SLC or BUST!

I've probably mentioned it on here before, because I constantly mention it, because…. our little buddy has been so sad. He has been mourning his best buddy moving to Utah. Aidan and Jack are just the cutest together and throw in Jack's brother, Max and Aidan is in dude heaven.

So what to do? Before they move REALLY far away, more south in Utah, we packed up the car and sent Aidan off for a weekend that he said was the best of his life. They are currently staying with Stacie's parents while their new home is being built and Aidan said it is the coolest place on earth (sorry Disneyland). Four wheelers, trampolines, sport courts, you name it… And his best buddy.

So what are the girls to do? Why spend the weekend in a hotel in downtown SLC and do some shopping!

We had a BLAST!!!! This is now a "first annual" girl's trip and we're already brainstorming spots for 2014. We laughed and laughed and laughed. Such a fun weekend with my big girl.

Who is this kid?

After searching, searching, searching and cursing myself for not doing food allergy research beforehand for a "safe" restaurant, we settled on a good old standby. Look at that smile. Love her to pieces.

Dork Diaries. I love that she loves to read.

And be silly. Is she my kid or what?

This was the craziest part. She requested that we work out each morning. Ryan and I were laughing on the phone that this would last 5 minutes tops. Another sign our little babe is growing up, we worked out for an hour each morning and I'm still sore! Don't get me wrong, there were lots of breaks that included dance moves in the mirror, gymnastics and stories that started with, "You wanna know what happened to (insert any 3rd graders name and then a reeeaaaalllyyyy random story)."

And then we went school clothes shopping. Yep, at the end of November. Better late than never people. Don't judge.

Gulp. What did she do with my baby?

Oh and the buns. There was a lot of hair styling this weekend. 

Oh gawwwwwwddddd. Who is she? Really? *Can you tell I'm having a hard time handling these changes?* I kid, I'm extremely proud of the crazy, silly, smart, kind little lady this girl is turning into….

And of course we had to get in a movie. 

Free Birds Fun! 

And a little bowling. Apparently this sign lets me know I'm a "loser." 

More work out.

Stacie kept me posted with such fun pictures. We missed our guys but knew that Ryan was having a much deserved break from the madness that comes along with Morgan, Aidan and myself and we knew Aidan was having a fantastic time. Until next time SLC!!!!

A little obsession….

I know, it's getting embarrassing, but I have an obsession with Brett Dennen. I've only missed one Boise concert and that was because Aidan was an infant and had a cold. So it's not a problem, right? I can stop at any time….

Ryan made the latest Brett D. concert a little date night. I promised myself I wasn't going to drag Ryan into the concert space early to get front row. 

Must have been subconscious then. But look at that face, he's having fun!!

Such a great show. I might quit my job, homeschool my kids and follow him around watching his shows. Ha, I kid! What in the world could my kids learn from me? Mad dance skills and chocolate eating contests with myself are not approved curriculum items.

Brett and I have similar moves. One of these shows, he's going to look down, see me fast snapping and rocking the hand tambourine and bring me on stage. I just know it…. (Yes, that is my finger. Just capturing my aggressive finger pointing dance. That's how you know I'm really having fun.)

Thanks Brett D. for another fantastic show. Until next time, my favorite red headed friend!!!

Sugar fiend...

I went to gather Aidan's sheets today to give them a little wash and what did I find under his comforter?

Yep, candy wrappers. I thought he was going to bed a little too easily lately.

In completely related news, we went to the dentist today and homeboy has his first cavity. Hmmm, how's that for natural consequences? 

Halloween 2013!!

Well, would you just look at this... This girl is blogging the day after an event? Must have some reports to type, yep!

Another FUN halloween went down in the books. Morgan was very particular about our trick or treating plan this year. No crowds so Warm Springs and Harrison were out and she had to walk everywhere, so our neighborhood hay ride was out.... So we went to the Hills! And had a blast, as evidenced by our 11 p.m. arrival at home, ouch.

Our particular trick or treater had a pretty cool costume this year! At her school's party, I asked all of the girls what they were going to be... Vampires, go figure!

And a treat for the mothers. It's cold out there people!

Aidan took Spidey very seriously....

Oh look another Spiderman! We couldn't keep those two straight all night. 

Even Spiderman has to get his shoes on....

And a darling Dorothy!!

And they are off. Loot, loot, loot!!!

But sometimes need a little break from the madness. I hear you buddy!

And loot they got. I can't believe how much candy they had, unreal amounts. 

Too bad we "accidentally" left most of it at the Hills.

Halloween in Idaho is always cold. So why not going swimming at 9 p.m.?

Luckily their pool was heated to a toasty 90. But standing outside to observe wasn't quite so toasty.

So to mix things up, I might have suggested that Carissa push Byron in... And she did. Sorry about that.

Post swim fireplace lounge.

And rap.

And pose.

And a game where Ryan can try to get in on the candy action.

I can't believe Halloween has come and gone, AGAIN. What a fun time we had!

Getting our yard sale on....

Just as Morgan loves gymnastics, this lady loves being a part of Ben Towne Foundation Boise Chapter. It's introduced me to some great ladies, but mostly it just might be the most fantastic cause I can think of....

Every year my hood has a massive sale, last year we had one at the at the Hills with all of the proceeds going to Ben Towne Foundation, but since they moved out the neighborhood (sigh), we hosted it!

Ryan was conveniently on a golf weekend in Oregon while our house was literally taken over by stuff and yard salers. I'm not much of a yard saler, but boy is it an interesting experience!

It was almost like over night all of the stuff magically reproduced...

Carissa, me, Kate, Mercer, Langley and Kirstin. Such gems the whole group is. Excited for things ahead for the Boise Chapter!

1st Gymnastics Meet!

If you have seen Morgan in the past 6 months, most likely she is doing a round-off, upside down and doing some other contortion with her body that makes this old gal queasy. To say she loves gymnastics is a massive understatement. 

And all of her hard work is paying off! This fall she moved into League 2, which means regular meets. I thought her little body was going to explode, she was so giddy, excited and thrilled to be a part of this. Morgan has had an incredible year in so many ways and we are beyond proud of this little bunny.

A little pre-meet National Anthem...

And getting the final scores... She did so great and has a lot to be proud of!

The girls!

Grandma visits!

 We recently had Grandma in town and what FUN it was! I picked her up on the way home from a girl's weekend in Seattle and now I know where Morgan gets her chattiness, ha!

I hardly took any pictures, darn it. But I love the look on Dolly's and Morgan's faces. Really guys, am I that scary looking in my pj's and no shower? Wow.

Grandma got to be here for the end of the season celebrations! Ryan once again purchased trophies for the kids and suggested that instead of reimbursing him that parents make a donation to Ben Towne Foundation. 

Aidan loves, loves, loves trophies. The kid is constantly trying to get me to sign him up for more activities to get more trophies. Sorry dude, I've been unsuccessful in recruiting a sister-wife to help out with transport.

Morgan is having an end of the party to get her award, so why not show off your snack wrapper? I unfortunately didn't get many pictures of the "Purple Pancakes," but don't let their name fool you, they were tough. And silly. Because let's be honest, it's about having fun, right? So proud of these little stars!