The Temple and a Tea Party

While Kyle's family was all in town,

we were all able to go to the temple and do work for some of Kyle's family.

(thank you to the babysitters who watched all 13 kids!)

It was amazing!

So neat to be there all together!

We also threw a

"tea party"

for Nana and Papa

and

all the girls!

We're still working on the proper pinky form for a tea party!

I have a feeling there will be many more tea parties to come in her future!

THANKSGIVING!!!!

The Perfect Thanksgiving Day . . .

You know it's gonna be perfect when you get this smile to start the day off!

You know it's gonna be perfect when you realize the kids are old enough to have their own table!

Which means it's gotta be perfect if the adults get to eat at their own table!

You know it's absolutely perfect when the guys do all the dishes after dinner!

And you know it's been perfect when leftovers consist of . . .

chips and salsa and mashed potatoes!

It really was the Perfect Thanksgiving Day!

The DAY BEFORE Thanksgiving!

Here's our group at the

DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING PARADE!

There was plenty to be seen in the parade. . .

(as much as a small town can produce)

We had animals. . .

We had people dressed up. . .

We had a lot of tractors this year. . .

Even a pink one. . .

But you have to admit it's seems a little desperate when the sewer truck comes rolling through the parade all decked out Christmas. . .

But everybody threw candy out the window so the kids were happy!

And after the dust had settled this one was quite content with her "loot"!

I'd say the parade was yet again a success!

20 Weeks and IT'S A . . .

BOY!!!!

I know I'm so far behind. . . I'm now actually 24 weeks, but here we are at 20!

This will explain why it's one week before Christmas and I haven't even blogged Thanksgiving yet. . .

I love this little guy growing inside of me even if he is stealing every ounce of energy I once had!

Kara's Naps

Kyle and I drove with Karalyn to Saramento last night

to look at a "big girl bed" for her off of craig's list.

On the way Kara threw a little fit. . .

and then as quickly as it began she politely asked if she could lay her head down and go to sleep.

Kyle and I both just laughed.

If there is one thing about Karalyn she loves (needs) her sleep.

She's my napper.

If she had the luxury she would still take at least a 2 hour nap in the afternoons if we were ever home for a 2 hour stretch.

So she has learned to adapt.

Kyle said to me, "you could probably do an entire blog post on just her naps. . . "

So here we go in no particular order. . .

Kara's Naps

Maybe one of my favorites. . .

When she put herself to sleep as I was packing for our Disneyland trip.

In the stroller. . . at Disneyland!

On the couch. . .

In a chair. . .

In the carseat. . . I have way too many pictures of this!

On the floor. . .

Luckily she found enough floor space!

Oh look. . .

Different Floor.

On the bed. . .

Mine not hers.

In the Dirt!

Yes.

Even at restaurants while we are out to eat.

When she's tired. She's tired.

In Daddy's arms. . .

On Mommy's lap. . .

Even if she is still standing up.

And who can forget. . .

the back of the car!!!

This post made me very tired.

I'm gonna go take a nap!

Apple Hill . . . and a whole bunch of other happenings crammed into one post!

We took our annual trip up the foothills to

APPLE HILL

last weekend!

We ate yummy "walking pies"!

(next year we will have to start buying 3 to feed our family. . . two just didn't cut it this year. . . I was left wanting more!)

And picked out our favorite apples. . .

It's really funny how one picture can really sum up all my children's personalities. . .

And as I started snapping photos of each of my kids,

it got me thinking of what they've each been up to. . .

So here goes!

KALE

Kale has been incredibly busy this year.

Starting middle school has been a big adjustment.

More homework, more freedom, more responsibility, more FUN!

Here he is at the Stake 11 Year Old Campout

(that his mom may have been in charge of planning)

He had a great time with all the boys in the ward!

And of course,

FALL BASEBALL!

Practices, Games, more Practices and more Games!

(I took a lot of video this year of him, but captured a few photos)

Not only did he continue to work on and play his heart out at 2nd base this year. . .

He got to try pitching this season.

I was a nervous wreck, but he actually did pretty good.

And catching. . .

It's funny, because next to these big hitters he looks so small, but as catcher he really took control of the field. . . It was awesome to see him really grow into a baseball player!

KRIS

This kid just cracks me up!

He is so independent and resourceful.

He came down the stairs a few weeks ago all ready for church. . .

It honestly felt like one of those puzzles where you have to find everything wrong with the picture.

Shirt buttoned wrong,

Pants on backwards,

Belt on with just a few missed loops,

The shoes were on the right feet so I gotta give him credit there. . .

And then there was this. . .

What to do when you can't find your soccer socks?

Throw a fit?

Blame your mother for not washing them?

Nope.

Just wear your dad's church socks and don't say a word until mom notices right before the soccer game starts!

And speaking of SOCCER!

Kris played his first season of soccer this year and loved it!

At the beginning of the season I asked him how he liked soccer and he said, "I like it except for the running!" I laughed out loud, since that's all soccer is.

He did great!

Scored goals, attacked the ball, got very tired very quickly and absolutely loved it!

KARALYN

This girl and I are having so much fun being home by ourselves for a little while each day!

One day after church, Kyle had to stay after for a few minutes so this creative girl and I sat in the foyer and she decorated my face with her stickers from nursery!

And she started PRESCHOOL. . .

And what could be better than preschool with your best friend?

Nothing!