Happy Anniversary

On Monday we celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary! It's really hard to believe how fast time seems to fly by these days. It doesn't seem that long ago when we were just poor college students trying to eat, sleep, study, and work. The journey through has been so much fun! I wouldn't trade it for anything. Back then I wouldn't have been able to imagine where we are today: good jobs, a nice home, and 2 beautiful daughters. We have been blessed.
We had planned to celebrate by going out to dinner on Monday night. I even arranged a babysitter. To my surprise, when I woke up, Chris had left me a note telling me to pack my things and get the kids ready to spend the night at grandma's house! He also had bought me a pearl necklace, which I have been wanting. We had such a great time! We were able to do some shopping without the kids, we had a fancy dinner at OCI, and stayed downtown at the Hotel De Lux. We even went out for breakfast the next morning. I was really surprised! It was a great anniversary! Thanks sweetheart! You are the best, and I love you lots!

It's your party...

Turning 2 is pretty exciting, especially when all your family comes to your house to celebrate. It's even better when you are in baby doll heaven. A new stroller, baby carrier, bottles, diapers, dress up jewelery, Abby Caddaby, and a little people airplane were all very exciting. So much so, that mommy had to drag you back to open each present. You were just too excited to play with everything. Please forgive us for not cleaning the pizza sauce off of your face better for the pictures. You were just having so much fun! After opening all your new gifts, we had cake and ice cream. You even blew out your 2 candles all by yourself! You are getting so big now!

Trick or Treat!

On Halloween this year we decided to check out Grandma & Grandpa's Trunk or Treat activity. After attending our own last weekend, the girls knew what to do! They had a great time going trunk to trunk and filling their buckets. Grace really figured it out. She wasn't shy about walking up to people and sticking out her bucket. If they didn't respond fast enough, she would reach into their candy bowl, and take a handful. I was especially proud of her for choosing good chocolate options when given a choice. After the trunk or treat, there was a small carnival inside the Church where we decorated cookies, fished, and played games. Claire really liked making a bat that fit on her finger. Afterwards we hit up McDonalds for a quick dinner before heading out into the cold to a 2nd trunk or treat in the area! We were lazy bums...although I have to say it was really nice being able to walk around a couple parking lots for only a couple hours. The kids didn't freeze, and their buckets were loaded! We will be enjoying their spoils for the weeks to come.

Two Today!

It's hard to believe that Grace was born two years ago today! Time has gone by way too fast. She is no longer a baby. Each day she becomes more and more of a big kid. She no longer sits in her highchair, she is giving up her crib for a toddler bed, she uses a big girl cup without a lid, and she likes to "go potty". Even with all of these changes and some new displays of her independent spirit, she is still my sweet baby. Grace loves to cuddle, and will often want to sit on my lap wherever I am. I try to enjoy this as much as possible while I still can. She is such a sweet girl, and we are so lucky to have her in our family. Happy birthday Gracie Pants! We love you so much!

Pretty, Pretty Princesses

Last Saturday was our Ward Trunk or Treat activity. The weather was perfect! I couldn't have asked for better. The girls were really excited to dress up! I think the highlight for Claire was being able to wear makeup. She loved her purple eyeshadow and red lipstick! My girls are super girlie. A day does not go by without them begging me to do their nails. Even if we just did them yesterday, they want a fresh coat. It kinda cracks me up.

Anyway, back to our activity....we showed up early to decorate our trunk with spider web and glittery tinsel. The girls really liked putting on the orange and black spiders. Once we were decorated and ready, we waited for everyone else to show up. We had a great turnout! There were lots of people there, and most everyone made an effort to decorate their car a little bit. I really appreciated all the support! Thanks Farmington Ward!

Here are my pretty, pretty princesses

By the end of the activity we were all pretty chilly. The girls were happy to warm up in the van with their loot. Of course, Chris and I spent the rest of the evening "inspecting" their candy. Two little girls surely didn't need that much candy right? We made it a little more manageable for them. :) After all, Halloween isn't even here yet.

Pumpkins

Our pumpkin patch experience was a little different this year. We weren't able to go when everyone else went, during that great weather at the beginning of October, so we went on a random overcast Monday afternoon. We had the place to ourselves! It was a little less festive without the crowds or the yummy smelling kettle corn, but we still had fun. The kids loved the train! We managed to stay dry, and the patch itself wasn't too muddy. It was definatly a little late in the season to be going to the pumpkin patch because pickings were slim. Most of the pumpkins were rotten and/or broken. We were able to find a couple decent ones to bring home. It was an adventure, but I think next year we will go on a Saturday...at the beginning of October. :)

It's back to a schedule!

It's fall now, and that means back to school! Claire is going to a second year of preschool as she gets ready for kindergarten next fall. She loves it! I have really enjoyed having some one on one time with Grace. Here is Claire on her first day...
Claire is also participating in a gymnastics class this month. She signed up with one of her friends, and the two girls have had a blast! We bought her a leotard with sparkles, which I think has been a highlight for her. They are learning about balancing and doing cartwheels. Overall, I'm grateful to be back in a routine. The summer was great, but we were ready for a change. Claire is loving being her social self again!