Halloween

Connor's been excited for Halloween ever since his ninja costume arrived in the mail, at the beginning of the month. And he has been loving playing in it ever since. 

Our Halloween started early this year with a BYUI Trick-Or-Treat party for the kids, on Tuesday.

Thursday, we began our Halloween with hot chocolates (in hopes to conquer the colds we were fighting)  and a Halloween cupcake for fun.

Next on the list was our pumpkin carving, we hoped to do this earlier, but surprise the time came and went. Both Bella and Connor enjoyed the "slime" part of carving ...

After going to Season's Pediatrics to Trick-Or-Treat, meltdowns included, we headed for Jamba Juice for their free smoothies, Connor fully enjoyed them ... both :)

Then we had pizza for dinner and headed to a Trunk-Or-Treat and finished with some Trick-Or-Treating at a few family and friends. Snow and rain decided to join us off and on most of the time but it didn't damper our spirits. Although the cold hurried us along a little.

This sleep deprived ninja and over active tinkerbell were only too happy to head home and start in on our treats.

Pajamas, popcorn, pillows, blankets, Scooby Doo, and snuggles; put an end to our night.

Our Halloween was packed and not without toddlers in tantrums, but it made the perfect end to a busy October.
Were looking forward to some time to relax before Thanksgiving, wish us some luck!

five years ago

I remember this moment, leaving the temple, bursting with happiness. I held onto you so tight not willing to let go ... ever! And I am still holding on just as tight loving every minute of our ride together forever. 

Happy Anniversary Babe! You stole my heart 6 years ago and 5 years ago we entered the Rexburg, ID temple to be not only married for this life but sealed for time and all eternity. I cannot imagine anything more romantic or anything that I am more sure of than the day October 22, 2008 when we started our lives together.

After our anniversary plans fell through and Connor had been begging for some bowling we decided the kids could join us this year for our anniversary. So off to bowling we went, in the afternoon during Shea's break from classes. We got lots of smiles and giggles and sure made us happy for the past 5 years together. 

That night Shea brought me roses and "jackpot" vase filled with silver and gold chocolates, with a card that read "I hit the jackpot!" on the outside! We also enjoyed a dinner out just us, with a bookstore date to end the night.

Shea,

Love is quite the ride. Being in love is not just the ease of conversation or the anticipation of every touch, it's not just the loneliness you feel when their not there; it's the silence when times are hard and the firm grip that tells you they aren't going anywhere, it's the confidence in each decision you make together, it's the trust that is long and endearing, it's the hand in hand fullness that your match is alongside you for eternity, it's the love that fills your "body and soul" with each new step through life.

It's been 5 years since we've been married, 6 years since we've met, and in truth I feel more in love with you than ever. You inspire my dreams, your by my side always, you care for me unconditionally and your laughter brightens even the gloomiest of days. I love you for all the little things you do babe and for the much bigger ones that will amaze me forever. I am truly one lucky girl.

Happy Anniversary my Hottie Love!

Tinkerbella

Bella turned TWO and to celebrate we threw a TINKERBELL PARTY!

Tinkerbell is her favorite little star. Thank goodness for Netflix so we can watch all the Tinkerbell movies, over and over again for "free" :) Via instant through my parents account.

Well Bella's Saturday party got canceled so we did a simple one on the day of. She got to wear her Halloween costume, Tinkerbell! And we had cake and presents at Shea's parents house. She was in love with her new baby and after opening that she was just overwhelmed. She is so sweet and easy to please. We loved all her smiles and her attention to each present, except clothes of course (which she was in the most need of). She got cupcakes made by Daddy that were delicious, purple icing and silver "pixie dust" on top!

Connor struggled some, frustrated and not understanding that this birthday was not his. Mostly with the present opening, but by the end he was so sweet waiting for her to tear a piece so that he could to. He was so much more excited and animated about everything then her, it was hilarious. But that is simply Bella she is quite and calm. Happy but not overzealous. That is in front of people when we are at home in the comforts of family she will let her wild side out, and her drama queen, and trouble maker. But we love every aspect of our Princess!

Take a peek how her day went:

Click Here for a video clip of Bella blowing her candle out!

(with Daddy's help she was struggling for a while and decided to use her hand instead the first time)

At home now she is loving her girl time.

Pouty Face

Poor girl she has had quite the spout of bad luck lately.

First a nasty cold that left her feeling exhausted, and her poor nose was on the fritz so it was so raw from being wiped that it turned bright red and it made us all feel horrible every time. Fortunately, vicks and chap stick brought her relief. Which she enjoyed putting on all by herself.

Second spot of bad luck started with a climb up the water bottles Mom had set out to put away, and a fall into the kitchen bench. After a long day in and out of the urgent care unit she ended up with one stitch on her lip. It was annoying for her, but brought so much relief to Shea and I and her pediatrician.

Thirdly, as if she hadn't had enough in the past week, the new week brought her the stomach flu. And OH MY! I have never felt so bad in my life for a child. For my own record it got up to 15 times that night. And the next day she did well till the night where it started again. That morning she went to the doctor. She was very close to getting hospitalized for dehydration (which was our main worry) but finally the anti-nausea medication that the doctor gave her worked (just in time he told us if it stopped working in the nest couple hours to take her right away). They helped her to turn the corner and go on to recovery. It was amazing to see how fast she got better once they went through her and she could finally hold sips of water and more down. Her appetite came back and she became happy again, man I missed her smile during that time. She was just a helpless little heap only getting relief for minutes as she dozed.

Now she is on to another bad cold and it has hit Mommy and Connor as well. We are ready for a healthy streak!