Getting ready for Halloween

 

If we were still in PA Halloween would be done, candy eaten and just endured a hurricane. BUT, since we are now in Arizona we will actually celebrate Halloween on the 31st and have no time limits put on us. Strangely the thought of that does not seem normal.

We have done a few holiday festivities. The kids had a Monster Mash Glow dance at their school last Friday. We almost didn't go since Audrey and Leia were grumpy from a cold and the dance started right at their bedtime. Surprisingly Audrey perked up after dinner so we took a chance, had the kids suit up in their Halloween gear and headed out to school.

In my mind it was going to be an actual dance and I  secretly wondered how the heck all the kids and their parents (no drop-offs please) would fit in the gym. While driving there Jonathan reminded me it was outside, a pleasant surprise. The dance was more like a carnival without games. The kids were able to go down a huge slide, bounce in a bounce house, get their fortune told, have a balloon animal created for them and if they wanted to, actually dance. We stayed around for an hour and then headed home to put kiddos to bed.

We also attempted to go to a pumpkin patch about a week ago but they were all closed on Monday so off to the supermarket we went. Jonathan and Ella chose a good sized pumpkin, Leia once again chose a tiny one and if Audrey wasn't strapped down in the shopping cart she would have run away in fear. I'm not sure if we'll get to carving them... we'll see.

 

 

 

 

While Ryan was at work,  I think Saturday, we attempted to get some decorating in as well. The girls came out with me and proceeded to play with the rocks while I hung decorations. After a while, Jonathan came outside to see what we were up to and then decided to join in on the fun. The three older kids helped out with the massive spider web which was the home of a big spider we placed on our outside light. At night his beady little red eyes light up and it sits there quietly, just waiting to get a trick or treater.

Last night we did something new... made caramel apples. I was about to start the caramel but then Jonathan interrupted wanting/ begging me to show him how to make it. He has been wanting me to show him how to cook for some time now. So I brushed aside the urge to do it myself and let him take over. He did a good job and the homemade from scratch caramel tasted delicious. I let it cool down a little and thne coated the apples, handed the three oldest kids each an apples and they went to town decorating them with candies. Once all was done, the apple eating began. Leia kept exclaiming her apple tasted "yumilicious".



Now to just get those pumpkins carved before tomorrow night.

A Decade of Jonathan

On October 8th Jonathan turned 10. Ryan and I are baffled how this happened. 10! He has been with us for 10 years! He has been looking forward to the day, looking at the calendar, counting the days and then the time came and went. The boy is growing up before our eyes. I'm trying not to blink.

The day was pretty low key. It started out with a yummy breakfast involving bacon and pancakes. Okay, the day really started off by him waking up to a lovely b-day note, having to use the bathroom and getting an unexpected surprise of balloons blocking his way.

 

Later in the day he went out with dad for lunch where he did some indoor rock climbing. Around dinner time, all the Huntingtons came over for dinner and to  hang out. I'm not sure which Huntington family it is, but they have a tradition where the gifts are hidden and the b-day person has to find them. So off went a bunch of excited kids, hiding presents while Jonathan talked to G'pa on the phone. When he was finished the search began. He had a lot of fun and the Huntingtons spoiled him with many wonderful presents... all of which he stayed up late playing.

It seems so surreal that 10 years has passed by.When I think of other boys Jonathan's age and and see how they behave, it is quite apparent that Jonathan is a really good boy. He really tries to follow the Lord and is a wonderful big brother considering he is surrounded by girlishness. He is incredibly smart and constantly has something he is interested in... a new card game, his anime drawings, immersed in a new book or figuring out how to make a new idea/ invention become a reality. I am sooo glad he a part of our family. We love you Jonathan.

Disneyland

The kids have the first 2-1/2 weeks off of October so the brainstorming began months ago about what we should do for Jonathan's birthday. No more crazy residency schedule to worry about and mess up plans! Yahooooo! After much thought, we decided to head out to Cali and spend a couple days at Disneyland. It would be the first time for Leia and Audrey plus a long over due trip for Jonathan and Ella. I don't even think Ella remembers when she went the first time.

The kids surprised me how good they were on the drive out there. We spent the first night in Simi and then took off for Disneyland the next morning. All the older kiddos were super excited and ready for the day. I LOVE to tell the little kids, this time Leia, that the tram is the first ride. Little wide eyed, crackly voice Leia, tried her best to take it all in with a gigantic smile on her face.

