BOO!

We had a nice Halloween. Last Friday we celebrated with our ward at the traditional Carnival/Trunk-or-Treat.

Steve went as a mad scientist and I let the girls paint a jack-o-lantern on an old orange T-shirt of mine although Lila kept saying it was the baby's costume and I still needed to be something and the girls were My Little Ponies, Ellie was Rainbow Dash and Lila was Pinkie Pie.

 

The girls during the costume parade. They are so big to look out for one another now--I love it!!

We enjoyed soup, salad, and rolls then went around to the carnival activities. As a Primary Presidency we usually do a cupcake walk, but this year was a little crazier because Steve also volunteered at the Cub Scout bean bag toss. So I took the girls around to the booths with some neighbor friends and then dropped them off where they finished off the night helping Steve while I worked the cupcake booth. Then I passed out candy while Steve walked them around Trunk-or-Treat. The girls and I stayed and helped gather/take-out the garbage while Steve vacuumed the whole church. Let's just say I was tired when we got home. ;) I love that my husband just quietly does his part and we specifically asked the girls why we all stay and help and they both said at the same time, "because the more people that help the easier it is." I am grateful for opportunities to teach my children such important life lessons and of course they had a fun evening and came home with candy they spent the next day sorting and trading with each other.

Here they are showing off the face painting. They were so sad to wash it off before bed. There favorite babysitter Sarah did it and they wanted it to last forever. :)

The girls both got to wear their costumes to school and have a little class party today. Then my family decided to come see the girls in their costumes so we all hung out for a few hours and enjoyed after school snacks that included monster mouths (apples, cream cheese, and marshmallows), banana ghosts, jack-o-lantern jellos, and they each got to make a mummy dog like last year. I did make a salad for the adults. Super simple, but it was nice to enjoy each others' company (and of course I didn't get any pictures--can I blame it on the fact that I'm 9 months pregnant!). Then the kiddos watched Toy Story of Terror and Steve took them trick-or-treating with the Olenlsagers while I passed out candy.

Tomorrow we celebrate Steve's birthday, HOORAY! I met him for lunch today since both of the girls were in school and we enjoyed a nice Mongolian BBQ lunch and then tomorrow I'm taking him to see Ender's Game at the theater, pretty low key, but we want him to  know that we love and appreciate him!

It's a Contagious Bug

So I took a nap this afternoon and when I woke up Steve was painting the outside of the french doors and the posts on the new deck (remember that project I thought would wait until spring). I asked if he had caught my nesting bug because yesterday he was also found organizing his computer equipment in the basement. He even went on to paint the front door this evening. He said he was just enjoying what could be our last really nice day of fall. He also got to go on a bike ride with Matt so I think he really did enjoy a good productive day and the finished project looks GREAT!!

Nesting

Well, I spent the day Wednesday grinding wheat, making pancake mix, cream of wheat, and canning applesauce (such a good thing to have on hand for a baby). Then Thursday I had a doctor's appointment, Ellie had piano lessons, and the girls had their dental cleanings. After the dentist I drove to Snowville where I met my Mom and she took the girls for the weekend since they didn't have school on Thursday or Friday. I have to admit it is awfully quiet around here, but it was nice to sleep in and relax. Friday I went to the spa and got my hair done. Saturday Steve and I worked on some projects around the house in preparation for winter and the baby. We went to the temple and enjoyed a dinner out without stressing out about being back for the babysitter. It has been a good weekend and I know the girls have had fun with Mimi and Grandpa, but I'm ready to go get my girls so I guess we're off to Snowville to meet them. :)

Field Trip Day

Ellie's class went to the Treehouse Museum today. I have been volunteering on Tuesdays until the baby comes and thought that I would go on the field trip with them (especially because it will most likely be the only one I can go on since the baby is due soon). It was fun. I had a good group of kids and they were able to do some fun activities. Ellie was being shy and didn't want to participate in the play the class put on and was finally convinced to be "Jimmy" in this story they learned from Argentina.

