Landon's Reflections

Since entering the Reflections Contest in first grade and winning a trophy, Landon has been hooked.  He just assumes that he's going to win something, especially since he won a second trophy last year.

So, this year when Reflections came around again, he knew he was going to enter and knew he was going to win.  I had to keep him "real" and remind him that many kids enter and not to get too cocky.  

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This was a busy time for me with a lot of things going on, so sadly it was the day before the entries were due that we got serious and actually completed it.  We went out to the backyard and looked around for something inspiring to take a picture of.  The theme for the year was "Dream, Wish, Inspire" - or something ambiguous like that.  In the end, this seeded Dandelion was just the thing.

The pictures turned out great and Landon had a great time taking them.  We had a hard time choosing which one(s) to submit.  

Landon wasn't a bit surprised when his name was called with an award.  But, I think he was kind of bummed that he didn't get another trophy but "just" a medal.  Hmm - life lessons must be learned, I guess. "You can't win them all."

I did get a smile out of him, so I do think he was somewhat pleased to be a winner.

Nebo Loop

Leon has started dabbling with a new hobby - photography.  He took some classes this past year and needed to get some specific shots for a homework assignment.  We decided to take a drive to see what we could find.  The fall leaves were all gone, but there was still something to photograph.

The kids spent a fair amount of time hanging out in the van while Dad got just the right shot.  They really didn't mind, though.

We walked over to "Devil's Kitchen" which is a pretty unique spot among otherwise normal mountains.

 We were one of only a few cars or people up there that day and the solitude was beautiful in itself.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the day that Leon took.  We even have it framed in our living room.

As expensive and often tedious Leon's new hobby has become, I will say that it gets us out seeing the world in a different light.

Halloween 2013

Halloween day was pretty typical, but with my kids getting older I have to enjoy these holidays, no matter how typical they might get.

This will be my last year attending a school costume parade.  Sniff.  As much as I've complained about the life of a mom on Halloween, I know I'll miss it when it's gone.

I took my turn at Landon's class Halloween party and did the treat.  The kids sure had fun making their apple mouths.

Halloween night was typical, as well - a rushed dinner to get the kids out the door with their friends.  

I still hung out with Landon and his friend while they went trick-or-treating.  I just can't relinquish the job of Trick-or-treat Chaperon.  I enjoyed the night chatting with the other mom and neighbors as well as seeing the happy trick-or-treaters.

This last picture is just for documentation purposes.  I think Leon's "Thing 45" costume was memorable, but one that I'd love to soon forget.  It was a bit creepy, but that's probably what he was going for.

Dallin (Link), Jayden (Purple Minion), and Leon (Thing 45 - a Dr. Seuss reject).

Happy Halloween 2013!

Halloween Party

Okay, so I have this over-achieving sister (Laurel) who decided to throw a Halloween party for the cousins.  Seriously, who does that?  Hmm? :)

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She had several stations with food...

...Stations with games....

...and stations with crafts.

 She even thought about the teenagers and had a job for them, too - judging all of the costumes.  The awards they came up with were pretty cute.

 And, of course, she served up some pretty "scary" and fun Halloween food.  This picture just cracks me up.  Nice one, Laurel. 

Dallin (Link), Me (Gypsy), Cameron (Old Man), Jayden (Purple Minion), and Landon (Yellow Minion).

The whole crazy crowd!

 Cameron cracked us up when in character, which was pretty much the whole time.  What a ham.

Thanks, Laurel for the great party (and for the pictures.  I totally took pictures of my own, but they didn't turn out nearly as good as Laurel's, so I'm pilfering hers.)

Pumpkin Carving

Back in October (flashback, I know) we participated in the annual carving of the pumpkins.

Getting in and slimy!

I love it now that my kids are older.  I used to dread this activity, but now that they can wield their own knives, it's much easier.  Plus, I love their creations. 

Jayden and his pumpkin - can you tell which is which?

I think Cameron's pumpkin is very much something he would make.

Landon needed a bit of help, but I just love his Jack-o-lantern, too.

Mine and Leon's - pretty cute, huh?

Happy Halloween!

Dallin's First Date - Homecoming

Okay, so back in September, Dallin went on his first date.  His Priests' Quorum was encouraging everyone to get dates and go as a group, so Dallin asked a gal that he's known and (secretly) liked since elementary school.  I was surprised at how calm he was about the whole thing.  He asked her by making a balloon bouquet with confetti and notes inside (no picture, darn it - it was cute).

Getting ready to head out the door - no nerves or anything.

After an afternoon of playing Frisbee golf at a local disk golf park, they got all dressed up for pictures.  These were taken by one of the boys' sisters and it looks like they had some fun here, too.

Dallin and Jordon Tanner

The whole group - I honestly don't know hardly any names.

The girls - I'm glad they got a picture of the corsages, 'cause these puppies ain't cheap.  I gained new respect for boys having to pay for dates when I became a mom on the other side of the asking.

The Gents.

Horray!

In all, Dallin had a great time.  This group of boys was a great group to start off a first date with.  They were all older and had been on several dates already - thus, they could drive and knew what to do.  I was more nervous than Dallin was, but apparently I didn't need to be.  All reports came back favorably.  Oh, and Leon and I helped in the kitchen for their dinner.  It was fun to be a "fly on the wall" and spy on them while they ate.  Such fun and cute kids.

Jayden Transformed

(Doing a little catching up.)

Jayden "Before".....

...and Jayden "After".  What a cutie, either way, right?