We spent a good part of the first day together. Now and then the boys went on some of the bigger rides. All of the girly girls enjoyed It's A Small World. Even Audrey got all snuggly comfortable on me and just looked at all the dolls in amazement. When the ride was done, we were pleasantly surprised to see Uncle John. He then politely followed us to go on the ride a second time, sat Ella on his shoulders so she could have a better seat for the parade that passed by after the ride and finally went off with the boys to go on some roller coasters Jonathan had waited patiently to ride.

While the boys played, it was tricky to find rides I could go on with three little girls. We ended up on a Merri go round and then going on the Ariel ride, which I was secretly dying for Leia to see. She loved it, Ella was a little scared and Audrey just hung in there. We atually went on it twice, the second time I looked over seeing my three little girls, seated smallest to biggest, holding unto the bar ready for the ride. It melted my heart and felt like one happy momma.

The next day the kids were a little beat, especially Leia. Uncle Todd and his family met us at Disneyland and spent the day with us. I feel so bad they had to wait in a huge line just to see Tinkerbell and then when we actually saw her, Leia freaked out half way through. Eventually she calmed down and we had another great day. They hung in there which I appreciate because Tinkerbell was a must see for us and a highlight of the trip for Ella. Even with 2 days we still had many rides not yet experienced but we can save those for another day.

I must say, some of the Disney employees really love their job and it shows. During the second day in Cars' land, we stumbled upon a mini live show. During it kids were invited to dance along. In the mist of them was a little boy in a wheelchair strumming an air guitar while pushing himself along in the line of kids. The look on his face was of pure joy. I looked over at one of the main Disney performers who was just smiling at him, turned her head and wiped away a few tears. I did too. That moment was truly magical.

We had a great time. Ryan and I were amazed with everything going on, how well the kids behaved. I still can't get over it. Best vacation ever!

 Umm, funny and slightly embarrasing story. Jonathan, the older two girlsand I decided to ride Autotopia. While on the ride there are many, many signs that say do not bump other cars. Jonathan was in front of us and little did I know he would frequently stop due to having difficulties reaching the gas pedal. At the start of the ride I thought, "Hey I should get a pic of Ella driving the car." I fumbled through my purse, found my phone and then proceeded to get a decent pic. I ended up positoning the phone where I could not see Jonathan's car and within seconds I gave him a good bump. I was completely embarrased and hoping we would not get pulled off the ride. I guess no phone use should be used on car rides as well. Lesson learned I paid attention the rest of the ride but Jonathan kept stopping which meant I had to stop. One time we were bumped from a little girl. I must admit watching him drive made me cringe at the thought in about 5 years he will be driving for real. Heaven help me... and him.

Leia walking across the bridge in Tarzan's tree house.

Leia and me at the top of the tree house.

 Jonathan about to ride Star Tours... which is an awesome ride.

 That dot between Jonathan and Ella is actually the center of Disneyland... found in the castle.

 One of the few pictures we took of Audrey. Proof that she was there.

 On both days we took a break here, where the kids could relax, have some down time and cool off.

 Ella with Tinkerbell and her friend.

 We even met Mickey mouse!

 Audrey cutting a dance move.

Uncle John, purposefully making a weird face, along with Jonathan and Ryan on California Screamer.

The big 70!

At the begining of October we went to Cali for a family vacation and to visit grandparents. While there, my mom had her b-day so we were able to celebrate it with her. We have not been able to do that in years.

This particular b-day was extra special because she turned 70! Towards the beginning of the day we took off for their mountain house and got the full, fabulous tour. My dad had a custom built home theater put in but we were never able to see it since we lived so far away. Finally we live closer, had some time on our hands and drove out to the mountains to see it. I knew the theater had to be nice since it was featured in a magazine but seeing it in person was awesome. The kids loved it instantly and ended up watching a movie. I think the sweetest part was looking up and seeing a replica of how the night sky looked the day my parents were married. I never knew my dad was such a romantic guy.

It was nice to spend time with my family. My mom has become a little attached to Leia and wisked her away to give Leia her own special tour of the place.

This picture cracks me up. It should have a caption like, "really, I HAVE to be a Packer's fan? What to do, what to do?"

 

 

 

Towards the evening we headed out to my brother's new place where we had pizza and cake. My brother's house is awesome as well. I love to see how people choose to decorate their home. It's kind of like wondering what style dress a new bride will choose. So fun.

                                                                My mom and brother

                                                                  My Dad and Mom