Happy Halloween!

Halloween this year was a week full of party-ing! Scouts, activity days, taekwondo, church, school and family parties! (And we mustn't forget 'trick-or-treating'--or as Sabrina calls it-- 'chocolate-treating'). And because the kids had so many opportunities to dress up, it was the year of multiple costumes............

From pumpkin princess to witch (Sabrina), ninja to power ranger (Johnny), and ninja to Indiana Jones (Ike). Belle remained true to her wizard costume from last year, and Seth was too little to object to being a black cat all week....

With all the parties......we were too busy to carve pumpkins. So I stole this idea from my sister Sara. I thought they turned out pretty cute. Isaac named them 'Indiana Jones' and the 'gangster'. LOL!

The Happiest Place on Earth............part 2

Monday, we hit the parks...........three days at Disneyland, one day at California Adventure, and one day at Legoland. It was a perfect time of year to go. The parks were not very crowded and the lines (if any) were short. We were able to go on every ride! And a lot of rides we even rode more than once. All week my kids were wishing that we could move to California--they want to live there and go to Disneyland every week. Wouldn't that be so fun?

Saturday morning we headed for the airport--only we were late and missed our flight home (the kids almost got their wish)! So, we got to spend several hours at the LA and San Francisco airports being re-routed. But, we finally made it home--back to our little Seth--who we missed terribly.

Since we've been home, Sabrina sings "It's a Small World" daily, and tries to wear her 'Minnie Mouse' sweats almost as often. The kids are already talking about their next trip to Disneyland...........it won't come soon enough. :)

Seth turns 1......

Where does the time go?!? I can't believe my baby is already 1 year old. Seth is such a joy to have in our family. He is the best at giving "loves" (he is quite the diplomat--nobody gets left out) and has a smile that will light up a whole room! He has been busy this last month learning to crawl, stand up, walk around furniture, and his latest--climbing stairs! And he has already become a master at temper tantrums--(I've found that each one learns this a little quicker).

I love his chubby cheeks. I love it when he 'jabbers' and claps his hands. I love it that his first word was 'mama' (the only one of all my kids--the rest said "dada" first--bless him!) I love it when he gets so excited by the sight of his brothers and sisters that he 'snorts'. I love it when he 'dances' (bounces) to any and all music. And I absolutely love that his hair in the back is growing in curly! SO CUTE!

The celebration began with breakfast.....Sabrina wanted to sing to him first thing, so we put a candle in his orange roll and sang 'Happy Birthday'. Seth loved it!

Then came the cake.......

and presents........

Trying out the new toys........

Trying on the new coat........
The tissue paper was the favorite gift........of course! LOL!
I am such a lucky mom.........Happy Birthday my beautiful boy!

The Happiest Place on Earth......part 1

Last month we took our 4 oldest kids and visited the "Happiest Place on Earth"! That's right--good old Disneyland. It was a fabulous 8 day vacation.........including Disneyland, California Adventure, Legoland, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, the Los Angeles temple and visitor center and the San Diego temple. It was also our kids first time flying in an airplane........they loved every minute of it. And so did Jason and I--(except for missing our little Seth--thanks mom and dad for letting him vacation at your house--I know he had so much fun with you both).

We ended up with over 500 pictures to document the joyous occasion..........so, be patient with me. I've been sorting through them all, trying to pick the best few to post. It is taking FOREVER! But, looking through them all is almost as fun as going on the vacation again. :) I'll start with the beach and temple visits............