Happy Halloween

I'm seeing double!! This adorable elephant costume was made by Jim's mom for TJ when he was Ries' age.

"Ries 2008"

"TJ 2000"

We had a fun filled halloween! The kids of course had great parties at school, I got to go to Josie's class and help out.  This year they were an elephant, a witch and a ninja - Watch out!!



The Wayas' hosted a block party with delicious food and fun games.



 

And then the big group went trick or treating!  We are so grateful that we live on a wonderful cul-de-sac with lots of great friends!

 

Arizona State Fair

It has been years since I've been to the state fair. I've never taken my kids, just seemed a little too scary and dirty. But this year Josie danced at the fair.



She did a really good job.  She did a tap number to "Pump Up the Jam".  She's really improved these last couple years and absolutely loves loves loves to dance!  We're constantly asking her to PLEASE take her tap shoes off. With so much tile flooring, it gets very loud.

Her cousins, Kami, Mallory and Paighton also danced. So we had a great time together after the performances enjoying the fair.

Going on rides...


eating very fattening fair food...

being so dang cute!

learning to milk a cow...

and petting the animals! Ries absolutely loved the animals. He squeeled and laughed with every one!

We had such a great day and can honestly say...We can't wait for next year!

A Hiking We Will Go!

Yesterday, we took the kids to Superstition Mountain hiking and had a great time!  Although it did get a little hot, it's always great to take time to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful desert we live in.  
We're still cool and ready to go. 
Josie only fell down three times, T.J. fell down once and Jimmy felt like he was going to fall down a lot.  (I guess Ries has grown a lot since last time he was in that backpack.)

Josie can't resist the opportunity to pose, even when she's tired and sweaty.
T.J. was excited that he can count this towards an achievement for scouts.
Is it over yet? We're now hot, tired and hungry. But it always seems like a great accomplishment when we're done. Hopefully next time it won't be 90 degrees!

Happy Birthday Josie!

Boy do they grow up so fast!!  Just the other day she was tiny and sweet.  See....



Now she's 6......going on 16!!! Yikes!!!!!

Josie is such a fun girl, full of energy and SPUNK!

She loves..........
to shop
to do her hair
to wear lip gloss
to sing and dance
loves loves art
to play with her friends
to chase boys
to create stories
to swim
her cousins
to be the mother of her brothers
her FAMILY!!!!

We had a FUN Luau birthday party for her with all her friends!

They made grass skirts and played fun games.

They swam, ate and of course opened presents!

 

  
 
 

What a great memorable day!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JO JO!!!  We Love You!!!

Education Week

This past week I've been up in Utah for Education Week. I went with my sister, Holly and my claimed sister, Nicky (and met up with Marci - sorry you weren't in the picture).

We had such a great time!! For those who aren't familiar with Education Week, it's up at BYU.  Every August they have a week where instructors give lectures all day on a a variety of topics.  You can go to classes on gospel topics, parenting/relationship, self-help things, dancing, etc. - so much to choose from.

This is my third summer going and I just love it! I get away from kids and responsibilities and get to focus on replenishing my cup. Which is now definitely overflowing! If you haven't ever gone you need to!!

My friend, Anna, moved up to Utah a few months ago and we were able to spend time with her and celebrate her birthday - the BIG 3-0 (woo hoo)! (Thanks for flying up Melanie - it wouldn't have been the same without you!!)

So here we are together again, Melanie, Anna, Marci, Nicky and me. 




We stayed with my sister, Melissa who lives up there. Which is always fun to be with her! So on Friday we had a fun sisters day. (Thanks for taking time off work Melissa & Michele!) Just a fun day of shopping, pedicures and out to lunch. It was great to be with just my sisters. We'll have to make that a regular thing.
 
 
(Melissa, Michele, Me and Holly)
 

That evening we met up with the rest of my brothers who live in Utah as well. (We missed you Kevin!) We went out to dinner and just laughed! (Jared, I really think you should work on that dream of becoming an Olympic Speed Walker)

 (The Wright Kids: Michele, Holly, Jared, Me, Mark, Melissa (Kevin absent))

It was such a great week - can't wait for next year!