A Legend, Fairy, and a Rock Star

Another Halloween has come and gone, and now all we are left with is two giant bowls of sugar filled, cavity causing candy. The kids had a a wonderful time dressing up. After walking up and down the aisles at the Party Palace, Riley finally decided he could be Zorro. Madison and made her mind up months ago to be Hannah Montana. She already had the wig, so all we needed was some very fashionable clothes. After much deliberation and searching the costume box, Alaina chose to be Barbie Mariposa (it was a birthday present from Grandma May).

After getting all dressed up, the evening started with a 2 ward trunk-or-treat at the church. As soon as the kids came home and dumped out the candy they were ready to head out around the neighborhood to the houses that weren't at the trunk-or-treat. Alaina was so excited to go up to each house. Madison was running to every door, while Riley was having a hard time keeping his shoes on.
After the evening was over, we definitely ended up with more that we started with. Bring on the cavities.

Fall Pumpkins, Leaves, and Fun!

You can't have October without carving those pumpkins and playing in the leaves. The kids did both this weekend. Alaina helped me pick out the pumpkins at the grocery store and said she wanted a small one. The other kids (and Josh too) got big ones. I just helped the kids with the carving. This is what we came up with.

Then we went over to the Buchanan's to play in their leaves. They have the best leaves for jumping into big piles. Riley, Madison, and Alaina had a great time.

Too bad we're not Rams fans. . .

My mom got her mission call today. She is headed to the Missouri St. Louis Mission on December 8 (unless her mission president decides to bring her out sooner). Sister Payne talked to her president and found out that the mission hasn't had a secretary since March, so she is desperately needed. She was pretty excited to finally know where she is headed. The good thing is that St. Louis is in Josh's territory, so he will be able to go out there a few times a year. Maybe he will have to stow Carla or the kids in a suitcase one of the times.

The First Snow!!

The first snow of the season came with a vengeance this weekend. Of course, the kids were more excited for it than us parents. So, after about four new inches of the fresh powder was dumped on the lawn throughout the night on Saturday the kids were ready for some fun. After church, they didn't even stop to eat. After spending 20 minutes searching for gloves, boots, etc . . they were ready to go. Alaina was particularly excited. She helped Riley build his snow fort and then played house with Madison in her fort. They spent a couple hours out in the cold before coming in for some hot cocoa. Alaina was all excited until her hot cocoa was hot. Riley fixed his own and had it brimming over the top with marshmallows.

Alaina turns 3!!

Alaina had a fun third birthday. Everything went well except she did not like us singing "Happy Birthday" to her. She got all teary eyed and scared when we sang to her when she got up and then she did the same thing at her party. Maybe she just didn't like the singing.

The only thing she wanted for her birthday was some pink balloons. Aunt Jill too care of that, so mom and dad could get her some real presents like pet shops and clothes. We made her wait all day until the party to open presents. She was very patient though.

Then when all the guests showed up for her party she got nervous. That is when she starting crying again. After everyone stopped singing she was fine and excited to open her presents. She wanted a strawberry cake with strawberry frosting, so that is what she got. It was good to be with family and friends. She especially had fun with her cousins.