Halloween For Reals

Halloween this year was so much fun! The boys definitely had opinions about their costumes, and we even got to get some face paint and hair gel involved.

Cole the Zombie

Draco Malfoy

It was also fun to see them go trick or treating with their friends. Cole especially has grown close to Asher and Ben. They call themselves the "ABC Club." (Asher, Ben, and Cole - get it?) This year was less about herding little kids around and more about tagging behind them drinking spiked cider. Definitely the way to do trick or treating!

Asher, Ben & Cole

Jack, Asher, Ben, Cole, and Milo

Gorgeous Leaves

You've got to have one good leaf-throwing fight every fall. 

And don't forget your trusty "beterinarian." You never know when you might need one...

Facepaint Fail

We love the Natural History Museum! It's so interactive and the special exhibits are always super cool. The most recent was one all about poisons. The Museum had a staff and faculty night where we all got in free, and the exhibit did not disappoint. The highlight of the night, though? Waiting in the face painting line for 30 minutes only to have Jack pick something I could have done with an eyeliner. 
#harrypotterfan #kindadon'tblamehim

Cole's 8th Birthday

Let's have a simple birthday party at home, I said. It will be cheap and fun, I said. Marshmallow shooters will be great, I said.

Right.

The weather was beautiful. The sun shown brightly down on a lovely October day. We organized all of the PVC parts and set out the marshmallows. The boys began to happily build their creations. 

Left to Right: Asher, Isak, Adam, Sebastian, Cole, Milo, and Ben

And then began to shoot the marshmallows...

All over the yard...

Where that lovely bright sun softened them...

And they stuck in big clumps to grass and dirt and then embedded themselves in everyone's shoes.

As a boy - this was the greatest thing ever. 

As a mom with a house full of carpet...not so much.

And lets talk about feeding 8 boys and having them decorate zombie cookies.

Actually, lets' not.

However, when Cole bragged to me that everyone said it was the best birthday party ever, it made me smile. 

 We also had some time to celebrate with Pa & Nana.

 And with the Thomsen's.

So it ended up being a pretty great 8th birthday. But next year? 

Next year we'll just go to a movie.

One Lucky Girl

Bryce and I celebrated our 13th (!) anniversary this year. I really feel like this has been our best year yet. The kids are older and we have a little more time to hang out with each other. We've also tried to accommodate each other - I've tried to be less demanding and Bryce has tried to be more proactive. And we've really hit our stride. Here are just a few of the things I love about being married to Bryce:

1)  He's the best traveler. I LOVE to travel with Bryce. He's easy-going, loves trying anything new, and rolls with the punches. 

2)  He's patient. He plays endless hours of video games with the boys, listens to my work drama, and puts together shelving without a fuss.

3)  He's even-keeled. He rarely gets angry or upset. He can get frustrated for sure, but he doesn't let it drag him down.

4)  He likes puzzles as much as I do.

5)  He puts up with my never ending projects and artistic endeavors.

6)  He wants a dog.

7)  He has the sexiest dimple when he smiles.

8)  He unloads the dishwasher. I hate doing that.

9)  He loves my family.

10) He wore me down with the beard. The damn beard that I was so against but have to admit is pretty cute and looks awesome.

We didn't do anything big for our anniversary - just drove up the canyons to enjoy the fall colors and had dinner at Brio - but it was perfect. Love you, Bryce and here's to lucky number 13!