Then as it turns out Lila also had a field trip today and she was able to go with her friend Sophie and her Dad. They went to the pumpkin patch and had donuts and apple juice. She loves school and all of the big kid activities she is doing!

While Daddy's Away the Girls Will Play

Steve went to California this past weekend to do some work for his brother, Doug. Lila was so cute on the drive to the airport. We talked about how the trees are changing colors because eventually the leaves will fall to prepare for the snowy winter. Then she asked if palm trees lose their leaves and I explained that palm trees usually grow in tropical areas where it doesn't snow and she said, "That's borrowing! No snow." Steve was in his Audi because we were dropping it off to get the timing belt done and I told her it was getting some work done on it and she said, "to make it go faster?" I guess she knows Daddy was a race driver in a previous life (he actually wrote that on a name tag at one of the first events we went to together as a couple). I told her she was silly and she said, "Yeah, I think everyone should call me Lila Jane Moore Funny."


Then the girls and I had a fun girls' weekend together. Thursday night we painted our nails and watched a movie snuggled close to the fireplace.  Friday I took the girls to the pumpkin patch to pick out their pumpkins and then to Paces for dinner and ice cream.  

My attempt at a "selfie". I couldn't figure out how to turn my phone camera so I could see what the picture was going to be. Then the girls and their pumpkins.  Good thing Lila wanted a small one because then Ellie could carry it so I could carry Ellie's pumpkin.

              Right: Their finished decorated pumpkins. I have to say they are so creative--I didn't help them at all.

Saturday, Ellie had an early soccer game so we packed hot cocoa to help keep us warm. She has being playing the forward position quite a bit this season and happened to be in the right place in front of the goal when the ball came her way and kicked it in to score her first goal of the season. Then she dribbled the ball from mid-field all the way to the goal, it was one-on-one and she kicked it hard, but barely missed the net. She was pretty non-chalant about it that I had to ask if she actually kicked the ball in and she said, "Yes, but did you see me almost score that other goal. The girl on the red team was pushing and pushing me and I just kicked it as hard as I could." Then we spent the afternoon just chilling until we picked up Steve late that night.

Today we got to visit with Steve's sister Jessica as she travels through. It was nice and she was so thoughtful and brought us some of her delicious berry jam and a cheesecake. Now every time the girls make anything with the jelly all I hear is, "MMMMM. MMMM. It's because Aunt Jessica made it."

Projects

I kept thinking that once the girls were in school I would relax and focus on getting ready for the baby, but we have had so many projects to try and finish-up that I was lucky to have a weekend to wash clothes and have Steve make me some shelves for the closets (he is super handy to have around!! LOVE HIM!!)
 

I had three wonderful friends give us large boxes of hand-me downs. I am so grateful!!

Steve's handy work with the shelves and all of the clothes organized and put away. :)

Here is what we have been up to, besides the normal school, dance, soccer, piano routine.

First, Steve started consulting for this company in Draper at the beginning of the summer (which is a 45 minute commute each way, something neither of us are used to) and they have kept him pretty busy and working late--a couple of times until midnight. As a matter of fact, Steve came home at 5:30 on Monday, we had dinner and he wanted to go to the park as a family. The girls were in heaven and said, "we like it when Daddy comes home early." I told Steve and he shrugged and said, "you mean on time."  The long hours have taken a toll on all of us, but we are grateful for the work.

The garage . . . I felt like we moved in and dumped all of this stuff in the garage. Last summer we managed to buy some cabinets off of KSL and install them, but Steve hasn't really had an opportunity to spend time out there organizing and cleaning so for several Saturdays this spring we spent time out there. I love working with him and I think he appreciates my support. He did ask once, "are you nesting in my space?" Possibly, but I think he enjoys the results and will hopefully now have more of an opportunity to work on the Datsun and projects he enjoys.

Then this was supposed to be a spring/summer project, but turned into a summer/fall project. We just put the railing up today.  Isn't it wonderful!! I'm really looking forward to having a space this winter that isn't snow packed and the shade it will provide during the summer--I'm so glad we did it, even though it has consumed a few weekends (we payed someone to build the awning, Steve and my Dad did the electrical/lighting for it and then built the deck and installed the railing).

