Just a few notes. . .

I went to parent teacher conferences yesterday with all the girls. They are all doing well. Mia is ready to read and I never would have dreamed that she would be communicating as well as she is! I thought I would share a poem Kennedy wrote for class, because I am prone to throw these thing away. . . .so this way I will have it forever!! (without the clutter!) And here is a picture she made of herself:

I also wanted to share a little note that Elizabeth wrote in her journal about her baptism. . . .It is on the right side of the page. Sorry, I didn't take the time to crop like I should. . . .

Pumpkin Contest

Last week, Elizabeth went on a field trip to the farm and pumpkin patch with all the second grade. They came home with a pumpkin that they had to decorate (no carving) and bring back to school today for a contest. This is our pumpkin. .. We are a bit nervous that the nose isn't going to stay in place, and not sure why it is dripping "snot" down the front of the pumpkin. So I had to get pictures before it is ruined. I almost wish she wasn't taking it to school. . .. that way it won't get ruined. Of course, Dad, helped with the painting!!

I think we should name her Elphaba!

What do you When Mom's not around??

Apparently, you take a few pictures. ..

I was looking for my camera, to do all these blog updates today. I had a few surprises on my camera!

Apparently, Mia wants to be a self photographer. . . .

Halloween Party

A neighbor of ours threw a big Halloween party today for the kids. What an endeavor that was. .. there are a LOT of kids in our neighborhood. But the girls were so excited to get dressed up today. Here is Kennedy with her BFF and next door neighbor, Jeanette. They designed their costumes, and Jeanettes' Mom made them from scratch. .. with out a pattern!! WOW, is all I can say. Don't they look cute. The ladybug and the bumblebee. I wish I was talented in that way. . .

Here are the girls with the neighbor kids, all ready to head to the party. Do you see Harry Potter on the end??

Elizabeth actually won "best costume" at the party. She is wearing an old dance outfit of Kennedy's, and is an angel. I knew those dance costumes would come in handy. I have recycled them quite a bit to be used as costumes.

I couldn't believe the 'Loot" the kids came home with from the party. I don't know if I would be brave enough to plan and carry out something that grand. They had made little haunted houses out of graham crackers, had goodie bags, little cups and other little toys. . . needless to say, they had a grand time. And I have to thank my wonder ful neighbors for hosting such a fun event!!

Conference Weekend

Please excuse the quality of some of the next photos. . . I think the kids were taking some of the pictures. ..

We were lucky to have some company over conference weekend. My parents were here, as well as my nephews, Brian and Kyle. It was the first time we got to see Brian since returning from him mission to Brazil. And how lucky we were to have them here! What fun to have them around. . .

Not sure what is up with Elizabeth in all these photos. .. I guess she is feeling "gangsta" in Brian's baseball hat!

Of course, the kids loved having them around. They (my parents, brian, kyle, and bronte) were gone all day Saturday because they got tickets to go to conference. But we enjoyed them in between all their busy college lifestyle! We had to chuckle as Brian and Kyle left around 10 pm on Saturday to go visit some friends. I was ready to go to bed and they were heading out for the night! Oh to be young again!!

Come again soon!!

Elizabeth's Baptism

As most of you know from my earlier post, Elizabeth was Baptized on Friday, Oct. 1. We had to get special permission to schedule her baptism on this date and time in order to have it while Grandma and Grandpa Toolson could be here. We couldn't be happier that everything worked out. We were also blessed to be able to have Brian and Kyle there as well. . . (barely, I have to say. . . they drove down from BYU Idaho that afternoon, and just walked in as we were starting).

Kennedy, Mia, and Elizabeth sang "When I am Baptized" together as part of the program. I was wishing we had a micorphone as they were singing, because they didn't quite sing loud enough for everyone to hear. But I was still proud that they got up there and did such a nice job! Kennedy also gave a FABULOUS talk on the holy ghost. She talked about learning to recognize the signals that the Holy Ghost will give you throughout your life. After the baptism, we had the family over for some sandwiches, and of course a celebration cake! You may be wondering where all the other family photos may be?? Well right when the baptism was over, Elizabeth ran home (we live across the street from the church), changed her clothes, and climbed in bed out of exhaustion. ... she was in bed before we even got home. I was dissapointed that we didn't get any more pictures. After we got the chairs picked up in the room, I went to look for Elizabeth so we could get some family and group pictures. .. .but she was already long gone! Luckily I took just a few before the acutal baptism.

We were so greatful to have some great support show up. Besides our own family, Grandma and Grandpa Toolson, and her cousins Brian and Kyle, David's mom, Grandma Mary, was there and gave a nice talk on Baptism. David's brother, Dan and his family were there, and we owe Jennifer a huge thanks for playing the piano for us so beautifully! Eliza came with Windsor, as well as our home teachers, Elizabeth's primary teachers, several of her friends from the ward, and the Bishop. She was well supported.

Elizabeth was actually really nervous and scared as she went into the font. She started to cry and was clinging to me. But she braved the water and only had to go under once. I asked her how she felt after, and she said "good". Not many words, but I know she was happy. (and exhausted too, I guess. . . . thus the nap, and missing the whole celebration after. .. and I am still upset we didn't get any more pictures. . . sigh) We love and are so proud of you, Elizabeth!

Fall Soccer. ... 2010

September was Busy, Busy, Busy!!

We spent a lot of time at the soccer fields here in Spanish Fork. The weather was nice and warm, and the kids all really had fun this year.Elizabeth played on an all 2nd grade team. She wasn't quite as dominant as she has been in the past, but still worked hard and managed to score a couple goals this season. Her team struggled a bit more than they have in the past to get the ball in the goal, but they did end the year with a couple wins. Kennedy's team were the champions for her age division. She improved quite a bit this season, and worked really hard. David worked with her a bit on some skills and it was fun to see her actually put them to use on the field. Luke opted out of football this season (much to our surprise), and decided to go back to playing soccer for this year. He has a killer leg (incredible kick). He started out the year by colliding with a player from the opposing team and breaking the kids leg. . .. we were thinking that maybe he should have stuck with football!! But the rest of the season was uneventful (as far as injuries go) He scored several goals, and had a great time playing soccer again! Here he is with his end of the year treat from Barry's ( a local hamburger/sandwish joint).