The Waggy Tail Dance

So, just because I had to capture it, here's a video of Alex shaking his Halloween doggy tail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1xA1EiJEPE&feature=youtu.be

Happy Halloween!

Okay, first of all, let me just say that Mom and Dad stayed up Really late after working hard all day to make this wig for Ella to be Rapunzel. That being said, it just didn't work. It was too heavy and didn't stay on her head. Other than that, Ella was a beee-autiful Rapunzel for halloween!

And Mister Dracula, I mean Will. I think he had a little too much fun with those fake teeth.

Alex told me he wanted to be a blue puppy for Halloween. You can imagine my astonishment when I actually found a blue puppy costume at Walmart! Trust me, he would've been something else had it not happened to be there. He was soooo cute. I did put together the body with help from Grandma, but the hat and gloves and tail were all together. So nice! Isn't he cute???

This is Alex at school. I love how Miss Jilane is a big M&M!

Ian is a cute little bat.

Complete with wings of course.

I went to the kids' school for a Halloween parade.

Ella had a fantastic Halloween party with a ton of goodies!

I helped out in Will's room and had kids making a cute little bat craft with googly eyes and holes for their fingers to wiggle through. It was a little tiring, but very fun. Here's Will's whole class!

Reaping the rewards...

Just before trick-or-treating

The kids chose this really cool haunted house design for the pumpkin this year!

It was a gorgeous Halloween day. So nice that it wasn't too cold yet! Will even got to do a little with his friend in the neighborhood. I guess he's getting too good for us now, but Kimball took the rest of the kids pretty far and I they actually raked it in by the time they were done. The hardest part was probably keeping Ian out of the candy bucket that was for the neighbors. Once he knew what it was all about he couldn't resist! He would squeal with delight when the doorbell rang. So cute! There was quite a bit of juggling going on that night, but he really loved it!

Cuteness

Sometimes the kids just look so nice for church I have to take pictures of them when they get home, though I don't think the pictures do them justice!

Ella thought of this cute hairstyle today.

Will isn't too shabby either! What a sweet big brother.

friends

After the pumpkin patch, Ian would not walk to the house without his little lamb. He was definitely read for a nap, but I love how concerned he was to have his little friend with him at all times.

Pumpkin Patch

One of my favorite fall field trips is to the pumpkin patch. It's just fun to enjoy the weather and fun fall activities and let the kids explore outside. I thought these tire-turned horse swings were pretty unique looking!

Ian and Alex held hands while walking through the corn maze.

We had a little hay ride too!

Ian was so curious about this pony, but way to nervous to get any closer.

He kept pointing up at it.

Then, big brother came along to show him how it's done. I love Ian's concerned/impressed face.

They have this big slide that the kids could slide down on top of potato sacks.

I think Alex wasn't prepared for how long a slide it was!

Then, they picked out some pumpkins!

Ian first went for a huge one, then I helped him find one more his size.

Peek-a-boo!

We also got to see Aunt Breanne and Jane for a little while in the petting zoo, but I didn't get any pictures, it was too muddy and there were so many animals! Ian was really cute. He actually pet a goat. It was a great way for him to see animals in person. There was a cow that mooed really loud everytime someone walked in. Then, there were goats, sheep, chickens, etc. All the good farm animals. =)

This pumpkin is huge!

The boys came up with this game where they slide ice across the table and try to block each other. Sometimes, they drive me nuts, but othertimes I just have to roll with their creativity. Plus, it kept them busy for a while!

I thought this little batty-headband Alex made at preschool was so cute!

Grandpa Larsen's funeral

On October 13th, Kimball's dad passed away from a heart attack. It was a very sobering experience. I know it isn't something that's easy to deal with, but it definitely brought the whole family together. The funeral was very touching and some really sweet memories were shared. It was great seeing so many relatives all together to celebrate his life. I learned quite a few interesting details about him right up to the point when I had to take 2 little restless munchkins out to the foyer. I was glad to let Kimball listen and not be too distracted by them, though. Ella and Will really wanted to stay close to Grandma the whole time. I think they felt a special closeness and love for her. These pictures are back at Allen and Jessica's house after the funeral. We had a really nice get together with all the siblings! It was wonderful and touching to see everyone together.

Ella got to take this frog from school to take photos with on her trip. Later, she printed a few pictures up to share with the class. It was a great way to get some fun photos of family. This is Kimball's mother's mom (Grandma Huckstep) and two sisters.

This would be almost all the little ones piling wrestling with Uncle Jon. I'm not sure how he can take it! And Uncle Allen is on the left with little Logan and Lincoln.

We actually stayed here for our trip with Uncle Allen and Jessica. Isn't she a beautiful Aunt! They were amazing hosts and we were so comfortable and well taken care of during our trip.


Aunt Amber, of course! She can make anybody smile. =)

Will wanted to play "I am a Child of God" on his violin. It was really sweet.

Ian working hard to figure out a puzzle.

When he got one in he did the cutest little clap! I think he just barely started clapping. It's so cute!

Okay, I couldn't resist these next couple photos. Here's Ian all cute with a yummy cupcake...

Here's Ian's gigantic mouth getting ready to eat the cupcake! Whoa!

And there is the tiny bite that actually makes contact with the cupcake. Such a funny boy!!!

Here's all of Kimball's brothers and Amber together. They went out to play basketball that night which was another fun memory they had of their family and their dad. Angela actually couldn't make it this evening, but had been in town doing a bunch of things to help out her mom earlier that week, like a complete bedroom makeover!

It was a really fun night and a good trip. Things like this help put life in perspective and I felt an incredible gratitude for my family and friends and how much everyone means to me while we were there. I am so glad I get to share my life with so many wonderful people!

Cutie

Ian's preferred method of eating is standing up. Isn't that yours? I think it must aid in digestion somehow. Anyway, we can't find the straps to the high chair, so we just lowered it close to the floor in case he falls, which wouldn't be the first time, or second... It wouldn't be so bad if he didn't climb over and sit on the tray itself many times. sheesh.

Look at that innocent face. Well, here I was trying to get a shot of him folding his arms. He just started doing it. Such a cutie!