Witches, football players and monkeys..oh my!

Halloween should be on a Saturday every year! It was great....no running around frantically trying to get everyone in costumes, getting dinner, trunk or treating, trick or treating, etc. etc.

It was an enjoyable day. We went to the church for trunk or treat (where they served dinner, too) and then we went to some neighborhood houses. We came home, had some treats and watched Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs, while we continued to answer to trick or treaters until around 9:00. It was very low key. It was great.

Olivia was very excited to wear her monkey costume (it kept her cozy and warm, too).
Ryker was Troy Palomalu of the Steelers this year (notice the flowing black wig coming out of the back of the helmet). Yes, he is obsessed :)

Gracie...the good witch!

Motorcyles Motorcycles Motorcycles!

Ryker got a new motorcyle (a KTM 50), so guess who wanted his other motorcycle? My crazy, brave girl Grace! Doug took her out to Dell to teach her to ride, and he said she picked it up even faster than Ryker. No pics of the event, but here is a pick of Ryker catching some air on his KTM.

Sorry about having to turn your head ;)

School

School has been well under way since the end of August, but I wanted to share these pics. I love the beginning of the school year...back to school shopping, new backpacks and school supplies. Back to school this year meant back to school for me, too. I think we are finally adjusted and back into the swing of waking up early and being at school all day. It seemed like it took forever!

The kids are doing great, and have adjusted to their new grades and teachers. I've adjusted to my schedule, too. I'm working in 3rd grade the whole school day, splitting my time between 3 classes.

Grace...the fashionista.

Ryker....too cool for words.

This was not Olivia's first day of school, but she did start preschool

this year twice a week and is LOVING it!

Football Season '09

Ryker played his first year of tackle football on the Cottonwood Colts Gold Gremlin team. The season started at the beginning of August and ended October 31st. Practices 3-5 times per week and games on Saturday. Ryker learned a lot about teamwork, committment, sacrifice and friendship. It was a great experience. They never won in points, but their team grew so much over the season, it was amazing.

Number 38 waiting for the whistle to blow

One of Ryker's positions was punter


Get 'em Ryker!

Running the ball

Half time huddle

Way to tackle!

Ward Campout

The Harmony Park Ward has done a campout for the last few years. They have had it at Rockport each year, but this year we were closer to the water, and it was a great time. We may have had wind and rain, and even hail...but everyone enjoyed each other's company and the fun activities.

Water weenie fun!
We have such great leaders that are so innovative. Thanks Brother Jones!

Another one of Brother Jones' great innovations - the "wheel of terror". Two people strap in and it spins around (manually). So two people get a thrill and one person gets a great upper body workout. Grace loved this ride.

Ryker liked it, too.

Olivia playing in the dirt by the water. I can't remember what delicacy this was suppose to be.

Ryker found lots of treausure along the shoreline. Dead crawfish, fishing leftovers, a golf ball, just to name a few.

Yes, it was windy, but Gracie didn't care. Neither did any of the other kids.

Turning 8 Means a Baptism!

Ryker was a little nervous about being baptized, but he did great. He was baptized on August 8, 2009. Our stake does baptisms individually, because there aren't many 8 year olds being baptized each month, so we got to create our own program. It was very nice. Ryker has many people who love him, and they came to support him in his decision to be baptized. We are very grateful that they made the effort to be there to share in his special day.

He looks so handsome in his suit!

Dressed in white and ready to be baptized by Dad.
Ryker with his cousins Chase and Kade. Kade gave an awesome talk on baptism and Chase gave the closing prayer. We are so happy they could come from Idaho to share in Ryker's special day.

Ryker Turns 8

Yes...it's true! Ryker is 8! To celebrate, we had the neighborhood kids, a few friends from school, and cousins over for a football themed party. More specifically, a Steeler's themed football party, his favorite NFL team.

Of course there was a Steeler's themed cake!

Doug painted a Steeler's football field in the backyard.

And we HAD to display the Steeler's memorobilia :)

It was a fun party, and everyone had a great time.