Happy Halloween

Sydney is on the tail end of her cold and Cash is just in the beginning stages of his-while I am grateful it isn't the swine flu or anything serious-it still makes for a forced low key Halloween night. We headed quickly to Gardner's Village where the "Witches are Out" for a quick photo shoot then Syd and I went to a few neighbors houses. Just like last year, after a few houses she just wants to go home and hand out candy with Johnny.

Howdy Halloween y'all

So my fellow Recreation Therapist (aka Miss La Verkin) a few months back attended the Lehi Stampede (rodeo for you city folks) and declared that we should dress like Rodeo Queens for Halloween.
So I became Mrs. Duchense and then we also had Miss Sanpete County and Miss Snowville and of course a cowboy.
Note: working at a children's hospital, we as rec. therapists are incharge of planning and coordinating all holidays- Halloween is one of the biggest.

So with wranglers and a glue gun I went to work on creating my costume- and it was really fun-

Breakfast of Champions

So I really wanted both kids to eat a regular/decent breakfast before heading we me to Shriners for my work Halloween festivities ( I am in charge of) so I heard Syd get into the frig and then she appeared with. . .a slice of cold pizza- not really the breakfast I would have picked for her-for myself most definitely, but not for her.

Trunk or Treat

Our ward usually does their Halloween party a week before Halloween which is nice because the kids get plenty of candy and then only go to few neighbors houses for real trick or treating. This year we went classic Halloween with Johnny as a wolfman, Syd as a witch (somehow no pics of her), and Cash as a mummy.

Pumpkin Patch

As I have stated before I love holidays-especially Halloween. We headed out to get our pumpkins and well. . ended up with more than we bargined for-oh well at least they look cute.

Ruth's Diner

One of my favorite "locals" spots is Ruth's Diner-located up Emmigration canyon it has good breakfasts and an even better patio to sit at. With my Miracle League having its last game in the morning and an even bigger Miracle-Johnny did not have to work! (thanks in part to not getting home from work until 4:30 Saturday am). As usual our food was great and Cash wanted to prove he is not my little baby anymore and eat with a big fork!

The Happiest Place on Earth

With our original plans of a family vacation to San Diego after the race cancelled. My Mom's friend was able to pull a few strings in terms of tickets to Disneyland. I love how fun it was and the Halloween decorations. Syd was a changed kid-in May she would cry and try to climb up the nearest adult when she saw a costumed character, but on this trip we spent more time meeting characters than riding rides!

Tanaka Farms

Johnny had to headback to work the morning after the race, leaving me and the kids for a few days of sunshine (well sort of sunshine) at my Mom's. We all met up at Tanaka Farms for some fall family fun. Since we don't live close to each other, I love when we can celebrate and enjoy seasons together. So with mounds of pumpkins, a corn maze and cousins it made for a fun adventure.

The Big Race

So first off I would like to declare that I am NOT by any means a runner-just a girl-a wife-a mom- who once I set a goal need to accomplish it. Truthfully I have not set any real goals (save the standard New Years Resolutions) since I wanted to graduate college. So. . .having the goal to complete a half marathon was a huge challenge since I am not athletic or active by any stretch of the imagination. So after 4 months of training, the big day arrived! With my little sister by my side and my family cheerng us on we did it! 13.1 miles! I actually did it! and just like any goal all of the hard work and preparation made crossing the finish line so amazing! So thank you to Michelle for making our schedule- to my double jogger-for the countless miles of abuse-my sweet children who tolerated being stuck in that jogger-Johnny for knowing when to push me- My sister Andrea who was unable to do it with us but cheered us on and My Mom and brother who got up very early to support us- I really appreciate it,

Road Trip

I have always been a fan of a good road trip and in many ways enjoy it more than flying somewhere-unlike Syd so last week when I told here we would be heading to Grandma's she asked "Are we driving or flying?" and I told her driving- she got this annoyed look on her face and said, "I vote for flying". So to make the idea of 10+ hours in car I told her we could count Herbies and we would be staying in a hotel. So on the drive she announced as she looked into the night sky-"Dad I just saw a meateater! (aka meteor)" then going through the desert "Look at the catkisses"- so while she could find some fun in the road trip, Cash well. . .struggled! (going home wasn't much better he went through 3 outfits in the first 3 hours! thank you Uncle Allen for braving the return trip with me)

16 Months

Another month has gone by and my little boy just keeps on growing-he loves to bring you things especially shoes! He says "Mommy" in the sweetest voice and now has added "Happy" and "Apple" to his vocabulary.