Two Already!

Our Sweet little boy turned 2 today! We can't believe how fast time is going. Caden is such a fun spirited guy. He loves balls and sports and he really loves to color. He loves his two big sisters and likes to be included in their games. He still loves his Binky and bottle. He is starting to want to do everything his self. He sometimes has sensitive feelings. He is a pretty good at sharing except for when it comes to food. He loves to ride bikes and run. He is always smiling and such a joy in our lives. WE love you Caden! Happy Birthday!

You know your tired when...

Jeff was cutting Caden's hair the other day and this is what happened right in the middle.
It was so funny- he was completely out! I guess It does make me kinda sleepy when someone is doing my hair. (I apologize for the bad pictures- my camera is acting up lately?)

Halloween Fun

Happy Halloween!


love the silly faces Ellie getting ready in her Minnie Mouse costume

Ellie's Bethany Pre-school class

Parading through the rest home next door

Jocelyn the Ballerina Butterfly

Jocelyn getting ready for the Jefferson Elementary Halloween Parade

walking around the school to show all the parents the costumes

Caden the scary Tiger
Caden trick or treating at the YMCA party

Ellie "Hello Kitty" at her Gymnastics class with her teacher

Caden and Ben
Meeting up with the Brewers and Reeds (minus Jolene who had her baby on Halloween! ) and the Childs to go Trick or Treating in a massive group.
Ellie, Jocelyn and Sarah
getting ready to get some Candy!

in front of the Big Pumpkin House

Ellie running to the next house

Jocelyn a little chilly

Jeff and Caden (Caden made every other or every third house)

Some of the Fun Halloween snacks we made

Bat and pumpkin finger Jello

pumpkin Cheese Balls

It was a fun but cold night. The kids got lots of candy and had fun with their friends.

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Snow Day

Pictures from the one snow day we got last week. We got about 5 inches in a few hours. The trees still had lots of leaves and snow on them and they were really heavy on the power lines. Leaving us without power for about 4 hours. It rained the next day and melted the snow away but the girls did get a little sledding time!

Pumpkin Pickin'

We picked out our Pumpkins just in time...
The next day it snowed! the Kids picking out their baby pumpkins

Ellie

Jocelyn and Ellie going through the Maize

Caden trying to find his way

Ellie king of the Haystacks




We carved pumpkins with the Pritts while both of husbands were out of town. Thanks Lindsay and kids for a fun filled night!

Jayden, Jonathan and Caden

The girls ( Lauren, Ellie and Jocelyn) got into a little costume make-up

The final pumpkin projects

Nauvoo

It was Minn Education week last weekend so we took a little road trip to see some Pioneer Church Sites!


Trip to Nauvoo...


(a little out of order) Taking a ride in a cart pulled by Oxen

We ran into a family friend - the Sandstroms while we were there. They were in Jeff's ward where he grew up. It was fun to see them again!

On the way to Nauvoo, Illinois we stopped in Iowa City to see where the Handcarts left for their trek west.

Then we made it to Nauvoo and visited the Smith Family Cemetery

Jocelyn and Ellie loved their Pioneer Bonnets

In front of Hyrum, Joseph and Emma Smith's graves

Caden trying to pose like his big sisters

The next day we visited many of the restored homes and shops.

In front of the Blacksmith shop - showing off our new "Nail" Rings

One of the homes seller door where they kept their perishables

Jocelyn helping making rope just like the Pioneers

Now with a little help from Daddy and Caden

Ellie helping spin the wheel. A family event to make rope!

Then we went to Carthage Jail where the prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum were killed.

with Joseph and Hyrum statue at Carthage Jail

the Boys

The Nauvoo Temple

the kids running races

Jocelyn took this picture of Jeff and I. ( she did a pretty good job) We each took turns doing a session.- which was great! It is such a beautiful temple inside and out.

Caden walking "The trail of Hope"

How the covered wagons got across the river

Jocelyn with Brigham Young and Joseph Smith

At the Nauvoo visitors Center
We had a great time in Nauvoo learning about the early Saints' families, homes, challenges and hardships. It was such a testimony builder of Joseph Smith and what an amazing man and prophet of God that he was.

One year older

Happy Birthday to our wonderful Husband and Dad. Thanks for all you do..We love you!

Blowing out the candles on the Fresh Peach Dessert

Over the weekend Jeff got some serious bonding time with the children. I went to a Chicago for a fitness convention and he played Mr. Mom! He did a great job and the kids loved it. They made this cute Haunted Cookie house.

Happy B-day Love and thanks for holding down the fort.