Happy Halloween

A Gypsy (not a pirate!), a skeleton, a paintball player, Tinkerbell and an Alien. We had a super fun Halloween and now that it is officially nov. 1, Brayden is already talking about next Halloween! The candy is far from gone and he just can't wait to do it all over again. We went to a friend's house for a party. Then went trick or treating while Ben participated in a haunted house. He changed costumes and was a zombie that scared many and even made one little boy cry. Way to go, Ben!
Bobbing for apples was a little too easy with the stems on the apples. But still fun.
The kids painted trick or treat bags and pumpkins. Ella is such an artist. She spends hours every day at our kitchen table coloring with crayons, pens and markers. She also loves puzzles and anything hands on. I'm so glad she found a creative outlet for her busy hands!
We visited a local pumpkin patch with some friends, which is mostly fun for the picture opportunities.

Happy Birthday Bridger!

I can't believe it happened; my baby had his first birthday. Of course, the year went by fast, but the saddest part is that he doesn't want to be held and cuddled anymore. He squirms out of my arms and crawls straight into trouble. He's more of a wandering baby then a following one. When it's just me and him at home, he often crawls around the house looking for entertainment. But all around, he's a great baby and and a great joy to our family.

Gma and Gpa Caldwell sent Bridger this fun toy for his birthday. He HATES sitting on it! He was trembling and clinging to me when I pulled him off the toy. He was completely terrified. But he loves to push it around and use it as a walker. It's a love/hate relationship.

Florida and Disney World

We spent two days at Magic Kingdom. We had a good system figured out with rider swap passes for those with babies and fast passes. The few times we did wait in line, we regretted it.
Surprisingly, Bridger was able to do a lot of rides and shows with us. The first day everything we went on, he came with us. The second day we rode on roller coasters and he chilled in his stroller with whoever was waiting for the next ride.


Poor Bridger was a pool of sweat as he fell asleep in the bjorn. At least he got a good nap.
Ella totally crashed after our day at the beach. She was screaming and kicking before we got her strapped into the car. Luckily, she also had a good nap.
Brayden loves his cousins so much! He keeps asking about when we'll see them again and wants to know exactly how many more days it will be until he is reunited with his buds.

I know it sounds like fun but it was so hot! We were sweating the whole time and bordering fun and misery. The kids just remember the rides and the shows and being with their cousins. I'm thinking that a vacation in Florida every 6 years will be perfect for me.

Slide Rock

We have a beautiful state park right down the road from us: Slide Rock. It's a river play area with a natural water slide down slick rock with a real chute that pushes you along. It's hard to explain but the kids love it! You can also jump off some not-too-high cliffs into deep water that Ella loves to do with her dad! Me and Bridger sit in a puddle of cold water off to the side and pray that no one gets hurt.

4th of July

Although 4th of July pictures are usually my favorite, I didn't get very many shots this year. Ben and the kids were in the parade passing out flags to everyone. We then had lunch with friends and a quiet evening at home. I am now 31 and trying to embrace the 30's. I did as much as I could in my 20's so I can't look back at my youth. The scary part is that 40 is now in my future. Yikes!

Ella is a Flower Girl!

My niece, Alisa, got married this summer. This was the original reason for our visit to the northwest. Ella was a flower girl and played her part well. The wedding was at Lake Quinault, WA and it was beautiful! We stayed at a lake house and had such a great time. I can't wait to go back there for a family vacation.

Thomas The Train

I am now trying to catch our blog up on our summer fun. These are pictures from our day with Thomas the Train. We got to go with some friends to ride the train and have lots of fun with all the activities provided.

Playing at Home

We love living in a cul-de-sac with plenty of room to run around and play outside. It seems like yesterday when our playground was the parking lot of our apartment.

Grand Canyon

Did you know that we live only one hour away from the Grand Canyon? That's a great reason for you to come visit us! Or if you need to visit a dentist. Ben's sister came out to visit to get some dental work done so we took a day trip to the canyon. It was a lot of fun!

Bridger's Photo Shoot

We had Bridger's pictures taken in Utah when I went to visit Sherry and her new baby girl. I thought the pictures turned out great. Caroline-Rebecca.blogspot if you want to see my new niece, Tessa.

Sunday Photos

Hot off the press, folks! We finally figured out that our new camera takes even better pictures with the correct lens. So here are the latest and greatest shots of us! Our little boy looks all grown up. But don't worry, he still acts like a 6 year old. He's a sweet boy with a sensitive heart. He still loves legos but his new joy is the Wii. Especially when his daddy will play with him.

Ben doesn't have three ears. The third ear belongs to Brayden who couldn't sit still.

I can often be found smooching Bridger's chubby cheeks. I love his chub! He tolerates the kisses.

Pretty little Ella is wearing one of my Christmas gifts. Ben had this scarf and hat made for me and they look so beautiful on Ella. She is such a fashionista!