THANKS for the Memories!

Once I determined that our original plan of 4 days just wasn't going to give us enough cousin time, I geared myself and the kids up for another six-hour car adventure without dad.

Since Dad was out of town, Caleb stepped up and filled in as our car organizer and did an awesome job. He took all these bags out to the car and loaded them himself! Man, I love having him around!

With two stops (one for gas this time) we made pretty good time driving to So. Cal. Cousin bonding began immediately, which included trips to the park...

Shanny snuggles...

Visiting the AWESOME pirate ship library!

Puzzles and lots of imaginary play for these two...

The gorgeous Santa Barbara Zoo. The sliding hill was a hit! We loved how you could get so close to the animals, and also the peeks of ocean views!

Turkey Dinner prep started early...we tried to do as much ahead of time as possible but it still seemed like two straight days of cooking. A favorite moment with Natalie was in the midst of our cooking marathon when we looked at our large dish of sweet potatoes and realized that we were probably the only two that would even eat it (and the jello salad, and probably other things too)! We laughed until we cried about that.

 Natalie had the kids make Thanksgiving placemats and also list the many things they were thankful for. These girls had quite the list going, including the color pink, walls, cows...some I never would have thought of !

Waiting for some grub on Turkey Day! 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

A highlight of this trip for my kids was playing "Minute to Win it" games with cousins. Natalie put together some great games and great match-ups for our last night together. The kids were in heaven doing things they don't usually get to do, like pull kleenexes out of a box! Our cousins sure know how to party!

We love you! Thanks for the memories!

Go Predators!

Caleb had a great soccer season this year. His team won every game except for two, which were tied. He learned a lot from his coach and enjoyed playing mid-field, defense and offense. One of the best things about this year was getting to be on the same team as his buddies Dallin and Jared. They were on a team with several older and taller guys which defiinitely improved their chances of winning.  

Coach praised Caleb for improving over the season and also for being someone he could always count on to listen to and do what he said. What a great compliment!

The Predators got first place in their division and they also won the Dublin Cup Tournament. Caleb missed the Sunday game but they managed to pull off the win without him. He was glad to get to hold the big trophy for a photo op at the team celebration.

Happy Hallo-Wii from the Mario Brothers and Sisters!

Once again, the kids had an idea for costumes that was too cute to pass up: the Mario Brothers (and Sisters). We sure got our money's worth out of these costumes this year starting with school parties:

Andrew was so excited to be Luigi. He had tried on his costume almost every day for weeks. Mrs. Hammer led the parade around the playground and then they lined up in front of the adults to sing their Halloween songs. Andrew proudly wore that mustache the whole time and was completely in character (check out the crossed arms). After the songs he presented me with cookies made with love... yum ;)

Friday was the big kids' parade at school. Lauren (Princess Peach) had that beauty queen wave going the whole time. Her teacher was a scarecrow and his little boy was a lion--so very cute. Lauren made sure to stop and give her baby mushroom lots of kisses. I helped with her party that afternoon--"Don't Eat Frank" was a hit!

 

Caleb had a great Halloween day at school too. He sported his Mario costume most of the day--even when he played football at recess! He bravely participated in the Fear Factor Party--luckily the worst thing he had to eat was baby food! His best friends had pretty awesome costumes: The Ranger's Apprentice and Dr. Drew from Despicable Me.

Day #3 of Costume-Wearing: Trunk or Treat

The Mario Brothers and Sisters...

(I couldn't choose just one shot)

Luigi

 Princess Peach and Luigi

Baby Mushroom

This baby mushroom sure loves to smile for the camera!

 

 Day #4 of Halloween: The real deal

Halloween night did not feel as crazy this year because we didn't need to be three places on one night. We enjoyed the day off of school and then got ready for real trick or treating...

What good sports to keep posing for more pictures.

Daddy took them around our block. Apparently, Andrew was very entertaining as he socialized with all the neighbors..."Thanks for the candy!" "I like your dog!"

 Our last house of the night...Uncle John