Hayden's THREE

October 11th, we had Hayden's Birthday party at Green Canyon Hot Springs with our family and friends... Hayden's chosen destination. All 3 boys have been terrified of water/swimming pools and after having discovered the HUGE kiddie pool of Green Canyon, they beg to go there at any given chance.

Grandpa Parley is innocently trying to further his knowledge through a book, all unbeknownst to him what was going on behind him! We awaited the arrival of our guests, then shuffled to the pool.

It was good to see our friends, the Jeppesen's there. They are sorely missed!!

The pool seemed to be a hit with everyone. There are 3 pools: #1: The main pool, with the first half being stairs to 4 feet; the second half being the 4-9 foot area with a diving board. #2: Outside, there is a fairly large hot pool and in the corner is #3: a very small cold pool. (why cold, I don't know!) They allow pool toys and life jackets and we used that allowance to the best of our ability.

After swimming for a few hours, we ate dinner and then had birthday cake and ice cream. Hayden loves horses and, of course, asked for a horse cake. It turned out pretty good, I think! Thank you, Albertson's!! He WAS a little shy to blow them out, though. I think I finally ended up blowing them out to put us all out of our misery!

Then... PRESENTS!! He has learned over the last few years just how to open presents! He got lots of cool stuff, from a robot and winter coat to a jar with money and candy in it. He seemed to enjoy each one for a moment and then obeyed his mother's prodding to continue and get the rest opened. Thanks goes out to EVERYONE for the effort to come as well as all those gifts!

And the winning present.... BUMBLEBEE! His favorite transformer appeared under some wrapping. He was ecstatic! Thanks Uncle Mike and Aunt Ruth!

Grandma and Grandpa Munns weren't able to make the party, so their present was sent with Grandma Sherri. He loved it too! Army guys and candy always make the youth of our home smile!

It's hard to believe my baby is 3. We've been through a lot together in his 3 years; I just hope to see him continue to grow a little more healthy than before. I love his guts and fear a little for our terrible threes! I've had a glimpse into this next year, and it may not be too pretty! :) But really, he's a very sweet boy and (when it's his idea) he minds very well and shares very unselfishly. He's definately not one I would wanted to have missed out on. Mom and Dad love you, buddy! Happy Birthday!

Halloween 08

What do I love about Halloween? Extensively or creatively decorated yards and having costumes ALREADY ready already! :) So here are two houses that won the Jill award for decor...


Two years ago, we got the kids a trunk with dress ups. They've played and played with them. AND, I've used them for costumes for this long too. Usually, they are two or three things for Halloween depending on how many events we went to. But next year, I'll have to actually create OR buy a costume for the growing children in my house. At least Hayden will be covered, right?

The school carnival was fun this year too. Each boy is in such a fun stage that it was exciting to see everything through their eyes. We got them each a few dollars worth of tickets. Then they bought their own dinner with them as well as played games with them.

The most popular event was making and shooting rockets. I know, I know it's surprising... but it was! :)

The next event I was able to witness was the parade through the halls of the school. They had them at two separate times, and we made both of them. It was fun to see the teachers dressed up too. The most creative, homemade costume award goes to: the human garbage can. I tried to get a picture of it, but it's too hard to see it. I was trying out another camera and the user defaulted on the use.

Dawson was an army guy and Campbell was a shadow ninja for the parade at school. Cute, huh? Thank you, costume box!

Campbell and Hayden sat down on the step and handed out candy to trick-or-treaters while I was getting Dawson ready for our Halloween night's event: Trunk or treating with our old ward.

Trunk or treating was really fun. They had a potatoe bar and salad for dinner and then each room was decorated by volunteers that handed out their candy. It was short and sweet and fun. We got to see many we haven't seen for a while from the old ward and get some free dinner and candy while we were at it!

Hayden's debut was as Batman. He loves loves loves to wear capes so this was so much fun for him to dress up. Even Halle and Colton dipped into the costume box for their costumes this year! What a great investment! :)

It was a night of renewed friendships... It's tough being in school OR being a mom. It means we can't "play" as much as we would like. The three musketeers as well as Trish and I were able to spend the evening together.

As we were driving home, we saw that the fire station was opened and handing out candy. Again... an opportunity! They were able to pet the dalmation as well as climb into the firetruck. I saw a coworker at the hospital, Cody, that let the kids check it out. They were in heaven!!

Then we went to Grandma and Grandpa's houses. No one was home. Jamie did come at the last minute, so we saw her and got a quick pic with her. Then that teenager was off too. She was 5 when I got married, I can't believe her growing up too!

Hayden dipped into the costume box one last time and decided to don Dawson's army guy costume. Dawson was sweet enough to help him---without even being asked!

Then we turned out all the lights and followed Gary's lead in a light show with the glow bracelets Grandma Janet sent for the kids.

The biggest "pay check" came when I woke the next morning to the kids dividing up their candy and trading their prized candy with each other without one fight! What great kids and what a great Halloween!