Here is our trick-or-treat gang! Syd was Saphira (if you don't know who that is, she was a blue dragon). Thanks to our artist (Buffalicious), Syd's costume turned out amazing! Look close at the scales on her face and the blue and silver in her hair. We went trick-or-treating with dead pirates, cleopatra, emo, and a fairy princess.



A couple week ago, TJ & Syd were bored. I was trying to get work done, but was not succeeding. I asked them what they wanted to do. All they could come up with was making coffins. We found these huge boxes in a recycle bin and they each decorated them. They used them lots - climbed in, closed the doors, even took a little nap. TJ's got a little hashed by halloween, but they used Syd's to scare the trick-or-treaters who came by.

We didn't want our cats to be left out of the fun! They don't pose very good for the camera, but we got a glimpse. Charly was a witch, and Melly (thanks Mom) was a fat ballerina. And no, it's not just her fur that makes her fat.

Happy Birthday to Sydnie! (A little late blogging, but I'm getting there!) Syd wanted a Halloween'ish birthday this year, so we made a graveyard cake and eyeballs on sticks. Buffalicious made some fun characters for the graveyard - a witch, vampire, mummy, tree, and spider (I hope I didn't miss any). We had a 'deadful' party (you know, like dreadful).

I know I'm still behind, but I'm getting there. We have been fighting illness for weeks! Sydnie gets better for about a week and then gets something else. First a runny nose and cough, then swine flu (although she assured me she hadn't been kissing any pigs), now she woke up this morning sneezing like crazy and has used so many kleenexes! (We started a thankful jar for the month of November, and that's what she put in today - kleenexes!) Now, back to this picture. Sydnie has been anxious to be in orchestra ever since she was in 2nd grade. We found the different string instruments on-line and listened to how they sounded and she picked........the cello! It's been fun to watch her learn a new instrument, but between cello and piano practicing, we are keeping busy! I was informed she needed to name her instrument, so she named it Strings. Perfect, don't you think!
Here is a movie of her playing Mary had a Little Lamb - (sorry about the directions - but just think of it as good exercise for your neck.)

So one of my co-workers said she used to make her kids do a fashion show for her before school. Of course I made Sydnie do that for me this year. She would only let me take one picture, so I strongly urged her to pose. Does she look like a fourth grader?

This is a quick post for those of you who have been asking Syd for a birthday wishlist. I think this would carry over to Christmas as well. Anyway, I will post some pictures later, but here is her wish list:
*Night at the Museum 1 & 2 (movies)
*sea horse, penguin, & elephant littlest pet shop characters
*books (some books she doesn't have that I think she would like are:)
-Fablehaven (she has 1 & 2)
-Of Mice and Magic by David Farland
-Leven Thumps
-The Lightening Thief
-Warriors by Erin Hunter
-Artemis Fowl
-39 Clues (she has 1,2, & 3)
-The Time Travelers by Linda Buckley-Archer
I know that's a huge list - i will try and keep it updated.
*snow boots
*snow pants
*winter coat
I hope that helps for those of you who were wondering. Let me know if you have questions. Have fun!

Since we couldn't afford a major trip this summer, we spent a few days in the city. One excursion was hiking Mount Timpanogas. I remembered hiking there as a teenager and didn't remember it being too difficult. Obviously, I'm a little older now and the hike was a difficult, but very satisfying one. We hike about 1200 feet in 1 1/2 miles so it was pretty much straight up with lots of switchbacks. Here is our wholes gang that made it to the top.

Here is Syd & TJ learning how to be junior rangers.

The kids found a rock on the ground and had to pose with it - pretend they got hit over the head. I assure you, no one was actually hurt.

We thought this made Syd look like she had bunny ears and just had to get a picture!

We needed proof so here we are somewhere up the mountain. Isn't nature beautiful!

Here are those awesome shirts! Aunt Kimmie and her family joined us for the 4th. Here is Sydnie with most of her little cousins. Madi is missing - I think she was running around stealing shoes.

Well we are gettin there - whew! I'm at least to July. I helped Sydnie & TJ make some fun shirts for the 4th of July (of course I had to make me one too). Here are the before pictures -

And here is the after picture! Don't these cousins look like they are having fun! I will post our 4th of July on a different day - I'm ready for bed!

One of the highlights of 3rd grade that I just have to share with you, is Syd's play. They were in groups of 4 and had to right a play, make any backdrops, props, or costumes, and then perform it in front of the class. Syd's group did a spoof on The Boy Who Cried Wolf. It was called The Cat Who Cried Mouse. I was laughing so hard, I almost fell out of my chair. Her teacher filmed it, so as soon as I get a copy, I will upload it so you can all see. Sydnie played the mindless servant and the narator. Great job Syd!

Okay, so I still haven't got caught up. We took a little road trip for Memorial Day to visit my Grandma. We had a blast! We visited lots of family in my Grandma's back yard, which is beautiful and fun!


We also visited my Grandpa's grave and saw where my Uncle Tommy is buried and where my Great Uncle Brownie is buried (Dad used to tell us the most amazing stories about him).


We got to visit a zoo - look at these scary looking creatures we found! A rare Sydnie, Rian, TJ, and Gavin! We were so lucky to catch them when they were not sleeping!


We also went to a hand's on museum - you'll have to ask Sydnie what she's doing here. We had a lot of fun!