Trick-or-Treating at McBride's

Serena as Belle and Aleeya as Raggedy Ann.

Halloween 2009!

Taylor and Carter went to the Utah Utes Football game. They had booths set-up so the kids could trick-or-treat, so Carter didn't miss out on candy. He LOVES going to the games with his Dad and this season he has attended most of the games. It is a fun bonding time for them.
Raggedy Ann ready to go get some candy! We just walked around our neighborhood for about 30 minutes and then the girls were ready to go in. Aunt Staci came with us so after trick-or-treating we went to Arctic Circle and got an ice cream cone.

Beautiful Princess! We had walked down 25 E. and then when we crossed paths with the McBride's, Serena took off with Julie and went back up 25 E. It is so fun to see her interact with others and she loved going with the big kids.

At the end of the night, wearing Aunt Staci's scarf and coming for the camera.

Aleeya's One Year Birthday Party with the Hoppie's

We kept trying to get together with the Hoppie side of the family to celebrate Aleeya's birthday, but since it was the end of October I decided we better just go up to Logan for the party! Aleeya loved playing with her new toys, when her sibling let her have a chance! The whole time we were opening presents we had to keep pulling Serena back or telling Carter to let her do it!

Pumpkin Carving Display

We went and saw a display of pumpkins that a man had carved. I had read about the display and looked up where it was going to be and then went to the wrong town. I went to Kaysville City Hall, when it really was Farmington City Hall. The funny thing is that both city halls have the same address!

It was a cool display, even if it did take us awhile to find it!

Ogden Dinosaur Park

One of our favorite places to visit is the Dinosaur Park. This week was especially fun because they were decorated for Halloween, but in the daytime the effects were just interesting, not scary!

Hanging out with the Dinosaurs!
Serena is always a little shy about this display at first, but then she saw the baby dinosaur.

It was hard to get both girls to look at the same time!

The kids love these picture displays.

Swinging on the playground.

Aleeya feeding her friends!

We had some friends over to play because their mom was called into work. I thought it was so funny that Aleeya got into the pantry and pulled out all of these cans and put them on the tray of the highchair!

Preschool Halloween Party or not!

Yep, laying around is what we did all day. We missed our preschool Halloween party because the night before Serena had a fever. She was totally fine all day, but I didn't want to expose the others if she was going to get sick.

North Park Ward Trunk-or-Treat

Carter always ready to pose! He also has laser vision, in case you didn't know!

Serena loved these cupcakes, she ate too many and didn't want any chili. Notice that she has her lipstick close by for re-applying after eating!

Aleeya was the cutest Raggedy Ann Doll! The doll and costume were made by my mom when I was a girl!

The most honest kid in Primary!

It was reported to me that Carter was very honest in Primary today. The Sharing Time was about helping our families and they had the kids sitting in a circle around a pile of toys. The kids were supposed to pick up a toy and put it in the basket and then tell about how they help their families. Some responses were; loading the dishwasher, cleaning their rooms, etc. When Carter had a turn he picked up a toy, put it in the basket and when they asked him how he helps his family, he said, "I help make the mess!" So true, so true!

Going Private....

I am planning on making our blog private...just has been on my mind lately, so better safe than sorry. Please leave a comment of your email address and I will add you as a reader. I am thrilled to add anyone who wants to read about my fabulous family.

North Logan Pumpkin Patch!

We went to the North Logan Pumpkin patch and it was great, as usual. I forgot my camera so I need to download the pictures from my mom's camera.

Jeffrey Withdrawal!

I hadn't realized how much Serena missed seeing Jeffrey everyday until we had him come over to our house and she was so excited! She climbed right up in his lap and just talked to him like they had been apart forever. He patted and just let her snuggle right up!

Pumpkin Patch and Hay Maze

Our field trip this week was to a pumpkin patch and hay maze. The maze is perfect for little kids and there is a bridge that the parents can stand on and see into the whole thing. We got to take a wagon and go out into the field and pick out pumpkins.

Apples! Get Your Free Apples!

The kids have a new twist on the lemonade stand, an apple stand. They also don't sell them, they give them away. They went door to door and gave them away and also set up this cute stand. Sad thing was the apples were not really good, but the cute kids made up for the lacking fruit!

Not sure what this picture was about, but for some reason I took it!

Dressing Up, Great Black Mail Pictures!

Some day I am sure that Carter will LOVE that I have these fabulous pictures of him! But for now, I love that he is so creative and confident!

Baby Blessing

We went to a baby blessing for the newest Dearden. Taylor's brother, Stuart, now has two adorable girls and our kids love playing with their cousins.

We attended all of church and I enjoyed the opportunity to watch Serena in nursery. They have a one-way window so I could see her interacting and having a great time. Carter was also a big fan of Primary, he loves the attention of being able to stand up front and have them sing the "Hello" song to him. Aleeya was way too active for me to stay in Sunday School and Relief Society, so that is why I was wandering the halls checking in and watching the other children.

Following church we all gathered for a family dinner. We stayed late enough that the kids could be put in Pj's for the ride home.

Serena modeling Great Grandma Dearden's earrings.

Aunt Staci with all of the Dearden Grandchildren.

Carter playing with his cousin, he loves that he can be in charge.

Funeral for Suzi Baxter

Our friend, Suzi Baxter passed away on October 3 from complications from cancer. It is a sad story, but it has been amazing to see the miracles that unfolded as we planned the Benefit Concert and put together the funeral luncheon. She is a great reminder that the Lord knows each on of us and that we can have a great impact on others.

The blog www.smilesforsuzi.blogspot.com has her story and how the community came together to help her family.

Aleeya turns ONE!

Opening presents is so much fun!

Princess Aleeya!

Aunt Staci-Aleeya is wearing one of her new outfits! I love the purple!

I can't believe my baby is one! We celebrated with the Dearden family in-between Conference Sessions on Sunday. Aleeya is walking all over the place and goes up and down stairs with ease. She feeds herself, sleeps all night and is "practically perfect in every way." We love her so much!

It's all about the cake!

Blow out the candle! Prior to this picture, Carter and Serena had demonstrated multiple times how to blow out the candle. We kept re-lighting it and Carter kept making wishes and blowing it out!
No hesitating! Let me at the cake!

Serena always the little mother, assisting in the feeding of the cake.

My first time canning salsa.

I learned how to make salsa from my friend, Jenni McBride. It is a lot of work! The salsa is delicious, but will be used for special occasions, since I slaved over it! One important lesson, always wear gloves when handling the hot peppers. I did when we were at Jenni's house, but I was trying to be fast when I made a batch at home and skipped that part. I felt my hands burning for hours!