We bought paint for the posts and to redo the door, but I think that will have to wait until spring. The deck is so nice-I can see us eating breakfast out there once in a while not just barbecuing.

The before with the crazy maze like stairs.

Steve gave the girls a piece of styrafoam and the old deck screws and the girls had a blast. They know exactly where to get Daddy's screwdrivers and have spent a few hours out there building (at one point they told me it was a leprechaun trap).

The yard has been another fall project of mine because it was too stinkin' hot to be out there during the summer (I know I lived in Tucson, but we had almost a month of 98+ and being pregnant I have every right to say it was HOT!). We worked really hard on it last year and then this spring we had to deal with some vole and grub issues which killed sections of the lawn and of course weed control is still an issue when bringing a lawn back to life. So I spent several days out there digging up crab grass so much that I filled our large green dumpster twice. Then Steve sprayed for the remaining weeds. Finally, I spent a few hours raking the dead weedy areas and the dry spots and over seeding those areas again. I wanted to get the new seed in this fall because it is the best time and then we can do the pre-emergent in the spring and hopefully the yard will be easier to maintain next year. It really is looking a lot better (you can see how dead it was in this post or the before patio pictures above, taken when we were looking at buying the house).

Oh and not to mention I have been working on primary stuff like crazy--it's a busy time with the program, new year preparation--classes, manuals etc., and 7 baptisms all in November so I'm trying to get stuff done in preparation for my leave of absence.

So here's for hoping October has a few relaxing weeks then Halloween and a new baby! :)

Lila's Big Week

Lila finally started preschool and had her first dance class, today. She is so excited to be doing all of these big kid things. :)  Last week she started a little music class here in the neighborhood and learned about string instruments and even made a little instrument out of shoe box. I was debating whether to sign her up for both dance and music classes and I asked her a few weeks ago which she would prefer and she said, "I can do three things Mom." Nothing wrong with her math skills ;) (she included preschool in her count).

She loved dance class, even though it seemed a little infantile for her.  We are going to try a pre-ballet class on Thursday to see if  it works out better (to be honest I'm not to thrilled with the class times available and a little frustrated . . . she really wants to dance and I'm really trying to make it happen).

We did have a little talk after dance class about not interrupting the teacher and raising our hand and waiting to be called on and sometimes we might not get called on because there are a lot of kids.



Then we scurried home, changed clothes, ate lunch and left for preschool.  Below is the outfit she has been saving for the first day of school. 

Left: We happened to get there just as her friend Alana was so we walked in with her. Right: She is putting her back-pack in the cubby at school (she is so funny because the back-pack is a hand me down she kept telling everyone it is mine now.) 

As I was getting ready to say good-bye she realized the kids were playing with toys while awaiting everyone's arrival and she turned to me with a smile on her face and said, "I think it's recess time.":) Can't wait to hear about her day when I pick her up!

This is who I picked up after school, Lila the Raccoon. They had read the "Kissing Hand" today and made raccoon masks. :)

Back-to-School

Ellie started second grade this morning. Summer has been wonderful, but I have to admit that on Saturday I said, "It's time for school to start." Steve said that was good timing. For some reason this pregnancy is really draining on me and I was ready to get back into a routine--although it is a little quiet around here without Ellie . . . what am I going to do next week when Lila starts preschool? Well, back to this morning. The girls got up early and Ellie quickly got dressed, practiced the piano and then the girls went with Dad, as is tradition, to get donuts. The "hot" light was on so they each got a really fresh one and ate it on the way home and then somewhat grudgingly ate their eggs. :) Ellie made her own sandwich this morning and then almost walked out without her back-up, oops. Steve dropped us off and gave Ellie the sweetest hug, wish I could have gotten a picture of that (he had a Monday meeting so he couldn't stay with us for the orientation).

