They were super excited to have their own Halloween party.
Taylor was off track and she really wanted to stay and help them decorate their cookies.But we have to let the "babies" grow up sometime. Turns out they manage just fine on their own without Taylor's instructions. When Andy and Ashlyn were born I never really thought about what it would be like when they were older, it has always been about day to day survival. But now they are big kids, going to preschool, learning to write, giving little presentations, somewhat independent... it is so weird and a little nice.
We sported Toy Story 3 attire this Halloween. Apparently those were THE costumes this year. Every store and website was sold out of the Jesse costume as fast as it came in. Somehow I managed to snag one online on a website that was sold out the night before. I couldn't understand it because honestly the costume is not that cute but...that's what the girl wanted so...we all jumped on board. Barbie and Ken with the Toy Story gang.
To prove just how unorginal we were this year...here are our twins.... 2 Jesse's2 Woodys2 Buzz Light Years...oh wait...Mason isn't in this picture but he was Buzz.And my Little Bo Peep all by her lonesome. Why does that always happen to her? And how did she figure out that her character didn't make it to Toy Story 3??? Luckily there is a quick mention of her and how she was sold at the garage sale in Toy Story 2. Taylor is great and makes sure to point it out to Ash EVERY time they watch the movie so she won't be sad. So its true my kids are growing up. Not sure how happy I am about this. How do I know??? They all ran off and trick or treated with their friends, leaving me and each other in the dust. I just ran around the parking lot making sure everyone was accounted for and sad that they didn't stick together or care if I was with them.However, I am so glad for all the friends they do have though and the parents of all these kids. They make life so fun and a lot easier. We are all watching out for each other.
Happy Halloween! Oh wait its almost Thanksgiving. Oh well better late than never.
3 years running and the party just gets more fun with more people each year.
We had games and prizes which Paige seemed to enjoy.
The costume parade is a must.
Barbie and Ken were the hosts.
Attacking Grandpa J on the trampoline is always a fun activity.
It amazes me that no one gets seriously injured during the trampoline fun.
And the cutest little Deputy there ever was,
Thanks to all the friends that came and brought yummy food and to the grandparents who made it possible for me to pull it all off while Tyler was away at school. Till next year......
After a good hiatus from the Happiest Place on Earth we renewed our passes just in time for the Holidays. We have to buy 5 passes now....holy cow! Reason #1 why we took a hiatus. Forking over that much money to Disney is hard to swallow. However, the money was forgotten once we hit the tram and saw the excitement on our kids faces.
This was Chase's 1st time to Disneyland and he got to share part of the day with his future best friend Bentley.
I wish I was a baby mind reader for times like these. I wonder what he is thinking.
Our family now has to split up between big kid rides and little kid rides. Poor Ash is just not quite tall enough for the fast rides and Taylor and Andy are big fans of them. Ashlyn and I rode Winnie the Pooh 3 times in a row waiting for the Splash Mountain riders. For the most part, she is a good sport about it. Taylor on the other hand likes to pretend she is SOOOO bored on the baby rides. Secretly I know she still likes them.
The friends from T-ball that now have kids strapped to them and cameras ready. So funny!
Such a fun day! It's good to be pass holders again.
All babies are special. All babies are unique and perfect. There was something instantly different about this little guy. Tyler felt that he needed a name that was different and meaningful because he felt that this baby was going to have charisma. Well, the name he wanted I don't even think celebrities could pass off as cool so luckily (I don't think Tyler has completely gotten over it yet) I won out. You can thank me later Chase. The point is that we knew that he was something special.
Tonight was a hard night playing the single mom role. My heart is heavy but as I browse through these 6 month pictures of my baby boy, my eyes swell up, the tears flow, and I feel overwhelmed with joy that this little guy was sent to me. He is perfect! He does have charisma! He knows what is going on around him! He is wise!
The best description is that he just gets it! He knows why he is here. He knows who loves him. And he is happy to be here. It is the most amazing thing to watch. And when you look into those big brown eyes you see it.
And he is just about the most precious thing ever! He will cuddle and love with you as long as you want.
His smile is infectious. He brings joy and peace into this crazy life of ours. And I am beyond smitten.
Thanks to Rachelle for once again capturing the expressions and personalities of my kids. Another great job!
Taylor was off track and she really wanted to stay and help them decorate their cookies.
But we have to let the "babies" grow up sometime. Turns out they manage just fine on their own without Taylor's instructions. 
When Andy and Ashlyn were born I never really thought about what it would be like when they were older, it has always been about day to day survival. But now they are big kids, going to preschool, learning to write, giving little presentations, somewhat independent... it is so weird and a little nice. 
