Gardner Village, Bear Lake, Costume Party....It's What We've Been Up to...

So I've been a slacker on the blogging thing lately....but we've been keeping busy! Here's a recap of what we've been up to....

Gardner Village

Ashley and I got the kids together last week and went to Gardner Village. I have to say...I've been there multiple times and the Halloween decorations are by far my favorite.

We printed off Witch Scavenger Hunts for each of the kids to do while we were there. Once they found all the witches, they were able to get a cookie at the bakery for 25 cents. On the way home Carter and I talked about "earning" things and how important it is. :) It was a very cute idea and kept them all very occupied.

We also took them to the petting zoo there...and much to my amazement....Brax LOVED every second. Both boys loved it. They loved touching the goats and checking out all the fun things they had there. Brax would keep going over to the animals and giving them hugs...precious. Carter found this witch's hat, put it on and preceded to make cackling noises! So funny!
We're so glad we got to get together with our best friends...and enjoy the gorgeous weather! We had a total of 5 kids with us...Ash watches a cute little guy Tyce a couple days a week. Though we might have looked crazy...it was still a very calm day! We spent three hours having a great time.

Bear Lake

Scott and I both love Fall...but for very different reasons. I love the changing leaves, family photos, cool weather, baking, snuggly blankets....you know what I'm talking about. Well, Scott loves fall because that means HUNTING! Though we couldn't be on more different pages, this picture gets both of us excited...To me this picture says changing leaves...to Scott it says deer hunt! Scott had friday off last week (he smashed his fingers pretty badly at work, so they let him not come in for overtime) Well, with a chance day off, a cute little boy and a plan...they were off. Carter got to go "hunting" with his daddy. Okay...no not real hunting, Scott was scouting for a place to hunt, but Carter thought it was the real thing!
The whole day they were gone up in Bear Lake having an amazing time! Carter loved the mountains, beach and car ride with his dad. They stopped and had dinner together at a pizza place, and of course got a special treat at the gas station.
I have to admit, I'm pretty proud of the pictures Scott got of our little man. Carter hasn't stopped talking about his trip with daddy...priceless.

Costume Party

Carter and Braxton were invited to their first ever costume birthday party! I was so excited because we haven't been anywhere in puplic with their costumes on...our little Knight and Cheeseburger are ADORABLE!
Our little friend Emmett turned 1 last weekend...and what a perfect day! It was seriously gorgeous...and honestly could this little dude get any cuter?

The party was complete with a ghost pinata...

Spooky cake walk....Carter and Halle had a great time winning their cupcakes!

Carter got to master his skills at Apple Bobbing and then showed Brax the trick! Seriously...how cute?

There was a pumpkin bean bag toss....And so many cute prizes for the kids! What a great party....and such a fun time for all of us to hang out together as families.

Though we've been super busy, it's also been a nice treat to hang out and really be with each other more lately. The boys have been so fun to take places and watch play together.

Carter's 4th Buccaneer Bash!

I know I'm late posting about this...it's been a week to say the least around here.

Last weekend was Carter's 4th Buccaneer Bash! And I have to admit....it was a blast! This was one of my easier parties to plan...and the kids really had a great time.

Everyone came in a filled a black back pack with their pirate essentials...We made foam pirate ships...

We filled necklaces with pirate sand...it was edible! (Sugar and jello for coloring)

This was the activity that the kids actually made more than one...it was the hit!

We went on a treasure hunt for our "buried" treasure!

We ate pirate ship dogs, cannon ball salad (fruit cut in balls) and sea chips! Afterwards we all played pirates...

The cake did not disappoint! It was amazing and the kids loved all the decorations!

Each table had "shark bait" to nibble on....(whale and fish crackers)

Carter opened his presents and man did that kid haul! I put out the carpet squares from nursery and each kids had a seat. (It worked so well)
The last game was passing the treasure chest around. Once they were "out" they got thier pirate sword. (Then they left...so that there were no fights with the swords.)

It was such a great party! Carter's friends still talk about it when we see them! Carter and Braxton are so lucky to have such great friends and family.

Our Carter...My oh My...

Today our Carter babe turns 4 years old! This big boy is such a huge part in who Scott and I are today. There hasn't been a day that we aren't truly grateful to have such an amazing son. Carter and I were saying prayers last night, and it hit me....that was the last time he would be 3 years old. 4 is just so big, he's not a little guy anymore. As much as a miss how tiny he was when he was born...I am thrilled to watch him grow up.

And what's not to love about this sweet boy?

In honor of our little man becoming 4, I wanted to list of some of his latest attributes:

Carter is my buddy, we can pretty much have a "real" conversation about anything! He's so much fun to take everywhere with me and I truly look forward to running errands with him.

