Halloween

Well, like everyone else, we celebrated Halloween. I'm a clean freak and don't like my kids getting goop and stuff on their clothes. So, they had to take their shirts off for carving pumpkins. They had a great time and had no fear of the slimy inards of a pumpkin.

Looks a bit like a skeleton, eh?

This is Audrey's pumpkin. I made and carved the face.

This is Richard's pumpkin. He drew the face and I carved what he drew.

Right before trick-or-treating.

We went trick-or-treating the night before Halloween. Right as we were about to go out, it started to hail! So, we waited a few more minutes until it calmed down. I had no idea when the weather would let up, so we went out even though it was still raining. We bundled up with coats and an umbrella and Marie and Peter were in the covered stroller. We didn't go very far before Audrey started asking to go home (I did make her put on pants before we left.) About another block later, Peter started whining. He was full on wailing a few houses later. I was lucky enough to be with the dad of Richard's and Audrey's friends, and so Richard went off with them and I brought my kids and Audrey's friend to my house. They were glad to warm up. 

We didn't get as many trick-or-treaters as I expected, and so we have TONS of candy left! I guess it's because the weather was so poor.

Happy Halloween!

bunk beds

We got bunk beds for Richard and Audrey a few weeks ago. It's been nice to have more floor space. The trundle only takes up extra space when they're sleeping. We really liked this style, because it wasn't so high. Plus, it has stairs instead of a ladder. So, I'm not as worried about kids falling/jumping from high places. The drawers are an added bonus. I know it's not the best style for everyone. However, it works for us right now.

Audrey's patience

I give my children marbles for various good behaviors such as being obedient the first time I ask them to do something, being cooperative with chores, being extra nice, etc. After they fill their jar, they get to exchange their full jar for a prize worth $2-3. 

Well, Audrey wanted this tiara, and it was $5+. I informed her we could get it, but she would have to wait to get another jar of marbles before she could play with it. She agreed. She never complained. She never tried to get it sooner. She knew perfectly well when she would get it. This isn't the first time she's had to use two jars of marbles either. I'm impressed her ability to delay gratification.

So, what are you?

A morning person?
A night person?
We are having differing opinions in the house. Any guesses as to who is what?

Marie's and Peter's birthday

Success! I uploaded pictures! What did I do? I went to Scott's account on the computer instead of mine. Why does that matter? No idea. I think he's rigged it...

I was born on my brother's birthday. So, while I was growing up, we always had two cakes. Maybe when Marie and Peter are older and want different cakes, then I'll do that. For now, we barely made it through half a cake that night. We certainly didn't need two.

Anyway, they had a birthday! When I told Peter happy birthday he said, "Cake!" He's figured that much out. I made a delicious chocolate cake. We gave them presents. I had a hard time knowing what to get them since they don't need anything and I hate to buy something just for the sake of giving them something. They were pretty happy with the Oreos. They also got squirt guns, books, a couple of clothing items, and some wooden toys. They also got a new Wii remote. Good enough for me!

So, Happy Birthday my babies!

Cabin

We went to my parent's cabin last weekend. This is the first time were were able to go this year. The times my parent's have had the cabin (they share it with 4 other families) we haven't been able to go. Poor Audrey worried we wouldn't be able to go at all. 

We went down by a reservoir. It was pretty muddy, but the kids had fun. Clean-freak mommy wouldn't let them play for too long. Plus, the sun had set and it was getting cold.

Rocks were too far away. However, mud was very easy to find!

We had a joint birthday party for all the kids so all my side of the family could be to at least one party. Marie and Peter were a little unsure of what was going on, but they did try to blow out the candles.

 The kids rode bikes like they were playing Mario Kart! It was nice to have them outside enjoying the beauty and riding bikes so we could listen to the messages of conference. I LOVED conference and am glad for what I was able to hear. I anxiously wait for the November Ensign to be mailed out.

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Audrey's birthday

We celebrated Audrey's birthday last weekend. Her birthday falls on conference weekend any time her birthday is on a weekend. We usually go to my parent's cabin to watch General Conference in October, and so we were there for her birthday. She was really excited as she's wanted to go to the cabin all summer. We gave her presents.

She had a lot of fun with this wooden pizza kit.

She finally decided on an Oreo cheesecake. She had originally told me she wanted the tiered cake from Sleeping Beauty. You know the one that Fauna makes with her wand for Aurora's birthday? Yea, I'm glad she changed her mind. I know how to make cakes--not decorate them.

My parent's gave her a Lego set which she was really excited about. We made her wait until we got home to open it so she didn't spill pieces everywhere and lose them.