Very Merry Un-Birthday

Parker is always bummed that his Birthday is so close to Christmas.
Having to wait an ENTIRE year before getting ANY presents is just more than he can take.
This year he turns 12 on December 14th, and all he wanted to do was have a sleepover with his cousin Wyatt.
That's easy enough right?...
Well, this year his birthday falls on a Monday, so no sleepover that night...
So how about Friday 11th before his birthday?.... Nope... ward party, and he doesn't want it to interfere with his big party plans.
So that brings us to Friday 4th.... Perfect!
Then Parker gets a call from his friend Brecken, who moved to AZ in July, to say that he would be in town this weekend... Double Perfect!

We started the celebration after picking up Wyatt and headed to Red Robin for dinner...
It was a bit of a wait, but the boys found something to do to make the time fly.
After waiting for Brecken to arrive, we headed to Laser Quest to play the 10pm 35 min Ironman game. (Yes, Ryan and I played too)
The boys had it all planned out... they were on a team against Ryan, Miranda and I.
Their team name was "The Mad Hatters" (Thus the newsboy hats)
First we all chose our names and they put them on our card...Parker - Ninja brownie
Wyatt- Flaming Phoenix
Brecken - Dumbledore
Miranda - Ace
Ginger - Beauty
Ryan - Beast

Then we waited....And we waited....
And WAITED.....Finally it was time to begin.
There was 24 players in the game and Ryan ranked 4th place, Parker was 11th, Brecken 10th, Wyatt 13th Miranda 17th..... (I ranked 23rd)

We had a great time and were ready to go home, but the night was still young! (too bad Ryan and I aren't so young anymore)
Once home we had Ice Cream Cake (Parker doesn't do real cake)



The boys settled down for a movie and bed and ready for more fun tomorrow....
After sleeping in a bit (not long enough)... Parker opened one more gift...
A PSPgo (much discussion had already taken place that he would not be receiving more gifts from us on his actual birthday)
Then we headed to King Putt for a round of Mini Golf...
We had planned to go to Gallo's Pizza for lunch for their fabulous garlic knots, but they were closed for a recital so we ordered some to go and headed to Sweet Tomatoes and finished it off with Dairy Queen (again)The boys spent the rest of the evening just hanging out doing whatever pre-teen boys do (like torment Miranda)
I think Parker had a fabulous Un-Birthday party with two of his favorite friends (and I didn't have to plan a party).

Sorry I didn't plan your birth better so you could have a summer birthday.
We'll be keeping it low key on his actual birthday since we'll still be on a high from this one.

Together Forever

Today was a very special day for my sister Heather...
Not only is it her birthday, but she went to the Temple to be sealed to her husband Nathan and their two beautiful kids, Ian and Garrett.
It was such a beautiful & special occasion to be a part of
They are so happy... It was truly a beautiful sight to see them all in white.

Congratulations!!!

Thanksgiving Blessings

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year.
Because my parents are serving in the Philappines I decided to play "hostess with the mostess" and host dinner at my place.
The weather was perfect for eating outside. I even had a jumper to entertain the kids.

It was so great to have all my siblings together. Ryan's parents came as well as my Grandma Sanders.
The only thing was missing was my parents, but they were able to Skype in and join us for a bit. They also shipped their contribution to the meal.... Pringles in Seaweed, Crab and Shrimp flavors (let me know if you want to try some... there's plenty left over)

Enjoy a little slideshow of the Fabulous Thanksgiving day!

Family Game Nights

I don't know if it's because of the commercials on TV or if he's just into torture, but Parker has taken in upon himself to declare every night "Family Game Night".
Which is fine, we're all willing (well, somewhat) , except he always seems to want to start playing 10 minutes before bed and wants to play Monopoly or other brain intensive game that lasts for hours. (Really, does Monopoly EVER end??)

Last night we were able to talk him into Liars Dice instead of Life. When he lost the game, he declared we needed to play another round so he could redeem himself, but none of us fell for it. (It truly was way past bed time by then too)

So tonight, after returning home from Smart Night, we are all hungry, and exhausted.. he decided he wanted to play Twister.

Me: "Ummm, I think I donated that to DI"
Parker: "No you didn't... I'll go get it"

Ryan and Miranda had just made fun of me so to "Punish them" I agreed that we would all play if Parker could find it. (he he)

Ryan was first to be the spinner guy because he had "already warmed it up".
I won the first game so then I got to do the spinner.

The kids laughed... "But dad... I didn't think you could bend"
Well, the joke was on them because Ryan won the next game.

So Miranda and Parker had a "loser- tie- breaker game"
Miranda won that one -
(Parker really needs to re-think family game night because he keeps losing!)Then Miranda and Parker just played around with the game and tried to avoid photo'sSo yes... we've given into the lure of TV commercials. We now have Family Game night... every night... about 8:45pm.... wanna join us???

My Little Sweeties

It seems like every time I turn around these two get bigger and bigger.
They are developing their own unique style and ways of doing things.
I treasure all their little and major milestones in life.
Time passes too quickly and I don't want to miss a thing!
I know they are both destined for great things and It's up to me and Ryan to guide and direct them in the right way... hope I don't mess up!

First Recital

Parker had his first Saxophone Recital today for his private lessons studio.
He practiced all week and was more than ready.
He played "The Medallion Calls" from Pirates of the Carribean.

He was a bit nervous, but did a fabulous job.

I've seen so much growth in his playing since starting school.
He was able to advance into Intermediate Band, with the 7th and 8th graders at the end of September.
He has even been able to hold on to his position as 1st chair Saxophone player after 2 playing tests!

He has a real talent and passion for playing.
We're so proud of his accomplishments!

If the shoe fits...

I was tidying up the house the other day and gathered up all the kids shoes.
(We have to be diligent about keeping them off the floor since Sophie is around)
I put them all together on the bench and it I had to do a double take....

Can you guess why???Yep... all Converse. Miranda even has another plaid pair, but she was wearing them at the time. The purple pair is her newest addition and she wore the red for Seussical as Cat in the Hat.
Parker has his eyes on a blue pair too.

I've tried wearing these kind of shoes, but I just can't get used to the flat bottoms.
I also just realized that they both wear the same size shoe, and since Converse are unisex...
they can share (like that will ever happen, but hey... in a pinch right?)

And here's another little tidbit... they both wear the same size as me too!
YIKES... how did they ever grow up so fast?