September Evening

This was just an evening at home. Nothing special to do and nowhere to be. My favorite kind of evening. I love these people.

Let it SNOW!

Since moving to the Boise area, I've heard a lot of talk about the snowy winters, but growing up in Cache Valley, I had yet to be impressed.  This week we finally had a decent snow storm.  I was so excited.  I took the kids out to play first thing in the morning.  Jane didn't last long.  The little miss can't stand to be remotely uncomfortable, and is constantly removing any and all clothing that makes her so.  Well, her mittens, boots, and socks were no exception.  She hadn't been out long when I turned to find her walking through the snow, barefoot, and crying.  

Kellen, on the other hand, was out there all day.  Once again the poor kid was sporting the pink snow pants and princess boots cause that's what we have!  My neighbor saw his boots and gave us some brand new ones she was going to donate to good will anyway, so he now has some respectable red boots.  Yay! 

He loved to eat the snow.

Yummy

Jane too.

Kellen wanted to be buried in the snow.

Doing a little snow bathing.

Helping Mommy shovel the driveway.

Taking a hot chocolate break.  He's so cute!

When Daddy came home it was snowman time! 

We love snow days!!!

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

It was disappointing that we were unable to spend Thanksgiving with our extended family this year due to poor weather conditions, but our dear friends, the Starkeys, came to the rescue as always.  They couldn't have been more hospitable, making us feel right at home.  Words can not express how thankful I am for this wonderful family.  They are angels on earth, who never cease to amaze me with their outpouring of love and kindness. 

Here is my buddy, Gina.  She and I do just about everything together.  We work out together, shop together, walk together, take classes together, etc.  We even clean together to make the work less overwhelming.  (She'll come to my house and we'll clean for a day, then we'll do the next time at her house.)  She's like family to me because I can call her or stop by just because.  I can be in a bad mood and she'll understand it.  It's great!  She was my doula when Jane was born, and I hope to have her there for the next.  She's a bit older than me, with three more kids,  so she's full of good advice and insight if I ever need it.  This woman has a way of making me feel relaxed and energized at the same time.  She is such a great example of someone who works hard, plays hard, focuses on what is important, and tries not to sweat the small stuff.  Basically she is the BOMB!  And I mean the BOMB-DOT-COM!

She spotted me with a camera from across the room. :)

Ham and Turkey!  AKA Jay and Turkey!  :)

Jeueletta Davis and her cute kids were there too, since her hubby had to work.  She always surrounds herself with the kids in every group situation I've seen her in.  She's so much fun.

Who's this handsome fella?

Levi Davis

Lexi Starkey

Harmony, Kyra, and Hope Davis

Becca and Krista Starkey

And of course the Diva, Katie Starkey

Jessica and Nick Starkey, expecting a baby boy soon. :)

Kell and Jane in their own little corner.

Uhh.. Can't get this one to FLIP!

 

Thank you, Starkey family!  The food was amazing, the company was even better, and we are so grateful for friends like you!

PS:  That night the girls went shopping at 11pm, and came home at 5am.  CRAZY and FUN!  I'd say lets do that again next year, but I don't know if I can handle it!  I'm still tired!!! :)

Autumn Leaves

Jenny came to Utah for a visit so went to Utah too.  Saturday the 13th through Sunday the 14th.   It was short, but sweet.  For me one of the highlights was right when we arrived.  We had been in the car for four and a half hours without a break, so we went straight to the back yard to stretch our legs and see Grandpa's surprise.  He had been raking the leaves all morning and decided to leave the piles for us to play in rather then bagging them up.  He said the kids need to come home and feel like they're revisiting their childhood.  He is so sweet and very wise.  It was so fun romping around in the leaves out back, feeling like kids at home again.  Thanks, Dad!  

Don't I have the cutest Dad?

  I so wish Dave could have completed this picture, but he was on the phone, so we were sort of all together.  I love all my siblings.  They are my best friends.  Doesn't Shane look especially handsome in this one? ;)

Kellen had a blast.  He loves to be with his Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles.  We had plopped him from bed straight into the car that morning, so he still had bed head.  We were all laughing cause it totally looked like Wolverine hair!

The kids looove Aunt Jenny.

And Uncle Shane.

And Aunt Allie.  Isn't she cute?

And isn't she cute?

And isn't he cute...  In a wrinkly, eye popping, slobbery, snorting, alien sort of way?  Maybe? ;)

Mommy and Jane playing in the leaves.  I would count to three, we would toss them in the air, an she'd say, "Gehn! Gehn!"

So happy... and soooo white!  I look like a vampire, glowing in the sun.  It's OK though.  I'm used to it by now. :)

Tornado!!!

No...  it's...

Daddy!

And now, STUNTS!!!

First, the death-defying SHANE!

The incredible PETEY jumps through the ring of fire!

And finally, the amazing... JANE!