Rough Times...

I've been avoiding publishing this post on the blog. I'm not sure what to say really. To say we are heartbroken, devastated, or shocked would be a major understatement. Chris' dad, Ken, passed away 2 weeks ago today. Only 2 weeks ago? It feels like a lifetime since we have seen him, talked with him, laughed with him, hugged him. What a roller coaster of emotions we have been through. I can only be thankful at this time for our knowledge that we will see him again because families are forever!!! Those were some of Ken's last words to Chris. Ken's greatest joy in life was our family. It is truly an honor to carry on his legacy. We will strive to make him proud as he is watching over us from up above. I know this pain will always be here but hopefully it will become less severe with the passing of time. What a blessing it is to have family and friends surrounding us with their love and support. It has carried us through these horrible weeks!

To our dear Grandpa Wally, we love you more than we can express. We will look forward to a grand reunion on the other side!!!

Happy Birthday Beautiful Bella!

9 years old today. I can't believe it! When Bella came into this world, she was the most alert baby I'd ever seen. Very aware of everything going on around her. She was a great baby and made us so proud to be parents after a long wait. She continues to be the best kid! So sweet, responsible and smart. As much as I hate to see her growing up, she is becoming the most amazing young lady. There is an endless amount of love for Bella in our home and we are so thankful she is part of our family!

Lots of celebrating this weekend! I took Subway (her favorite) in to school today and ate lunch with her. Donuts for her class. Chuck E. Cheese tonight (I am not a fan of that place but it makes the kids happy). Ice Skating party tomorrow afternoon with friends (no, I did not know the Utes and TCU would be playing, I have heard about it ALL week long.) And then, a family dinner on Sunday. This is one lucky girl :)

Dangerous...

Someone has a habit around here of putting things around her neck. There was one time where she couldn't get a good breath going and I had to save her. I'm not sure what the fascination is, but it's there...

Another bad habit but one I kinda like...

She is a total TV junkie. She is obsessed with several movies right now.

"Woody-Buzz" "Dine-da-soar" "Nouse" (I'll interpret that one... The Tale of Despereaux) "Piglet" and "Mickey Nouse" This is a habit I'm not in a hurry to break, it gives me a few moments of peace and quiet.

Lovin' the hair in this shot.

Anytime you see an orange couch, you know it's a TV watchin' fool :)

This was her attire for about a week.

She didn't want to get dressed but wanted to

wear her new boots.

"Ava, say cheese." Her best attempt while keeping her eyes glued to the TV.

(This thumb sucking habit is a whole other issue we will be dealing with in the future.)

Great parenting going on at this house, don't ya think???

Speaking of parents, missing mine like crazy!!! (And my sisters!!!)

Came upon this picture while downloading Halloween from the camera.

My Mom with a bunch of the grand kids the night before she left. I've been feeling sad the last few days thinking of all the things my parents and sisters are missing here at home. Yes, they have new "homes" now but it's not the same. Halloween was lonely, there are birthday's this week, Thanksgiving, a baptism next month for Addi. But, they are staying at my house for Christmas so I guess I shouldn't complain. If only we could find a way to move closer to them! Anyone know of a job for Chris?

Halloween 2010

I'm just a tad late on this Halloween post :) It ended up being a gross rainy night for us trick or treater's. I didn't even take any pictures of the actual night. I was in a bad mood. Here are a few shots of Chris and Bella for the Activity Days Daddy/Daughter party. And then the school Halloween parade. I'm glad they have this tradition still kickin'. Great memories of parading around Calvin Smith :)

Alice and the Mad Hatter

Ava has been asking each day to wear her "princess" which means this dress, or a Minnie Mouse one we have. When she saw Bella she immediately grabbed her Alice to put on. She insisted on being in this picture. Love it!!!

Fall has arrived here in Utah :( I hate the cold weather but appreciate the beauty of the changing leaves. Our little tree in the front yard.

Mya picked this costume out of Britt's Halloween boxes. Brittney has compiled an amazing collection of Halloween costumes over the years. Really, I refuse to spend money on this holiday. We love to borrow our costumes.

After I got Mya ready she asked "Mom, what is a Gypsy?" I then told her that Gypsies are well known for stealing things. She got a concerned look on her face and said, "Let's just say I'm a Fortune Teller." I got a good laugh out of that one. I'm afraid we are in trouble with these beautiful girls!

Bella decided she hated wigs after her activity days party. "They are itchy, hair is in your face all the time and they fall off!" It was a struggle to get it to look good and not be in her face on this day. We ended up just doing her own hair down with a black headband for trick or treating.

Here is the "Minnie Princess" dress. As soon as Ava saw Mya, she was glued to her side and finished the parade with her. It was pretty cute but made me nervous waiting in the gym for Bella's class wondering what Ava was doing and if Mya was able to maintain control of her. Chris and I breed this gene into our kids that makes them super independent and a little bit uncontrollable at this 2-3 year old stage. Off and running to do their own thing without caring one bit where Mom and Dad are. Full on tantrum's if told they can't do something and heaven forbid if we try to help them do anything :)!

And finally, the annual Dad and the Girls pumpkin picture. This has been one tradition in our house that I will fully accept and let continue. Dad carves the pumpkin's with the girls :) This was the first year that Bella and Mya were really hands on. It made it nice for Chris. Ava just wanted to color hers with markers. What a cute family I have!