Post date: Jul 12, 2011 5:18:51 AM
MY BIRTHDAY - We celebrated my birthday in Yuma with the Colvin’s. We went shooting that morning, which was quite the experience. I think the guys should have started me off with the 22 rifle, instead of the shotgun. After the first shot, I wanted to be done, but they convinced me to keep going. By the end I was really enjoying it and even hit a couple of the clay pigeons. I was surprised at how good Bret was. I guess shooting just comes more natural to guys. The girls mostly entertained themselves playing in Craig’s truck, but Kristen & Laura even had a turn shooting. Laura shot a piece of her clay pigeon that was propped up. Not sure how much they enjoyed shooting, but they did good at searching for and picking up the shells. We got a babysitter for the girls that night and went to dinner and a Voice Male concert. It was good music and very entertaining.
DISNEYLAND - I didn’t get enough time to play with the girls at Disneyland when we were there for the challenge, and since it was Fall Break, what else were we going to do? So went to Disneyland. Mom & Dad were gone on their cross country road trip, but Jen and the kids met us there. On our second day, it rained, a lot. It didn’t seem to bother the kids much. They liked holding the umbrellas and playing in the rain. We experienced the Blue Bayou for the first time, but with 3 adults and 5 kids it wasn't quite how I imagined it would be. We also saw World of Color for the first time, and with front row seats. We played at Ca Adventure on day 3 and Kristen rode the Tower of Terror for the first time. Laura was sad she wasn’t tall enough to ride Jumpin’ Jellyfish. Emma really wanted a Minnie balloon, (must be something about that age.) They all enjoyed feeding the ducks in the Rivers of America near the Hungry Bear. But I think one of their favorite things about going to Disneyland is getting to play with their cousins. I’m glad that they’re all best friends.
EAGLE SCOUTS - I have to mention Keith & Mitchell’s eagle court of honor. They were Bret’s scouts 5 years ago and have now earned their eagle scout (and turned 18). We got to help in planning the court of honor (which was very fun for me). They also each honored Bret by presenting him with a mentor pin, which is very special to Bret. These boys are both so awesome, we are so proud of them.
LARKIN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY - The Larkin’s hosted an adult Halloween party, so we got a sitter and enjoyed a night out. I wasn’t feeling too creative, so I just dressed up as Cruella DeVil (from last year) and Bret went as a dalmatian dog. There were some awesome costumes there. I’d have to say the best was the North’s, they went as Hugh Hefner and a playboy bunny. But Mitch was the playboy bunny and Linda was Hugh Hefner.
WARD HALLOWEEN PARTY - We went to the ward Halloween party on Saturday. Emma was our Minnie Mouse this year, Laura was Sleeping Beauty and Kristen was Cinderella. We’ve kind of had the Disney princess thing going on the past few years. When we got to the church the cultural hall was packed. We ate some food, they did their little costume parade, and then we went outside for trunk or treat with Canyon Trails ward. There were rows and rows of cars. The girls moved slow, so we probably only hit about half the trunks.
HALLOWEEN – Our primary program was originally scheduled for September but due to a special stake conference, it got moved back, to October 31. It’s one of those moments that you stress about all year long, and then once it’s over, you feel so relieved. I think the kids all did great. Of course Kristen did wonderful with her part. She said “I am thankful that I was sent to a family because they teach me how to return to live with my Father in Heaven.” That night we did go trick or treating down our street, but I think the girls enjoyed handing out the candy more. They got everything all set up and they both handed out a piece of candy to each kid that came up.