{Too young for...}

Fishnets? Nope!

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 Experimenting with a musical theatre costume. We've spiced it up since this picture. The team isn't wearing traditional costumes, instead they are going to be a modge podge to resemble the '70's musical, "Godspell."

It's definitely boot weather with all this rain! Can you relate?

{Grandma Marilee}

Since I last blogged we went to Eugene for my Grandma Marilee's memorial. She passed away in August. She was hanging on her last month of life before going home from complications of a stroke. This was a few days after she turned 77. It was so weird to think she was no longer on earth because she was SO vibrant, spunky, and humerous! She seemed like she was in her '50's. This is when reality hit us about our aging families. I am delighted she is with my grandpa Bill who passed away less than 2 years ago (again, a really seemingly young man) from complications of Alzheimers.

The last two years have been so hard for my mom, an only child. As unfortunate it is that she does not have them right now, I am relieved they aren't suffering and that she is able to take care of herself after spending so much time caring for them.

  

 While we were there we saw our first 3-D movie, at least first meaning in the last 20 years without the red and blue paper glasses.

{Great Wolf}

We went to Great Wolf Lodge during conferences again this year. The kids still love it, even after visiting Evergreen Air and Space Museum. Personally, I like Evergreen just as much or more, although it's nice to be able to swim for 4 hours at the wolf, get out, get back in, and not have to do your hair for a good 24 hours!

 We invited Maisey's friend last minute. A great idea because she always had someone to go down the slides with.

 Halloween is an especially fun time because the decorations are impressive. These are balloons.

 And fun pumpkins like the Lorax.

 This year we had our great waterproof camera and it was a bummer I didn't hardly use it!

Ryley had fun playing with a friend from preschool and Chad was very entertained as usual. I however felt like I was lifeguard watching most the time.

{American Girls}

It's not a secret I LOVE a party, and I also love American Girls too (real girls that is).

They are all so unique and talented in their own ways!

 The theme was pink!

Pink Lemonade

 Pink strawberry marshmallows dipped in pink chocolate.

 Pink Jelly Bellies and pink gummy rings.

 Pink lemonade cupcakes with pink lemonade frosting (there were a TON left, and for a reason, the flavor is unusual for a baked good).

 Pink cherry yogurt pretzels and pink bubble gum.

 Pink "Berry Blast" Oreos, some half dipped in pink chocolate.

 One good boy.

 One VERY patient daddy, and husband.

 13 American Girls and their AG dolls (there are more than 13 dolls because some brought multiples).

Party girls!

 Friendship bracelets, "Girl Talk Jenga," and a hint of the mess!

Twins!

It was a fun night full of singing, Wii dance, and the new AG McKenna movie.

 

{Sport}

 The kiddos, less Maisey (like their crazy hair for school spirit day?).

Ciara and Abbey (the best little sport)!

I want a laser next.

Maybe my next birthday.

 

{SWEETNESS}

I have the SWEETEST little class at church. 

The class is made up of 4-5 year olds and they are all GIRLS!

They've been asking to come over and play and they were able to come over for lunch and play while I was on vacation.

 Dessert (pudding and Oreos)

 Fruit kabobs

 Strawberry cream cheese with strawberries

 Nutella and sprinkles

The spread (with tomatoes and cucumbers)

Ryley even gave it a thumbs up- imagine how excited the girls were!

{The Deal}

 

 

We've been going to Out of This World weekly (and Pump it Up), and sometimes 2x a week. We have a pass and can usually take 3 friends, so it paid for itself right away (I think we are for renewal soon). Let us know if you ever want to meet there!

 

 Chad has been watching football. I HATE football, not because it's football, but because I HATE TV. I feel like it's the biggest waste of time and I am so glad we don't have cable. Much of the time I wish we had no TV, but we do. And, I do enjoy watching it 2 hours a week during the "on" season.

 Lots of bike riding for Ryley, unfortunately our family hasn't gone together much lately. As you can see in the picture, Ryley has his shin guards on. He is loving soccer! We love it too because we both love the sport!!! 

 We went on a nature hike the other day. We have had BEAUTIFUL weather the last couple weeks!

We even had a pool day Friday. See Ciara running to catch Herbie before he tipped over?

 Ciara and Herb always take us boating. Such nice friends. This day we made a big camp on the beach and took trips going out and resting beneath the canopy.

 

 Maisey is still a dancing fool. This day she was headed to the studio for pictures-and classes.

 We had a family movie night flop and instead the kids just came. Here's a picture Maisey took before the other treats were on the table. The kids reaction, "Are those real sticks from the ground?" It was messy, but they ate their apples, leaving all the other treats.

Watching the Halloween movie Hocus Pocus. 

The girls

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On Saturday 9/29 my clients invited me to their temple sealing. It was amazing. To top the spiritual high, we were able to hear the blessing on Sunday. One proud daddy did a great job his first go around! My clients are so dear to me and I am ecstatic when they include me in such special events.

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So, the deal is, since getting my new smart phone the last day of June, I have been posting more pictures, only on Facebook. Now, a few days ago I joined and posted my first Instagram, only the picture, which showed correctly on my camera, came out upside down online and so I am not sure how much I like it as of yet. BUT, I am going to try to start blogging more regularly, my goal has always been weekly.

{Lately}

Life once again feels like the movie "Groundhog Day." I work in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays. Chad and I are coaching Ryley's soccer team on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Maisey has 14 dance classes a week (M-TH).

We have church on Sunday's, and other activities like visit teaching, home teaching, and plenty of fun on weekends. And lastly, school and involvement that comes with that. Chad and I are both in school (we are actually on a break right now after wrapping up summer term, me full time, Chad part). Maisey is in the 4th grade, and Ryley preschool co-op (I don't teach until March and April), and then Ry just got into the high schools pre-school program (yes, our social bug is doing 2 after a 2 year wait)!

 

 My work bbq Friday night

 Lots of bike riding going on for this little guy. We've had the perfect weather.

 Our team of 4-5 year olds (minus me, the one who hates photos).

Our busy dancer!

{Home}

After 11 trips in 3 months, we are home- for a bit. We have a couple trips before the holidays, but we want to be home anyway!

 

Summer has been so much fun, but the pace of normal life, yes, "normal life," work, school for Maisey, pre-school co-op for Ryley (I will teach too), classes for Chad, and my full-time masters program, soccer (Ryley, Chad and I coaching), gymnastics (Ry), dance (Maisey, 14 classes), church, and other things like parties, and hopefully some date nights somewhere too!

{Seattle Girls AG Trip}

To wrap up summer we took a quck jaunt up to the AG store.

 

Lunch in the American Girl Bistro

 We got to celebrate Lexie's birthday at the end of the month.

 The dolls from the 70's- Julie (the blond) and her friend, along with their $350 car.

 The hotel let them borrow high chairs from the AG store and gave them travel beds which were really cute to take home.

The girls at the end of the trip in their matching doll outfits.

Girls are so fun- a lot of work maybe, but definitely worth the drama!