Metting Santa

Kyle's family puts on a Christmas party every year.  I make sure to attend because Santa is there.  Then if I don't make it to the mall, it's not a big deal.  Our kids are so funny this year because they really don't have anything they are set on having for Christmas.  It changes constantly and it not even things they are really into.  I hope they won't be too disappointed Christmas morning.  I'm so proud of Oaklee for overcoming her fear and sitting on Santa's lap.  She has a fear of anything in costume with a mask or painted.  She shakes uncontrollably and cries.  I don't know why she didn't freak out but you could tell she was nervous.  Sawyer only got to be on his lap for the family picture because they were trying to get all kids in and out.  

Festival of Trees

Dalynne got tickets to the festival this year so we decided that while the husbands were working, we would go play.  There was so much to see that we needed to get there earlier.  With 7 kids that requires potty breaks and lots of eating.  It felt like we didn't get to really see much of the displays.  We were in the boutique forever because I felt like I needed to buy something to support Primary Children's.  The kids all had a fun time and were very well behaved considering we were there for 5 hours and there were tons of people.  I would definitely do it again but be better prepared with food and getting there earlier.  I hope it's a tradition we can keep at least every couple years.  

Christmas Decor

Last week was crazy with lots of RS things at night.  We started to put it up Monday night.  I didn't get to help much with the trees so I didn't get my usual pictures.  I'm a bit saddened by this.  I did get a few of Oaks helping with the tree upstairs. 

Locks of Love

Back in October, Oaklee cut her hair!  It was inspired by Aspen and Kenna.  Kyle took her down to Great Clips (I was on a girls trip).  Since it was her first haircut and she donated it, it was FREE!  Can't beat that!  She donated 10 inches and got the cutest bob ever.  I like her with short hair but it's very time consuming.  With her natural curls, it looks bad if I don't straighten it.  Usually, I just brush it and it looks bad.  I can water it down and put gel in it and it looks decent.  I miss being able to do fast and easy things with her long hair.  It will be a while before I'll do that again!  I didn't get any before/after photos since I wasn't home.

First Snow

The kids were beyond excited for the first snow storm.  It's crazy to think that we've been having 50  degree lately.

Halloween

We did a few fun festivities for Halloween.  We did frightmares, trunk or treat, trick or treating, watching Halloween movies, fires, making witch faces, etc.  It was a lot of fun.  We let the kids have $10 for a costume.  Oaklee chose the hat and broom so I had to work with things we have at home for the bodice.  I think it turned out pretty dang cute.  Wyatt wanted bumblebee but I had to order online.  For the trunk or treat he was captain america.  Then on Halloween he became bumblebee.  

On Halloween I babysat and got things ready for the night.  We went down to Dylan's for lumch and Warren's dinner.  They free meals every year.  It's became my tradition for the past 4 years.  After dinner we (Dawn & kids) went to the Read neighborhood to trick or treat.  It was a pretty fun night walking and talking.  The kids were so pooped when we were done.

Luminaries

Our pumpkins didn't grow very well this year.  They looked like squash.  We couldn't use them for carving and we didn't really want to spend money on buying them.  The kids never seem to into it anyway.  We found these luminaries at Target and they were the perfect thing to do.  

Birthday Shenanigans

Finally getting around to posting what pictures I do have of SJ's birthday.  I forgot pics at one festivity...well I had my phone but I don't want to go through the trouble of getting them off of it.  The day of her birthday was nothing special.  The normal day except she had a late nap so we raked leaves until dark.  She loved finding her birthday quarters and was eager to get them out of the shoe and into her mouth.  I would say she liked the cookie over the cake she had on the separate occasions.  She sure loves babies and loves the 2 new ones from Grandma and Manda.  She gets so mad at Oaklee if she takes them.

Leaves, Leaves, Go Away

Man oh man, this year seems like we have had so many leaves!  I've raked the back yard 3 times and the front twice and it probably should be done again.  I just can't bring myself to do it again....oh wait, I can't because the rakes are stashed away in the shed.  Darn!  During the first gathering, I made a huge pile for the kids.  They enjoyed it more than I thought they would.  I would've put the slide into them but it's broken.  I feel so bad because Sawyer missed out...and we did it on her birthday.  Poor girl!