Favorite Halloween Pics

2005 ( I was "fall" . . . again)

2004

Hallie last year

Talia and Hallie

Hallie's first Halloween (ballerina)

Our first jack-o-lantern

The wonder of fall

I have always gushed that fall is my favorite season. I have come to learn that I am not alone in my musing. Everyone seems to love the "comfiness" that comes when the leaves change. Ever since we married, Chris and I take annual pictures at the pumpkin patch. Check out some of our favorite pics over the years. . .
2002














2003













2004













2007













And introducing . . . 2008!

Singing night

I had a feeling as we sat at the dinner table the other night that Hallie was in a mood to sing, so I grabbed the camera and shot away as Hallie delighted us with her talents.

"eye cream!" (ice cream)

Hallie loves "eye cream" (ice cream). On this evening we served her chilly treat in a sugar cone. This was a first for her. I explained to her that it was like a cookie and that she could eat the cone. She preferred to think of it as a cup and waited for all the ice cream to melt and then slurped it out.

Determined

Hallie was feeling a little goofy the other night while in the car. Here she is demonstrating one of her favorite new tricks-- plugging her ears. She loves to do this when we are talking or sometimes when we are praying. We think someone at nursery taught her.



One of Hallie's new responses when she doesn't want to do something is to say "No, I not!" It has evolved over several days to "No, why not?" but both phrases are used to express indignation and defiance.

While eating lunch yesterday Hallie was spreading the ketchup and mustard all over her plate. When I told her to eat her food she snarkly responded "No, I coloring!"

She really cracks us up.

Two funny things

I went to Hallie's bedroom to get her up from her nap. I was so excited to see her that I asked her "Where's my baby?" (I meant Hallie). She quickly responded "In mommy's tummy!"

Then, I asked her to "Come here." And she said "Mommy, I'm right here."

Such a smart girl.

Baby Names

Chris and I pretty much have our selection of names narrowed for both sexes. However, I was looking through my pedigree charts on the new family search website and I found names from my ancestry that I think are beautiful so I thought I would list them and who they belong to.

Elsy- my Grandma Skaggs' middle name
Elisa- my Great-Grandma Bahler's first name- she was born and raised to adulthood in beautiful Biel, Switzerland
Emma- my Great-Grandma Allen's first name (although she went by Nelly)- I met her as a child and loved her
Caron- my middle name, my great-great grandma Bingham's middle name, and my great-great-great grandma Holladay's first name- Grandma Holladay traveled across the plains as a true pioneer at seventeen years old

Another fun one

Post the 4th picture in the 4th folder in your picture file and tell us what it is!

What a fun picture! I am still so proud of my sweet husband Chris! We worked so hard to both get our degrees. (There is no way that I would have one if not for a supportive husband who knows me so well). And Chris is such a good teacher! We always knew he would be. We have a great life.

Do this challenge-- it is fun!

Katie Tag

My sweet friend Katie (who I have not seen in way too long-- even though she lives down the street) tagged me to answer these questions. I miss you Katie!

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Activities Chair for Student Council at PHS (planning pep assemblies)
2. Going to choreography practices on Monday nights for Show Choir
3. Working at Farr's Stationer's/Hallmark a couple nights a week
4. Planning my campaign for Student Body President (I ended up running unopposed-- not because I was cool, just because no one had any spirit)
5. Working out at Linda Evan's Fitness Center with Laura

5 things on my to-do list today:
1. Unload the dishwasher (my LEAST favorite chore)
2. Wash and fold three loads of laundry (I got a wee bit behind)
3. Call the insurance company to see if we met our deductable
4. Go to the Relief Society "Red Hat Social"
5. Follow-up with my girls for the "Young Women in Excellence" program next Tuesday

5 favorite snacks (Now my dip obsession is exposed):
1. Apples and my Toffee Caramel Apple Dip
2. Tortilla chips and my dad's salsa
3. Potato Chips and Ranch Dip
4. Seven Layer Dip and tortilla chips
5. Buffalo Chicken Dip and tortilla chips

5 things I would do with a million dollars:
1. Buy a cute home close by that my family could grow up in
2. Pay off the rest of our student loans
3. Buy a "mom vehicle" that can transport our children
4. Save!
5. Make a good budget that gives me good opportunities to travel yearly!

People I tag: Whoever feels like it

Time is flying . . .

Time is flying around here! We are busy with our regular routine. Thankfully, even though things are busy we can happily say they are not stressful. To demonstrate how busy we are, I am catching up with four blog posts!

Time with Traci

This weekend my lifelong friend, Traci, came down to visit. Traci and I have known each other for so long because our Dad's were mission companions and served in Bolivia for two years from 1976-1978. They have remained great friends ever since (and their children have too). Traci and I both grew up in Southern CA but she is currently in Colorado for an internship through BYU. When Traci arrived on Friday night we ate snacks and talked and laughed (boy, did we laugh). Hallie was exhilarated to have another friend around and she was doing her best to show off her dancing skills. On Saturday morning, we went out to breakfast at Ruby's (since we were all CA natives it was a requirement). After a fun and scrumptious breakfast we took Trac on a whirlwind tour of our city. It included Palmer Park, Garden of the Gods, Old Colorado City, and downtown. We were so exhausted by the time we came home. Thanks for coming to visit Traci! We miss you already!







And now to demonstrate the mood swings of a toddler . . .
Thrilled one moment . . .
. . . and crushed five seconds later.

Sidewalk chalk

Check out Hallie having a blast in the backyard with her sidewalk chalk. It has a Cinderella lid so Hallie calls it her "Princess Color." Oh, the joys of toddlerdom.

Forever friends

The Sunday before yesterday, Laura and Liz came to visit us! It was so fun to have them at my house. Normally when we get together it is in California (since we are all CA natives). But, Liz and her husband Brian moved to Denver last year and Laura came up for a wedding. So, they took half a day out of their cramped schedule to drive an hour and a half to see Hallie, Chris, and myself. Laura and Liz came bearing gifts for Hallie-- the cutest food set (perfect for our "little chef") and Play-Dough! After dinner, we talked and laughed, all while playing with Play-Dough for hours! I have known Laura since freshman year English with Mr. Marks in high school. She is my best friend from high school and was my maid of honor. I met Liz (through Laura) just after high school. The three of us had lots of fun together at the beginning of our college careers. Our escapades included a Palm Springs trip and an 'NSYNC concert! Both Liz and Laura were super supportive when I surprised them and became a bride at the tender age of nineteen. Now, all three girls are married folk and we are still so blessed to be such close friends. Thanks for coming Laura and Liz! Love you girls!

Little Chef

Our visit to the North Pole

Pikes Peak boasts it's very own North Pole. When I found a coupon for "buy one admission, get one free" we thought it was a good time to try it out. Unfortunately, we chose a blustery Saturday to go. We were there for about two hours before we were totally rained out. Thank goodness we used coupons! Needless to say, the theme at the amusement park was Christmas. So, Christmas music was piped throughout the park. It was a nice touch. There are lots of "kiddie" rides. Chris and I thought that if Hallie were four or five it would be appropriate to purchase an annual pass. I'll be frank here. Although, it pales in comparison to my childhood growing up in Disneyland, it is nice to have a cute mini-theme park close by.

Riding the train

Hal liked the carousel. She kept saying "Up and down!"


Hallie said "This is fun!" when we were on the teacups. Dad and Mom disagreed and were both sick by the time we got off.


Hallie's favorite part was the water feature.

There are lots of cute shops. Had it not been so soggy, we could have enjoyed ourselves for several more hours.

One thing I can say about this adventure is it got me very excited for Christmas!