. It was pretty creepy!

The boys were starting to get tired near the end. I couldn't get them to stand up straight or smile for the camera.

I guess it's different when grandma is in the picture with you. Cael and Connor were more cooperative.

I don't think we were super impressed – with the cost and what we saw. I can see why it is a fundraiser, but I wish I had known that before we had purchased our tickets. To all the people who say "you must go to the blaze", I'd say to them don't waste your time... Both my mother and I agreed.

At least we had something to do for our family home evening night that Ben left

Our FLORIDA trip