Feeling thankful

This year was going to be a little tough.  This was our first Thanksgiving without Scott's dad.  They usually spent it with us.  We were very thankful to have our Visalia Family to spend the day with.

Grace made this cute Rose turkey for a project at school.

Our Thanksgiving table 

 

The Behans, Browns and Hauberts were with us this year!

After dinner we played bingo and the kids bounced in a bounce house free of inflatables.  When everyone went home I picked up Katy and Aundria and we did some black Friday shopping at target and the mall.  It was a great day!

 



CJ's 4!

Where did my baby go?

CJ's 4!

I am sad...

but he is happy!

On Saturday, November 23rd we threw him a super fun jungle themed party with 22 of his closest friends!

We even had a bounce house...

It was a bit hectic at times and I learned a valuable lesson.  #1 - Bounce houses can be dangerous so always have someone monitoring them.  Apparently, the mesh netting underneath one of the inflatables inside of the bounce house was torn and CJ fell into it and couldn't get out.  Thank goodness, my friend Jenny Stewart saw it and yelled to Scott who was only 2 feet away but was helping other children.  It was one of those moments where you realize how quickly life can become tragic.   I am so thankful and now with always be scared of bounce houses. 

Friends pictured:

Bottom left, Avery Behan, Gracie, Sydney Lege, Avery Hiddleston, Nathan Stewart, Katelyn and Joseph Abbot, Sam Piton, Blake Peterson, Brayden Haubert, Zac Reyes  

Bottom Left:

Claire Hawkes, Brayden Hawkes, Molly Burton, Kolton Waters, Bryce Piton, Diego Brown, Landon Everett 

I love that CJ loves to hug his friends...so thankful for wonderful, cute friends that my children have in their lives. 

Enjoying his toys after the party died down 

The next morning was his actual birthday..

He wanted cinnamon rolls..and that's what he got!  Love you boy! 

 



Sabrina at Harvest 2013

Sabrina was asked to the harvest dance at school.
His name is Paul and he is a foreign exchange student from Germany.  She had a really good time.



Halloween Festivas

Happy Halloween from Iron Man...and a whole host of other costumes that CJ has acquired.  Everyday is Halloween around here now.

 

We had our ward Trunk or Treat and Chili Cook off on Saturday, October 26th.  We made "Italian Chili" and won the prize "Most original chili" 

Our bunny and hulk at trunk or treat 

Pumpkin carvin' 

My parents were here to watch the primary program at church which was on Sunday, October 27th, so they helped in the carvin'

 

 

On Halloween night we had some friends over for pasolle and then we trick or treated the neighborhood with them. Sabrina stayed home with her friend and handed out candy.

Avery Behan, Grace, CJ, Jack Behan and Allie 

Happy Halloween! 



Sabrina's 17!

Sabrina turned 17!  I can't believe it, on her actual day we had the missionaries (Elder Dea and Elder Smith) over for dinner, which was fun.  It's sometimes weird to think they are only 1 year older than her.  They have been a great influence and example to the youth in our ward, especially her.  They have told her things they wished they knew to better prepare for serving a mission someday.  We are thankful for them.

 

I knew she would love her bowling shoes :) 

Lemon cake is her favorite 

Later that weekend, she had friends over for dinner and movie night. 

It was the return of the Twinkie cake 



Our Soccer Girls

Grace and Allie did soccer this year.  It was Gracie's first year and she loved it.

Gracie was on the Wicked Kitties, they were so cute.  Our friend Paul Behan was the coach with Scott serving as the assistant. 

 

And if I'm being honest...Gracie was definately distracted by this little cutie Eden.  There were a few times that she volunteered to come out of the game so she could hold "the baby". 

And of course, CJ and Jack were our sideline entertainment... 

 They had a great season.  It was fun to watch her learn and grow.  We had a team party at Chuck E Cheese at the end of the season.  Coach Paul handed out medals, they loved it!

The whole team with their medals 

Allison's team was the Cherry Bombs.  Scott was the coach with Sabrina as the assistant.  There team was not great this year.  They learned a lot about disappointment and playing through adversity.  It was a wonderful season.  Here Allie is heading a ball for the first time during a game. 

Allie is an awesome player, she scored all but 2 of their goals this year.  One of the things I love about her is the desire she has for others to be successful.  One standout moment for me this year was during a particular game she had scored 3 goals and had a wide open shot for her 4th.  Instead though, she looked back at her team mate who had not scored the whole season and passed her the ball.  Allie truly has the kindest heart, it is one of her greatest attributes!  We love her! 

 

 

We had an end of season party at our house.  The girls roasted marshmellows and ate pizza.   

Scott handed out trophies and talked about each girl individually.  It was a great night!