Us Last Halloween!

This was us last year at this time...

have you ever seen a giraffe drive a van or a man wear a headband for that matter??

you are adorable!!!

I actually padded my butt!! I dont think I probably needed to...

What a Ham. I started thinking how did Robert let me talk him into this?

Then I remembered that he has a flair for the theatrics.

He would have been mad if I hadn't made him a giraffe costume.

Yup-- we were Madagascar--Hippo, Giraffe, Marty the Zebra, and Alex the Lion. What a grand time we had.

and yes, we have 3 trick or treat bags--!!!!

Did no one notice???!!

Score on the chocolate bars for us.

We found fall in Sedona!!!

We found Sedona, AZ ,

to me it was the most beautiful place.

After record temperatures feeling the 80's was

spectacular!

I made James wear a long sleeved shirt because it was "cool" weather!

There were so many breath taking views and stunning artistic buildings.

We've only scratched the surface there I cant wait to go back!!

I had no idea how popular it was to go to Sedona- we left with about a half hour of thought and planning so when we arrived all the hotels were full!!! Wow! After doing some great searching we found what felt like the last room available! Thank goodness!

Robert couldn't come because of obligations so it was just me and the kids. It was a great relaxing weekend!

a small hike

Look at this view we had at lunch!

The only yellow leaf we could reach! we took it- sorry nature but I was a little fall crazy!!

Gorgeous!

Good Times!

Our Friends the Blodgetts are moving away next week and James is sad

to not be close to Jacob. We have gone with them this last month to

the Zoo- 3-- maybe 4-- times!! What a blast!

We will miss you!

All the kids saying "cheese"

Precious!

James Friend Party

James received $4 in a card from his friend Zina in Utah this is how he used

his money.....

This ride was repeated over and over and over again....

JAMES also had his first friend party!!

Here are some of the Super Heros in attendance!

(Notice the large pile of Cheetos by James, can you share?!

Cheetos is a Birthday and Christmas Tradition in our family)

Cake by Aunt Myrna!!

James is Four!

James' Favorite Toy from Grandma Smith

Before the Chaos!

Birthday Bowling with friends Gina, Bert, and Anthony

Max carried his own ball everytime!

Birthday boy with the tall socks

Yummy Pizza

Preschool time. Rob went to school with him

all day and brought the snack of the day-- of course cupcakes!

James' Aunt Myrna made these cupcakes for his preschool.

What kid gets Fondant Basketballs??

Thanks Myrn!

More to post of the friend party that will be this weekend.

Love you James!

First Field Trip

James' first field trip was to the fire station. Max and Cousin Lucy tagged

along. The kids of course were in awe the whole time!

Beating the Heat

Playing at Splash Pads still-- trying to combat the 100 + degree weather

Playing in our garage during the day is the only way for us to play outside.

It only last about 15 min. before the kids are too sweaty,

(They are also breaking all of Roberts tools.)

Some Clarification

Just so you know-- Arizona is hot!!! I am sure it will be nice in the Winter but I miss fall and canning and jackets. It is still 108 degrees today. So when the winter comes and you feel jealous- DON'T BE! There are almost 6 months of 100 degree weather here. I'm no better off then those who live in snow-- trust me!!!

Also, I am not going vegan. I hope that was clear. We do eat too much meat and too much saturated fat/cholesterol. I do want to do more substitutes with plant based food. I want to feel that my body is clean. I do want to buy grass fed animal products too. (I have seen Food Inc. I wanted to cry!) But Grass Fed is expensive. So when I can't afford it- I'll eat beans and veggies.

Also, I never share my opinions I just put pictures of kids up!! So it is great to see what kind of response I got. I love all your thoughts. With all the people in the world who eat junk- it looks like I do have a great circle of people who are thoughtful about what they eat. I love what I can learn from you. Pass on your recipes and I will pass on mine!

Also, the real estate here is cheap. Every one is prodding us to buy something. We looked, we got excited. We can buy a lot of a house- with the works! ( Ive always wanted a pool!) But now that it is here and I have had the option to have what I want, I realize it is not what I want. I would rather choose a shack by the beach. I miss my old and charming house in midvale. We wont be buying anything any time soon. So just for the clarification- the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings. Now back to posting pictures of kids!!