Dance...What??

Bella started her first Dance class today and it may be her last! When we got there I went to take her jacket off of her to see her cute outfit (that cost me an arm and a leg) but oh-no she wasn't having that. Her jacket had to stay on. O-well maybe class would go better. Well, I think she listened for the first few mins but then she was rolling on the floor. Looking out the windows etc. Then it was time to see what they had learned from the day and she was the only one that swimming across the floor and rolling everywhere. She had no clue what was going on. So I was not going to take pictures of that. I was so frustrated. I know, I know, I am being way to hard on her! It's her first class ever and she seemed to like it. My friend told me to let it go, take out the camera and take a ton of pictures and as long as she likes it that's all that matters right? Well she's been asking everyday if she gets to go back? So we'll see how next week goes and make a decision then!

Apple Orchard

Throwing them everywhere~!
Riding on the cow

Bella and Daddy picking apples

Eating their hard work...
yummy, yummy
Wagon rides
On her cow ride

They loved climbing up and down this hay stack. There was slides on it!
By the River
There's his ever famous face that he make all the time now!
They love the animals of course!
Getting Pumpkins

Today we went to the Apple Jack Apple Orchard in {Delano}. It was about 45 mins away and was a beautiful drive. The kids just enjoyed looking outside at all the animals and I loved seeing all the leaves and trees starting to change their colors. I love MN right now, the cool crisp air, the leaves changing etc.
While we were at the Orchard the kids, went on wagon rides, a cow tractor ride, picked apples which they enjoyed eating the whole time. Paker thought they were balls to throw. Not a surprise at all. They got pumkins, saw the animals, and last but not least we got carmel apples and apple cider! It was so yummy. We could have stayed all day we all really enjoyed it!

***Movie Star***

That's right there's a movie star in the family! John's brother Roger has a little movie {star}. She has played a few small roles in a few commercials, shows, and her big one is Desperate Housewives. She plays Teri Hatchers {SoN}. This Sunday is the big season premier and she makes her debut again! WE think she's so cute and we can't wait to see her on tv..go Sage!

Ward Camp Out!

Enjoying the camp fire,

roasting Marsh Mellows

Sitting around laughing and enjoying each others company, and eating too!

Parker loves his scrunched up nose face. He gets a ton of laughs from it so he knows he's being cute so he does it a lot now! Especially during sacrament as he's running away from us.

He is {%100} BOY

Look there's dirt..hmmm..I better roll in it and eat it!

John is the Activities Leader in our ward...so by default that means I am on it too!! So our latest activity was a campout at Bunker Hills Park. It's getting a little late in the season and our weather here has been so up and down lately that we worried a little that it might be too cold! But we lucked out and had a beautiful night. A little sprinkle here and there held us up for a few mins but then the sky was clear and the temp was just right. We ate lots and lots of food, soclialized, played a few games and enjoyed the campfire. The Scouts had a Court of Honor so they performed a few skits, sang some camp song and we got to watch them recieve their badges. It was really neat and they all were so proud and had accomplished a lot. It was a wonderful evening and we are so thankful for all those that helped us make this evening happen. We couldn't have done it with out evreyone! Thanks.

Laughter

Tonight as we sat around the {bon~fire} as a family and friends I sat there and realized how greatful I am for laughter, and for how laughter brings so much joy in our lives. As my kids were being silly saying funny little things and Parker had marsh mellows stuck to his hand and as he kept trying to throw one because he thought they were balls, he realized he couldn't because they weren't budging. He was covered in mellow and they just stayed in his hands we all laughed A LoT. This brought nothing but happiness and big smiles. It is such a great feeling and is needed all the time. I just love those simple moments that you don't care about who's around or what's really going on but that you can sit there and have a laugh that makes you cry! It's wonderful~ I have had a few of these lately and as the come and go I wish there were more often. My kids make me laugh daily and I am also greatful for that . They have such sweet spirits and are always saying the darndest things and at times may not be the most appropriate but they came out of this little thing and your first reaction is to laugh...and we do!

All my worries...