Ellie at her desk and with her friend Micah who is in her class. :)

 

Enjoying their special donuts after school since they got a "hot" donut this morning and then Lila tuckered out during homework reading time. :)

We had special Family Home Evening yesterday in preparation for today where we talked about how we are braver and stronger than we think and we can do hard things. We talked about how Ellie made huge progress in swimming this year because she tried new things and worked hard at it. We spoke with Lila, who has been struggling with accidents again, on how she can do it, she needs to keep trying. We talked about how Heavenly Father will always be there even when Mommy & Daddy can't so they can always pray to Him and ask for help. Steve then gave them each a very special Father's blessing. It was amazing to watch how the Spirit affected Lila as she sat so still listening and I think mostly feeling of our Father in Heaven's love. Ellie understood more and was grateful for the special blessings. Steve was nice enough to give me one also and I was grateful to be reminded of how well my Father in Heaven knows me and wants me to succeed. :) It will be another great year of progress and growth both physically, mentally, and spiritually for our family!

Legoland & California

We received free kids tickets for Legoland and decided we could use some of our hotel points and fit it into our already scheduled trip to California. I decided I wanted to get the most out of this trip so we told the girls we were planning it and gave them each a roll of dimes and quarters that they could use on a souvenir from Legoland, but they had to be good or they could lose coins over the summer. I have to admit it made a huge difference in Lila's attitude. After losing a few dimes, she went from throwing a fit about everything I said to, "ok Mom" and then happily doing it. There was a funny side affect to them knowing so early. Lila set out an outfit she wanted to wear to Legoland and everyday as she was getting dressed I would hear, "Are we going to Legoland today. (after response in the negative) Fine I won't wear this outfit today." Even when we got her up early for Ellie's triathlon last week she asked, "Are we going to Legoland today?" She is a determined little girl. :)

We arrived at the park early since the girls were already up and walked around a bit. We went by the world's largest Lego model, a star war's x-wing fighter that has more than 5.5 million legos and weighs more than 45,000 lbs. The girls were impressed with everything that could be made with legos.

Then we found a little boat tour that was open so we went for a ride to see cities from all over the world made with legos.

Ellie and Steve with the New York city skyline in the background and Lila pointing out the two guys using a Q-tip to clean the ears on lego Mount Rushmore.


The girls enjoyed driving school--they had the ride separated by age 3-5 then 6 and up so Ellie got to drive a car with a gas and break pedal while Lila got to drive her simple car twice while waiting for Ellie to be done.

We rode several simple rides and ended up by Pirate Shores (a water/splash pad area) at the hot part of the day. I had originally planned on having the girls where their swimsuits under their clothes, but decided the night before not to do that when I saw the weather was only supposed to reach 70 . . . wished I would have because it would have been a perfect time to let them play there. Oh well, you live and learn. Instead we went and waited in line for this pedal ride which the girls really wanted to do, but the line was always forever long. They enjoyed playing in the lego building area while Daddy waited in line for us. :)  Then we went to see the Lego Friends show. It was really cheesy, but the girls loved meeting some of the Lego Friends they play with all of the time.

After which we grabbed lunch at a little pizza place, while Steve tried a Ramen stir fry of some sort. Ellie wanted to watch the bus and boats move around this lego city area we could see from where we were sitting so we let her venture over there while Lila finished eating. Lila was pretty tired at this point so we thought it would be a good time for Ellie and Steve to do the roller coasters. I love both of their faces as they start the descent down the roller coaster.

We managed to catch a little princess show and ride a couple of more rides. Then let the girls pick out their souveniers which they picked out stuffed animals again--I tried talking them into something/anything lego from Legoland, but ultimately it is their decision. 

We then exited and began our drive to Grandpa & Grandma Moore's house. It was a long night, but was so nice to wake-up and relax in their home instead of driving more. Carole & Russ were on their way home from Lake Powell so we chilled that morning and the girls were so good to just play and be creative with the toys in their front room. Even Steve commented on how they are good about just playing and using their imaginations--we are so spoiled. :) Then we went over to Steve's brother Doug's house where we enjoyed swimming, visiting, and just relaxing some more. They grilled up some tri-tip for dinner and it was a lot of fun to just hangout and watch the kids play so well together (I remember purposely getting out my camera, but I didn't take any pictures--losing my mind).

