Pics

I was trying to get some pictures for our Christmas card this year, and was that an adventure. The first two places I had picked out had terrible lighting and the kids were looking into the sun. I was irritated that they just couldn't keep their eyes open, and they were probably wondering why their mom turned into such a grouch. We drove around town looking for somewhere else to try and after a half an hour in the car we found this wall on one of the outer edge of the square. After promises of going to Sonic for drinks, we really got some amazing pictures. They were smiling and their eyes were open, and in my opinion that is all that matters!

Thanks to Sonic for making blue coconut slushies and apple juice (as well as a strawberry limeaid for myself and vanilla coke for Derek my assistant).

Thanks to Allee and Pierce for putting up with their crazy mom and her ideas of perfection. Sometimes I really don't deserve such wonderful kiddos.

One Fish, Two Fish

The kids were so excited to start swimming lessons this month. We were in Utah for the summer session, and quite honestly it worked perfectly in November. Summertime is so busy and once fall hits and daylight savings kicks in, there isn't much to do.

Allee and Pierce both LOVE the water and it was fun to see how much they progressed in only two weeks.

Allee learned how to swim with her face in the water. She is now an "expert" at the primary stroke, back stroke, and diving for rings underwater. Just ask, she will tell you how easy it is and how much she loves it.

Pierce and I took a Mommy and Me class. It was at the same time as Allee's and I figured it would be easier than trying to keep him out of the water. By the end of his lessons he was great at jumping in (his personal favorite), putting his mouth and nose under water, and he would even bob completely underneath.

We are so proud of our little fish!

Halloween

Halloween was definitely different this year. It was our second one away from Utah, and this year Halloween was on Sunday. Normally on Saturday we would be getting the kids all dressed up, but not here in Missouri. Derek and I had a couple of conversations about whether or not to take the kids out on Sunday, but we decided that none of our Halloween traditions broke the sabbath, and how could we not let them go.

We went to a trunk or treat at First Baptist Church which the kids thought was pretty fun, but honestly I am not a huge fan of trunk or treats. I think Halloween should be spent walking around the neighborhood, bumping into friends and neighbors and walking door to door (but that's my opinion!) Allee especially loved seeing her kindergarten teacher Mrs. Johnson who handed her hand fulls (not kidding!) of candy. She felt pretty special.

Afterwards we walked around our neighborhood, not because we needed more candy, but because everyone was out and that is the fun of the holiday!

Allee was Gabriella from High School Musical. This is the first year I haven't made the kids costumes and I was a little sad. I found this on such an awesome deal, that I couldn't pass it up! She looked beautiful and was covered in sparkles.

Pierce was VERY insistent that he would be a fireman this year. I tried to talk him out of it and I almost made him the costume I wanted, but after some coaching from Derek (like why am I fighting with a 2 year old over a Halloween costume!) I gave in.

This is the costume I made him last year. It was gigantic then and it fit perfectly this year. He was so happy with it and he was so excited to put it on.

The kids had a blast and ate way too much candy, but that's what Halloween is all about!