About Bella staying at school and crying went out the door as soon as we pulled into the parking lot. She was yelling at me to hurry up and get her out of her seat. She couldn't wait! "We're at school, we're at school," she kept yelling. So it made me a little sad for a few moments because she was so eager to leave me but then happy at the same time that she was so excited to go and that she had no hesitations. She loved it and can't wait to go back next week. I got there a few minutes early to peek in on what she was doing and she was having a ball! They were singing and dancing. It was so cute. I am so excited for her and for her new found enjoyment of school!

1st Day of Pre-School

Bella had her first day of Pre-school yesterday and she loved it! At first she thought she was going to church. I was preping her all morning telling her we were "going to school," and "class" so she kept saying "Parker let's go, we're going to church." It was super cute. But when we got there she just went right in and made herself at home. John met us there to see where she was going and what she'll be doing 2x a week for 2 hours. She painted a picture, played with the balls and many other things. We were only there for an hour since it was an open house/first day. So tomorrow will be the big test. I bring her and leave so I'm crossing my fingers it goes well! She was the loud mouth yesterday...just chating away while the others were a little more reserved. Hmmm...wonder where she gets that!!

Happy Grandparent's Day!

Bella showing off her Belle stickers!

Parker, Bella & Robbie making their creations,

for their grandma's and grandpa's. Bella made 3 sets. She was pretty busy!
Showing off her new shirt from her grandma and grandpa. They brought it back from Alaska. Thanks guys the kids love them.

Today is a special day, it's Grandparents Day! So we just wanted to wish all of our parents/grandparent's/friends etc. A happy happy day.

We are so blessed to have such wonderful parents and friends that truly love our kids and enjoy being with them. They have taught us so much and now continue to teach our children and we are so greatful. So we hope you all have had an enjoyable day.

Harvest Festival

These 2 Beautiful rainbows filled the sky while we sat and ate dinner. They were so vibrant in color and were full rainbows. We all were in awwww...

Bella with her friends:

Karsyn, Kaydree & Bella and then Bella and Joshua

Riding the rides...

And dancing the night away to The Johnny Holm Band.

Last night we had a blast at the Lord of Life Harvest Festival. This is the second year we have gone and enjoy it more and more each time. With great company, entertainment, rides and food of course what more can you ask for? The kids played games, ate hot dogs, french fries, pizza, mini donuts and more. They all took a shot at jummping in one of those blow up jumpers and let me tell you it was a riot. Parker got right in there and was having the time of his life. He was flopping every where and was jumping on Bella and was having a hay day. And we were too, just watching him. Then we moved on over to the rides. Bella and Karsyn got on the puppies and enjoyed themselves, while Kayleigh, Kaydree and myself went on the twisiting tornado?? It was a super fun ride. Kaydree made us laugh the whole time. It was the first big ride she has gone on and she did awesome...Way to go Kaydree. Then last but not least Johnny Holm was playing. I have heard him on and off through out the past 6 or 7 years and have really enjoyed him and his band. The girls were so cute dancing and were so worn out by the end of the night. I was a little tired myself but it was a wonderful time for all of us!

Mall of America!

Parker kept trying to get under the railings to follow Bella on all the rides. He would try so hard to get under but could never get under. He would get so frustrated but he didn't give up until he finally made it! It was pretty funny because when he got through the gate he realized he wasn't anywhere closer to the ride. Just further away. We had to give him credit though.

We love you Doug, come back and visit soon!

The kids and Daddy.

They love him so much and he is so good to them.

They love riding on the rides with him...sitting together and eating or playing together.

Whatever it is is always great if dad is there!

This is one of their favorite rides. They always have to pick out their animals and

are always sad when it's done.

Friday night Doug was in town for the evening so we met him down at the MOA! We did a little shopping, ate dinner and then enjoyed the amusement park. Bella and Parker are in Heaven here. They have Dora, the Backyardigians and more everywhere you turn. They love all the lights and rides of course. Bella has become my little thrill seeker and has no fear for the most part. At times it may take a little convincing but I can usually get her on them. She got scared on the Fly Boat so they had to stop it, but I was glad she tried it.

Doug lives in New Orleans and we love when he comes and visits, so we try and spend as much time with him as we can.