Carter absolutely adores his dad and tries to be just like him in so many ways. I've been working a lot lately, and Scott's been picking the boys up after work and spending all night alone with them. Carter waked up in the morning and asks when I can go back to work so that daddy can play with them again.

He is an amazing big brother to Brax. They play everyday and Carter is learning so well to play respectfully with him.

Who can resist smiling at a face like this?

I can't believe it's been 4 years since I became a mom. I can still remember being in the hospital at 4am and getting to hold him for the first time. He's grown, matured and really become his own person that we are proud to call our son.

State Fair...A Utah Tradition

Since it's been crazy...posting has taken a backseat to my other commitments lately. But I love turning my posts into a book and having those memories last forever that way...so here is a "catch up" to what we've fit into our busy schedule.

Scott and I have made it a tradition to go to the Utah State Fair every year since Carter was born...and I will admit this year was by far the best!

Looking back at the fair pictures from last year, it really made me realize how different Braxton is...

He is so much bigger and has really come "alive" over the past year...

And Carter just keeps growing more and more mature everyday...

We always, always go through the FFA adventure and do all the activities they have planned. Last year Brax was only about 6 weeks old...
But this year he could actually participate! The pink "John Deer" Tractors were he favorite.
The red was obviously made for Carter. He loves riding the tractors around!
We then planted our seeds and harvested our veggies...
The little aprons, tiny baskets and mini picket fences were so cute and the boys enjoyed every minute!

We tried out the Pony Rides this year too...I have to admit I was nervous about Brax...but he was proud of himself riding that pony.

Though it looks like Carter is hating every second here...he really had a great time. He kept waving at Scott and back and Braxton and me. He's just super weird with the camera these days.
What's a trip to the Fair without checking out the goats right?!? Well, Brax found the friendliest one ever! When the boys stuck their hands in teh gate to pet him, he loved it and when they were leaving he kept "pawing" at the gate for more love.

Scott and Carter tried the Gigantic Slide this year too. Every year we've seen it and told ourselves when the boys were old enough we'd take them...I'm excited to say that this year was that year for Carter...maybe next year will be Brax's year.

It was such a nice time, Scott's mom and dad met us there and we all walked around and checked out what the Fair had to offer.

A Day in the Life...

My days have become one gigantic hour by hour to-do list! Between working full-time hours right now, weekly Den Meetings, monthly Pack Meetings, Primary every Sunday, weekly Primary meetings, being a mom, taking care of the house and having time to sit down eat.....I don't know where to begin sometimes!

I love what I do at Fat Cats, and am learning more everyday. Obviously that takes more time away from my family...and that's the hard part right now. Until they hire more Events people, I'm the only one taking care of things right now, and that's so stressful. I have been able to host a few corporate events though, and I have to admit it's been a great transition for me. Though I miss the boys while I'm at work, hosting parties is my thing and I get paid well to do it!

I make it my top priority to always have a "goofy" moments with the boys everyday. I know that sounds lame, but when I get home at 7pm it makes it hard to have play time because it's bedtime. But I know how fast time flies and I'm not about to regret one moment! I love my sweet boys and enjoy every minute of being their mom.

What really made me stop and think about how crazy my schedule has gotten lately was a day last week...let me share a little from that day.

I was hosting a Weber State Event that was going on until midnight that night, so I wasn't needed in the office until about 4 that evening. Brax had his doctor apoointment that morning to check on his digestive issues and skin problems...so off to the pediatrician we went. I love his doctor and all the advice she gives me on the natural ways to help problems. So after about 3 different health food store stops, here's everything I need to keep Brax and Carter feeling better...

The boys and I also did our "dreaded" Costco needs shopping. I hate when I have to do both because it gets so expensive...and time consuming! But we did it...I was also able to pick up some things for Carter's 4th birthdya party in 2 weeks while there...BONUS!

Once home I put them both down for naps....and when they woke up, it was time for Den meeting at the church. So we all headed off for that. Carter is really good at scouts and wants to do everything the big boys do, but Brax was just not having a great day so it was super fun trying to control five 8 year old boys with a fussy baby. Once home, Scott got home from work and I headed off for the event. Getting home late and eating weird really takes a toll on me. The next morning came way too quickly...The boys and I got up, ate breakfast, got ready and headed out the door. Braxton was dropped off at my friend's house and I then took Carter to preschool. Once the boys were "distributed" I rushed to my manager's meeting at work, that started at 9am...needless to day I was about 20 minutes late. Once the meeting was over, I cruised back to get Brax and then picked up Carter after his preschool was done. I then drove them to their grandma's so that I could rush back to work and get more things dumped on my plate.

