TOUGH BRONCO!!

Ethan had an INCREDIBLE experience playing tackle football this year. His team won every game (until the very last heartbreaker) but more important than that, he had EXCELLENT coaches that taught him a lot about football, sportmanship, and being part of a team.  He learned so much, I am still amazed by it. 

If you know Ethan, you know that he is not overly agressive or competitive.  I worried that he might not enjoy it or find his place.  At the beginning of the season, this was true.  He struggled to find where he fit in and for the first few games....he rarely played.

BUT he practiced hard every day.  He listened and learned every day.  He tried his best every day.  We noticed he was getting better...and his coaches did too!  The last 3 or 4 games he was on the starting defense, and the last 2 games he was on the starting offense, defense, and kick return. 

After the season was over, his team had a party to celebrate.  At the end...his coach announced he was going to award a special "Tough Bronco" trophie to one of the players.  A player who worked hard, rarely complained, and was the most improved kid on the team. He went on to say other remarkable things (one of those times I wish I would have had my video camera rolling!) and then awarded the prize to Ethan.  You should have seen Ethan beaming!  He was so proud and happy that his hard work was recognized. (Of course I bawled.)

Here he is later that night with his trophie...

WHAT A GREAT FOOTBALL SEASON! GO LITTLE BRONCOS!  They get to keep playing with each other for the next 3 years too!

I Love To See the Temple..

Ok so I know for you Utahns this happens a lot, but in Boise a temple dedication is a BIG DEAL.  We took the kids to the Open House, and the older 2 got to participate in the actual dedication.  I hope it is a memory they will have forever.

We are so fortunate to have a temple so close.  I love to see the Temple!

Ghouls, goth girls and princesses

Last year we bailed on the pumpkin patch (Linder Farms you are getting WAY too pricey!)  But we got a good deal on tickets and decided to at least hit the corn maze.  We haven't done a corn maze in several years (the last one may have ended in tears) but it was a suprisingly pleasant experience.

This was Alexis' last year of trick or treating.  She and her good pal Zoe dressed up as "goth girls."  They look mean and sassy, but they are good girls.  A big thanks to Melissa for putting the makeup on as we all know I am terrible at makeup, plus I couldn't handle putting it on my fair faced little girl.

Ethan costume was AWESOME and very creepy!  We decided the best title for him was "ghoul."  His eyes glowed red on and off and he got several comments on his scariness!  Brylee ran from him every time he had his costume on.

My first year having a princess!!  I was pleased to have this litle miss dress up as Sleeping Beauty.  As we went from door to door she would say "do you think THESE people will tell me how pretty I am TOO?"  Boy - we are in trouble.

We carved our pumpkins but apparently I am a terrible record keeper because I didn't snap a photograph.  Trust me though, they were fabulous. I do sense a theme when we were carving them though....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Alexis is 11!!

My eldest is 11.  ELEVEN!! 

I think her favorite gift was this fleece jacket made by her Grandma Beckstead.  She looked adorable in it as she set out for a day of celebration!

(As usual) she wanted Alfredo bowtie pasta at Carrino's for her b-day dinner.

We finished up the night at U-Swirl and the opening of her gifts!!  She was pretty pleased with her new bike!

11 FACT ABOUT ALEXIS!!

* Orange is STILL her favorite color

* I sometimes find her beloved "Moe" dog in her bed

* Her homework is usually done at least 2 or 3 days before it is due

* She can read for hours on end

* She NEVER breaks rules.  (Ok, I take that back.  She cut the line Black Friday shopping this year and she thought it was the naughtiest/most fun thing she had done in a long time!)

* She is an incredible big sister to Ethan and Brylee

* She wants perfect attendance at school this year

* She relishes in the title of "tween"

* She is teaching herself to play the piano

* She is working hard at gymnastics and getting better every week

* She IS and HAS great friends

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  Alexis you are amazing and growing up so fast.  WE LOVE YOU!

Alexis' 11th Birthday Party

It was Alexis' year to have a birthday party so the week before her birthday we had her pals over for a minute-to-win-it celebration!  The girls had fun stacking cups, shaking ping pong balls, pulling kleenex out of a box, eating cookies off their forehead....and various other silly games.

They also throughly enjoyed dipping various goodies into the chocolate fountain we had set up.

Alexis has THE BEST group of friends.  They are such a sweet, kind, fun, loving group.  I was most impressed by how thoughtful the gifts given her were.  They all genuinely showed how well each girl knows my daughter and the gift giver was sooo excited to see her reaction!  I am extremely thankful for these girls and the wonderful example and friendship they provide to my Alexis.

I'm calling this one a success!

Women's Fitness Celebration

WELL....I once again find myself VERY behind in blogging!  I'll do my best to catch up with several posts.  Life has just been SO busy with kids and work and life!! (I'm sure you all know)

Alexis and I participated in the St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration in Sept.  It is a 5K that is for and all about women.  It was so fun to spend the morning with her on a nice walk.  Love this girl, she is growing so fast!  :(