Eli's Halloween Party

Eli's preschool had a Halloween party this last week. It was on a Wednesday and I totally forgot about dressing him up. Once I had realized my mistake... I had to quickly scramble to get Dallin and myself dressed (because we were still in our pj's!).

I could only imagine how sad Eli would be to be the only kid in the school without a costume on as kids teased him and he sulked in the corner. Right as I was heading out the door I got a phone call from the school. You know the one... it was the phone call to all the bad mom's telling them to how horrible they are that they forgot! ;) Actually his teacher assured me that Eli was not upset at all, but that she did want to remind me to bring it for the actual party that did not start until several hours later.

However, in my guilty state I decided to stop by the store and fork over the dough for the overpriced, tacky 'Mario' costume he has been asking me for for the last two months. I showed up only about an hour after school had started to change his clothes. He was so excited to see that costume! Once we got it on he ran straight into his classroom and was beaming from head to toe! And they say you can't buy your way into your child's heart?? ;)-

But the truth is... Eli made for a VERY cute Mario! (Note his picture... it is Eli with a hat on that has a big E on it circled. I love it! :)

These are the two girls Eli talks about nonstop at preschool. I don't think he can make up his mind which one he likes better. But I am not exactly sure either one are very interested in him! ;) -

The whole class! My favorite is that kid on the right. His mom (or someone) must have hand sewn the costume to look like a Bazooka bubble gum wrapper and then he had that balloon tied to his head... to look like a bubble. It was hilarious!

Pumpkin Fun!

I think we have a shot like this of Connor every year carving a pumpkin since he was two!

Dallin checking things out. He would cry if Seth even told him to touch it, but he enjoyed watching.

This is the 'pumpkin monster' Eli drew on his pumpkin and wanted us to carve for him. :) It is pretty cute, but a tad too detailed for our abilities!

The end result from left to right: Connor's pumpkin, Eli's pumpkin, Dallin's pumpkin.

Esther Ties the Knot!

Pretty in Purple! On the way to the temple!

Brian and Esther seal the deal in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple!
October 1, 2010

LOVED Esther's dress! She made for a very beautiful bride!!

Dallin (looking quite GQ) with his buddy, Bear!

♥ My handsome hunk of burnin' love! ♥

Congrats Esther and Brian! We love you!!

GO SHARKS!

Eli started his first season of soccer this Fall. Since I am the team mom for Connor's football team I have not been able to see or attend as many games/practices as I would like to. But I did make it to his first game (which is why we have pictures to show you! :)

Originally I had wanted to hold off another year until we had two kids in sports at one time, but Seth said we had held off long enough. (We had started Connor in soccer at age 3) So, I guess he was right. Our lives are crazy right now between the two sports and I can't imagine it gets any easier the older they get. But I'm glad we did it because I know Eli has really loved having his "own" thing separate from Connor.

Our ferocious looking sharks!

Here's to hoping Eli will choose to stick with soccer in the long run! :)

pReSkOoL

Eli started preschool this year (we won't mention that it started almost two months ago)! He has been going three days a week and loves it!

I was worried because I had tried preschool last year with him and he cried and fought it tooth and nail... until I ended up pulling him out. I thought for sure there would be a water works show when I dropped him off for his first day of school this year. But he hopped right in and took his seat like a champ!

Then to my surprise, as I left the room... I started blubbering! That is SO not me! In fact, I am usually the one to make fun of the ladies crying as they drop their kids off at school. (Now you know!) I mean, really?!? Why act sad when you know you are all secretly happy that you get to go get that pedicure you have been wanting for the last 4 years? ;)-

But for some reason letting go was different with Eli than it was with Connor. Eli has always been my only mama's boy out of the family. I was feeling a bit nostalgic and misty eyed... until I turned the corner and they asked me for first months's tuition.

Suddenly, all was forgotten.

1st day of preschool... Dallin (2) and Eli (4).

Eli in front of his "school".

Eli is in the Green Room! He loves his two teachers and they seem to be equally smitten with him! He has not made as many friends as I would like him to, but he is learning a lot and after only a week or two he was spelling and writing his own name! Way to go buddy!

RAGNAR

"Imagine this: Red rock, then views of the strip at night, then more red rock. You and eleven of your closest friends running relay-style day and night. Starting in the red rock oasis Valley of Fire State Park, your team of 12 maniacs will be embarking on a 195 mile adventure-fest sure to fill all of your desires. The party in your van will only get better as you leap frog your way past the breath taking views of Lake Mead, stunning views of the strip at night and then catch glimpses of Mt Charleston as you run through Spring Mountain National Recreation Area, then it's onto the majestic cliffs of Red Rock Canyon. The race (and your stamina) will wrap up at Red Rock Resort and Casino in the one and only city of sin, Las Vegas, NV." -Vegas Ragnar Website

This is what I have spent every waking (and some not awake) spare minutes I have had training for the last month and a half. I wish I had had more time to train... but it is what it is. The race is on in two days!! I will start Friday afternoon, run through the night and continue on Saturday morning. If you look at my legs... they only get harder with each leg... not only in distance, but in elevation level as well as rating "easy, moderate, or hard"... just as I will be most exhausted from fatigue... the sleep deprivation is sure to kick in. I am really worried about that last leg!!!

Honestly, I am not going for any certain mileage per hour... my goal is basic... TO FINISH!! :) (Baby steps over here people, BABY STEPS!)

I have put myself through hell and back for this race with 5am runs, excruciating personal trainer sessions, a badly sprained ankle, blisters, insane amounts of body ache, and more miles than one should ever have to put running to stand still on a treadmill. I even had my first running dream last night... only to be awakened by my alarm to get up and run... for what felt like a second time! It was a nightmare! :)

My first leg- (leg #9) - 3.1 miles -Easy
My middle leg - Leg #21 - 3.9 miles - Moderate

My last leg - Leg #33 - 5.6 miles - Hard

PRAYERS ARE WELCOME!!! :)