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!

Carving Pumpkins

It's that sticky, messy, gooey time of year again and we love it!

This year Pierce was more than eager to help pull all the seeds out of his pumpkins. There was no trepidation, no pulling faces, this guy was on a mission. He didn't rest until every last seed was pulled from his pumpkin.

Allee was able to design and carve her own pumpkin this year. Derek helped with the mouth but that was only because I broke the good carving knife. She spent most of her time drawing faces, there is one on the back side of her pumpkin as well, she is always drawing, our little artist.

Derek made his traditional "throwing-up" pumpkin which was made even more spectacular by the bumpy knotty pumpkin he had this year.

We are ready, we are set,

Halloween Here We Come!

Success!!!!!!!!

It has taken me a little while to post this because I wanted to be really sure we were done. I didn't want to have to look back at this post and say, "remember when he did this?" It has been 6 weeks and I can confidently say with all the enthusiasm I can muster

PIERCE IS POTTY TRAINED!!!
He loves his big boy underwear, especially the ones with the balls around the waistband!
He was so easy to potty train. The first day I put a pull up on him at nap time and he was dry. The second day he refused to wear one for naps and has never had an accident. By day three he wouldn't wear a pull up at bedtime, and has never had an accident at night. Of course there are the occasional accidents during the day, but all in all it has been a wonderful experience (whew!) I was so nervous, everyone told me boys were so much harder, but this little angel proved them wrong.
Way to go Pierce!

10 Years

Ten years ago yesterday I was privileged enough to be marrying my best friend. I remember seeing him for the first time that cold morning and thinking,

"I really get to marry him?!"

That day went by so quickly. I barely remember what was said. I had to think really hard about whether or not our cake had raspberry filling.

But, I can remember perfectly clear, looking into his eyes as we were being sealed and feeling safe, warm, and loved. I always knew that I was going to love him forever, I just didn't realize at that time how MUCH I would love him forever.

10 years later I still get that warm feeling when he walks in the door from work. I still get excited when we go on dates. And I am so excited that I am the person who gets to love him forever.

Now, onto the fun part of our anniversary!

This is the package my present came in!

I never thought I would be the type of girl who wanted a present that came in one of those famous blue boxes, but guess what?? Now that I have received one, I totally am!

It was so beautiful, I didn't even want to open it.
I love, love, love my present. It is beautiful. In the light it sparkles like it is filled with hundreds of little diamonds. In practicality it is flexible sterling silver and the coolest ring I have ever seen.

Thanks for 10 amazing years my love.