More Star Wars Pictures

JJ had been so excited for his birthday party for weeks before his birthday. He couldn't wait for all his little friends to come over and play. When the boys first came to the party, they decorated their goody bags with crayons and Star Wars stickers and played around for a little while. Then they played "hot Vader" (or hot potato) to Star Wars music with a little Darth Vader and got prizes when they were out.

After the game, we went outside and each of the boys got to break open their own little pinata Death Star with a lightsaber. Some of them flew!!

What a great day! After the party was over, JJ went to Robby's house with Jaren to watch a BYU football game, but I think they basically just ended up playing lightsabers with each other. LOL. We just can't get enough Star Wars!

Independence!!!

I know these seem like totally random pictures, but they represent a scenario that has made me realize just how much my little JJ is growing up. The other day, we were having leftover mac and cheese and JJ really didn't want it. He could tell I didn't want to make him what he wanted by my response, "Sigh, I don't think so...let's just have macaroni, k? His response to my response was, "Don't worry, I'll just make it myself!" So he gets out the bread, peanut butter, honey, and a knife (because who needs a plate?). He was so proud of himself for doing it...and so was I! I don't know how others feel about their kids growing up, but I love it!!! I have so much fun seeing them change and do new things. Makes life fun and new for me too! Oh and really quick, another cute thing JJ did was to deliver the invitations for his party himself. He wanted to make sure I didn't come with him. When he found the address we were looking for, he'd run to the door, turn around and give me a huge grin and a thumbs up...how much do I love this kid?!! Here's the invitation...

Aren't you a little short to be a stormtrooper?

This Halloween was so fun! I can't believe how much more my kids and I enjoy these holidays as they get older. J.J. saw this stormtrooper costume at Target and had to have it. Because it was Star Wars, he got it a few weeks later. They loved going trick or treating. We were actually out doing it for probably and hour to an hour and a half. And the only complaint we got was when J.J. had to go to the bathroom right in the middle of it. Go figure!

The next day, J.J. wanted to share his candy with his mommy and daddy, so he divided them up and put our names on different papers so we each knew whose was whose. He's so cute and giving. We love you J.J. (P.S. you might be interested to know that later that day he decided that he wanted to keep his candy, so he put it all back in his bag!)

Blankie Boo-boo

Some of you might know that Ryan has a blankie he adores. My sister Miriam made it for us. Ever since he was little, he has needed it to sleep. The blankie has graduated to different stages over the years. At one point, it was just used as a night-time comfort. Then he started carrying it around the house and needing it every time he cried. Then he used it as, well, I don't even know what. He would grab just a little piece of the yarn and get it in between his fingers and stick it to his nose and just hold it there. Weird, huh? And now it is his pillow as well and he wants to take it in the car, to the store, and drag it around the house. When he is in a really caring and sharing mood, he will put it on Chase to let him know he loves him. So cute! But all this love is doing something to the blankie...

It's dying...and Ryan is helping it! He likes to play with the yarn that is loose, and I don't know how to fix it. I really don't want it to get ruined cuz he loves it so much and it would be a great keepsake for him. Somebody help me! Miriam, could you please come down to Utah? It's urgent!!!

Ryan's temple

I just had to post this picture b/c it is so typically Ryan. He loves to build things with blocks, train tracks, and pretty much anything else he sees. While I was sick this last week, I had rolls of toilet paper everywhere and my house was a disaster. I was laying on the couch trying to rest my eyes when Ryan started telling me/screaming at me that he had a temple. So I looked and oogled for him. Then he said, "Picture, Mommy." So I complied - but only because he was just so cute and proud of himself. I think it shows in this picture.

Halloween Pumpkins

For family home evening last week, we carved some fun pumpkins. Grandma Ford sent the boys a little Halloween package with these patterns and face decorations. JJ was so excited to do these! As the boys get older, things like this keep getting to be more fun! We had a blast doing it. Jordan and Kelly came over and did a couple of their own. Can't wait for Halloween!

Friends in July

So...my first blog. I first got motivated to do this by Jill Robison who knows everything about everyone because of these little blogs people are doing. Then by Desta Gillice, who also knows just about everything people in our old neighborhood are up to. I figured maybe I could give it a whirl too.

We had a fun little picnic today at a park in Mapleton with Rachel, Gaby, Trisha, and Desta. It was so fun to see them all and how their families are growing. We just loved being able to get together with them all again, catch up, and let our kids play together. So much fun! I LOVED that ward we were all in together!