Saturday the girls were excited to be with Grandpa & Grandma and play with Lexie. They fed the chickens, gathered eggs, drove their little car, went for rides in Grandpa's "new" classic cars, and then an afternoon at the beach.

The adults went out to dinner Saturday evening which is always a fun. Then Sunday we went to church and a little parade of homes where we saw Greg & Katie's new place, Maddie & Scott's new home, and Monique's cute place and enjoyed a nice Sunday meal together.  Monday we went back to the beach in the afternoon and just had fun. That night as I was flossing Ellie's teeth I found a surprise. She has a permanent tooth growing behind her baby teeth that aren't even lose yet. Uncle Doug took a look and said to just start working the front teeth until they loosen up--she may lose her first tooth soon.

We decided to start our journey home on Tuesday since we would be hauling a trailer full of tools from Russ's shop. It was hard to leave, but I'm so glad we broke the journey up into two days--this pregnant Mamma was having a hard time traveling. The girls were champs as always--they may have watched a whole season of Chip-n-Dale Rescue Rangers ;) but they were good.

A couple of funny notes, so there are some hills on this windy road by their home that Steve likes to take a little fast and it can take your stomach so Steve convinced Lila it was like riding a roller coaster and she would put her hands in the air every time we made that drive. She decided she would try a roller coaster next time. Then Lila also has impeccable timing as far as restroom stops while traveling. We'll ask her if she needs to go and she'll say no, no. Then just as we pass the last exit for civilization in while she'll say I have to go really bad and start moaning. So we made a few pit stops on the side of the road. :) I was also impressed with Ellie's responsibility, she came into the room and got our Wii Just Dance Disney so they could play and then returned it to the exact spot when they were done. I told her thank you for doing that and she said, "No big deal." I love to see my girls interact with Carole and Russ and we were spoiled last year with how much we got to see of them so I'm so glad we could make the trip out there to visit.

Ellie's First Triathlon

This summer Steve has been training to participate in the Spudman again with my family. I found a mini-tri for the kids and asked Ellie if she would be interested in trying it. She said yes so Steve and I talked about it and decided to see how she did in swim lessons. One night she was complaining about going to swimming lessons and Steve explained that she needed to improve her swimming skills if she wanted to do the triathlon and something clicked in her mind. That day at swim lessons she was brave and jumped in all by herself and floated on her back and then later when I took her swimming at a friends house she just decided she could swim and was putting her face in the water and kicking and not touching the bottom of the pool to take a breath (this is a huge improvement from the beginning of the summer when we were coaxing her in to doing everything). I was so happy that she was trying, but not comfortable with her swimming 50 yards on her own so I called the registration desk and they said they could use floatation devices during the swim so we signed her up for a fun event. This morning we got up bright and early 5:45 am to get ready and be there to get her registration packet by 6:30, then a racer/parent meeting at 6:45 and then the racing began. Ellie was a bit nervous, but Steve was wonderful to stay with her through the race and talk her through it. Once she got going she enjoyed it and of course the treats and awards at the end are awesome. She even said on the way home that getting up that early wasn't too bad. Lila was cute and cheering her on the whole time saying, "Go Ellie Go!" Maybe next year we'll register two kids. :)

Waiting for her turn to swim:

Transitioning to Bike:

Returning from the bike and getting directions from Dad before the run:

Enjoying her award and goodies at the end (her race packet was full of goodies--a nice t-shirt, water bottle, athlete snacks, and a grow a sunflower kit):

In the video you can see her pulling her pants up even though I took them in last night--skinny girl. :)  She did great and had a fun time!

Just for the record here are her times;  50yd swim 2:23, 1mile bike 8:32, 1/2mile run 3:40, T1 3:33, T2 1:02, TOTAL 19:10.