Once my tasks were completed I rushed home to play with the boys...and have 5 minutes to chat with Scott for the first time in 3 days.

Glad that's over...oh but wait I get to do that again and again until more people are hired! Nice huh? It's just bad timing with everythign right now...and I know it will settle down soon.

We have managed to fit some really fun things in though...like finding a praying mantis and naming him George....And practicing writing Carter's name. We work on this daily, I have so many ideas to make letter writing fun if anyone's interested. It's not fun for mom or the child if you have to do the same thing over and over again, so we do a different activity each day, but they all involve writing letters. Carter thinks it's a game...and he's cruising along nicely!

Out with the Old...and In with the New!

I have been a cubmaster for the 8 and 9 year old boys for over a year now...and seriously have learned so much! These boys have become like family to me because of everything you do in scouts. There have been crazy times, wonderful experiences and complete breakthroughs with some of the boys! I was just getting the hang of things when I was called to be the Second Counselor in the Primary Presidency.

Though I have turly NO IDEA what Primary does and what the second counselor position entails...I am so excited. I had to day good-bye to my jeans and t-shirts and get used to my dresses and skirts now....

I am already well aware that I have absolutely no idea what I'm going to do every Sunday now...but I guess there's a reason for me to be there.

Another change is my work. I have to say good-bye to my "easy" position of showing up whenever and not really reporting to anybody....and change to working in the office more and attending meetings 3 times a week now. Though I liked the freedom of my other position, outside sales really isn't my thing. So now I'm the new Assistant Events Director and Marketing Manager! I am super excited, because Fat Cats is an amazing company. I get to be a part of something that is small now, but will expand shortly and become HUGE! It's a great opportunity for me to advance in the company, but it does come with more responsibility...we'll see how that part goes.

9 Years and Counting...

It all began 9 years ago today! With one little blind date....

9 different cars

8 high school dances

7 years living together

6 different jobs for me

5 living room sets

4 years being married

3 independent business ventures

2 sweet little boys

all led up to...

1 complete family
today was a milestone for us...

It's amazing how far we've come from the careless teenagers we started out as.

Life has thrown us our share of curve balls, but we're stronger, smarter and a lot better people for it! Life is truly fabulous!

West Des Moines, Iowa...

Scott and I came up with the greatest surprise ever! With help from our sister-in-law, Annie, we were able to surprise his brother with a Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza!

Scott had some extra time off of work, and we both had larger paychecks than expected, so off to embark on an 18 hour roadtrip to surprise his brother. On the way there we actually drove through the night (the boys slept all night and we made some great time!)

Carter and Brax did so well in the car...at every stop though, Brax would have to get out and "drive" the car while Scott took Carter into the gas stations to get treats.

I can't complain at all about the boys... they were so good and really handled being in the car for that long so well. It was precious seeing them sleep, there's nothing more relaxing than driving a car with sleeping kids in the back.

We arrived in PERFECT time, because Steve wanted to come home for a few hours before his next shift, so we all loaded up in the van and headed to the hospital. Scott, Carter and I hid in the parking lot and when we saw Steve walking out, Scott yelled "Hey Dr. Morris" When Steve saw Scott walking toward him he was in complete shock...PRICELESS!

Carter also got to surprise Hunter by picking him up at school. Carter saw Hunter walking out and ran over to him and gave him a big hug (Carter's not the "hugging" type so this was really cute to see) Hunter was really excited once he realized that cousin Carter was there!

It was so fun enjoying the little moments with all the cousins.

Like bath time... And playing at the beach...

Braxton has never been to a beach before...so he was extra surprised by this! He played in the sand, tried to squeeze out sunscreen everywhere and walked along the shallow water.
It was really nice that day (a tad windy, but very nice) and it was really fun to hang out with everyone...

Annie planned everything and I have to give her praise because it all worked out so well. It's a big deal planning for 4 kids and 4 adults to stay in one house, eating, sleeping and playing. It's nice "planning" things with another "planner." :) We all made creepy crawlers...the boys LOVED this!
Overall, it was the best family trip yet! It was relaxing, enjoyable and priceless to see the boys together.

On the way home we did the drive in 2 days and stopped at the Birthplace of John Wayne. Scott was in heaven, and the boys really liked looking at everything there.

Scott could have stayed there all day!

It was such a great trip for many reasons. I'm really glad we all got to hang out again, and Scott and I had some "bonding" time with the boys in the car for many hours. Though it's a long drive, it was worth every minute!

When we got home, we came home to a very nice surprise ourselves....the Sister Missionaries had planted over 45 flower plants in our planter box that's the length of our house! It's been on my to-do list for some time now...and it was a great surprise to come home and have it done!