A Mellow Halloween

Halloween was very mellow this year because it happened to fall on a Sunday. We spent the afternoon carving our pumpkins, and in the evening all the cousins came over for a fun candy bar game. Even though the kids were a tiny bit sad that they couldn't go trick-or-treating, I think it was one of our best Halloween's ever.

Camille had to just sit and look cute as it is difficult to carve a pumpkin with one arm!

Matthew and Adam going to town on their pumpkins.

Matthew was supposed to be a hobo, but everyone at the ward party kept asking him if he was Huck Finn.

What a good looking bunch!

Who gave that kid a sword?

Conner can't wait to dig into his first piece of candy.

October 31, 2004

Bishop's Pumpkin Farm

This year we introduced our two newest family members to Bishop's Pumpkin Farm. We have been going here as a family for several years, but it's always fun to have someone new to share it with. This year was the first time that Shannon and Conner joined us, and we were so happy that they came all the way down here to join our party. Conner soaked in just about as much as almost one year-old can, but I think his favorite was the hay in the back of the tractor that pulled us out to the pumpkin fields. Rachel also came, but she's just 6 months, so I think she enjoyed her stroller best!

October 25, 2004

She's a Ballerina...Okay, Maybe Not!

Today was Camille's first day of ballet. She and Carissa started taking lessons from Miss Hope at Bigelow School of the Dance. Unfortunately. . .

it didn't last long!

Camille was getting a piggy back ride from Matthew in the living room when they had an unfortunate spill. Who knew you could break your arm on carpet from a 3 foot fall!

September 29th and October 14th, 2004

Roughing It with the Walters

Just for fun, we decided to take our Walter cousins up for a weekend of fun at the cabin. Unfortunately, the hot water was broken and the mice were plenty, so we didn't last long. We did, however, get one good day and one good night of memories in the mountains. Maybe next time it will work out better...

The girls played in the dirt

while the boys played in creek and shot their BB guns from Judy.

We played games inside,

and in the evening we roasted marshmallows in the outdoor fireplace.

August 28, 2004

Dillon Beach

Every year we go on a trip to the beach with friends from our ward in Vacaville. It's a little tradition we've got going, and I just love it!

Malia, Casey, Lyndi and Ashlyn play in the water.

Camille plays on the beach (NOT in the water!)

Jason and Matthew out for a jog

The kids loved running up and down the sand dunes

Matthew's spin move

Taylor and Adam - full speed ahead

Heidi, Malia and Carissa on the rocks

Best buds

Jason, Spencer and Matthew find a crab

August 20, 2004

Marine World U.S.A.

Today Grandma and Grandpa took us all to Marine World! The cousins had such a fun time together...and we loved watching them. Here are some of our favorite pictures -

Riding the tram to the park entrance

This was the first year that Matthew and Jared took off on their own (actually, I followed them) and did their own thing for a good part of the day. Two of their favorite rides were "Monkey Business"...

... and "Thrilla Gorilla!"

Adam, Matthew and Jared loved watching Shouka, the Killer Whale...

... and Camille loved the butterfly garden.

Camille really wanted to pull Nathan in the wagon, but Grandpa told her she wasn't strong enough. She stared him down, picked up the wagon handle, and hauled Nathan all the way UP THE HILL! I guess she showed him.

This was Camille's favorite ride of the whole day. It takes you up to the top and then drops you just a little bit, then pulls you up again and drops you some more. Every time it would drop, she would start laughing hysterically. She was so funny that she had the whole crowd going. I think she rode this thing 5 or 6 times in a row.

Adam and Nicole on the giant swing

August 20, 2004

Grapes!

Adam and Camille came screaming into the house this afternoon in giddy hysterics. "Mom, Mom, Mom...Did you know we have ACTUAL grapes growing in OUR backyard?" You would have thought they just found a pot of buried gold! Well, it WAS a treasure to them, and they carefully washed them all and sat down to feast. Unfortunately, the previous owners planted a variety of grapes that are supposedly excellent for making homemade wine, but they taste terrible! Oh well.


August 16, 2004

Last Day of School

In order to properly celebrate the last day of school. we went over to the Quains house for a little Slip 'n Slide fun. I love that kids can have this much fun with just a little bit of plastic and a lot of water!

August 13, 2004