October Festivites

October is my favorite month...so much to do, so much to look forward to.  My sister, her kids and my parents came for a visit.  We met our new cousin Sarah.

We took them to Bravo Farms for dinner one night, it is so fun. 

My sister Mandy and her little guy Parker. 

Grandma and Gracie 

We fed the animals in the petting zoo. 

We rode some stationary motorcycles - the only kind that I trust CJ on. 

We climbed their amazing tree house. 

Allie pushed CJ in the swing. 

And finally, Allie wanted me to take some "supermodel" shots of her :) 

Next up was our 9th wedding anniverary, we went to Tommy's for dinner.  Scott always surprises me with the "standard" gifts - the 9th year is pottery.  So I received 9 red roses and a beautiful ceramic heart box.  I love it and love him :)

He received this lovely Boos wood cutting board. 

Dinner was awesome. 

The next day, we took a field trip to the Pumpkin Patch with our Joy School group.

These are two of the boys that Gracie is in Joy School with, Gavin Oblad (left) and Avery Hiddleston (right).  They are so cute and Gracie has a ton of fun with them. 

Sitting on some pumpkins, CJ tries to be a part of the group. 

Avery, CJ, Gavin and Gracie. 

Jolie and Avery, Kanani, Ashley and Gavin and Gracie 

They had these really fun "sand" boxes made out of corn kernels. 

The next up in the month was an adult couples only Halloween dance.  I love dressing up, Scott not so much - but he is a really good sport - this year I was a golfer and he was my caddie...however, we didn't get a picture.  Anyway...before we headed to the dance, I took two of the girls to the carnival at Allie's school.  Allie was a candy corn charm and Gracie just put on her fairy costume of choice at that moment.

The next night was our church's truck or treat and carnival.

 Here is CJ and his little buddy Brayden Haubert

 Gracie was the cutest little cowgirl...

 CJ a fireman

Sabrina a 80's girl

  We carved our pumpkins on Halloween night, it was a bit hectic and rushed but the kids still has a ton a fun.

 Getting ready to start our trick-or-treating...I love that Gracie wore 3 different costumes for different events...I took the kids door to door, while Scott stayed home and handed out candy and watched his Chargers lose :(

Sabrina's 15!!

Dear Blog....

How did this baby?

 Become this young lady

I have to say while prepping for this post and I do mean prepping because "back then" there were no digital cameras, so many of these pics are pics of pics if you know what I mean - there was a lot of emotion, I cried a few times and laughed out loud at others.  Life is truly going to fast...

Here's a brief glimpse of her life so far.

At 3 weeks of age, she bonded early with my brother Mark, having just come off his mission 2 days after she was born.  He had surgery and this is what they did most of the day during his recovery. 

She was the cutest baby, with the biggest cheeks and the smiliest smile.

She showed early that she was happiest around shoes :)

Here with her Great Grandpa Nacho, showing her love of vans at at only 9 months. 

Learned to walk at 9 months...she had places to go and people to see.  She is still that way today. 

  Fast forward to her first day of preschool - my favorite part about this, is what she says about what makes her special...."her kindness"... 

 With her Great Grandmother Pauline Olson - at their 50th wedding anniversary

 Losing her first tooth

Scott and her when she was 4 

Kindergarten picture 

 My siblings have a special bond with her that we will always treasure.

She showed her love for soccer early

 and that she loves to fish 

She is a great big sister

With Allie

With Gracie 

With CJ...she waited a long time for him :)

 

Her first birthday, with her dad 

Her 3rd Birthday...back when she would wear leotards and dance around the house 

Her 4th birthday 

Her 7th birthday

8th Birthday and Baptism

9th Birthday

10th birthday 

11th birthday 

12th birthday 

13th birthday 

14th birthday in Avila Beach 

15th Birthday 

We couldn't be prouder of the beautiful young woman she is becoming, although sad at times that it seems to be going to fast.  She is kind to others (not always her family:), wise about the friends she chooses, determined to be the best at what she chooses to do. 

She makes us happy and gives us just enough attitude to truly pass for a teenager.

We couldn't imagine our life without her in it.  She brings us true joy.

Happy Birthday Sabrina - We love you!