Finally....

Hillary is 4 years old and we haven't had a family picture taken professionally since she was a tiny baby. So I finally got around to it. And yes - those of you who I know would like one - one will be on it's way to you soon. Here is just a sampling of my favorites. I think they turned out better than I had hoped.

There is a full color version of this one in which Breanna's hair actually looks red because of the sun. She likes that one better - but I like this one as we don't all look as orange.

Breanna's turned out REALLY nice. She has decided she looks like a model.

Connor has been announcing to anyone who would listen how hot he is in his picture.

Hillary is of course cute as usual.

She did a really nice one of Pat and I too. However I don't think either of us could be a model or even considered hot. Oh to be young again....

If nothing else I got my money's worth in self esteem for my two older kids. But we actually couldn't be any happier with the pictures either. If you live in the Utah county area I would gladly recommend Jody Hancock. Check out her blog - jodyhancockphotography.blogspot.com.

First Snow

Last weekend we had the first snow of the year. You can see there's not much and it was gone pretty quick. But there was enough for a snow angel and I think one large snowball (sadly not pictured.) This was my mom's snow angel from last year. Hillary reminded me about it so I dug out the picture and posted it. She was able to do it all by herself which if you know about the accident - is quite the achievement.
Snow Angel skills must be in the genes...

Am I totally lame because I just bought the Glee season one soundtrack and REALLY REALLY like it? Or are you lame because you are REALLY REALLY jealous of me?

Pumpkins and costume stragglers

Another Halloween and I was dreading the idea of carving pumpkins. So much so that I wasn't even going to buy a pumpkin. But I love pumpkins so I gave in and let the kids get one at the store. Sadly I waited until all the reasonably sized ones were gone so we had to get big ones. Then I came up with the brilliant idea of painting them instead of carving. So enjoy the results.

Hillary's is on the right. Then Connor's in the middle. He created a one-eye'd monster. Then Breannas is on the left. Her's is the one-eye'd monster's girlfriend.

Pat went as a pirate. Don't be jealous. Argh, matey!
A cute one showing her kitty nose and whiskers.
This is Hillary's pre-school class. And Ms. Teri of course.
Breanna and Connor went out trick-or-treating without parental supervision this year. A few of Breanna's friends came over to go with them. Connor was excited to be included and felt very grown up. Bre was glad he came along as she is a touch too old to trick-or-treat and they just kept telling everyone they were with Connor.

This is Shelby, Seth & Bre.

This is Whitney, Bre & Seth. (I believe he finally admitted to being dressed as Edward Cullen.)

That should be the last of the Halloween pictures. I'm off to change my background too. Hopefully I can find something fall-ish I like as I'm not ready for winter yet. Neither is Utah though since the weather has returned to wonderful fall-like temperatures. Yay.

Halloween costumes

You'd think since Halloween is on Saturday this year it would simplefy everything - but no. The Halloween festivities start today for Connor at school, the ward trunk or treat and carnival is on Friday and Bre and Hillary dress up for school on Friday - then we finally go trick-or-treating on Saturday. So I figured I better get pictures before the costumes get worked over.

Breanna is a fairy of some sort.

Connor is a bag of licorice

Hillary is a Pretty Kitty.

Sam just seems to be a regular fixture at our house now and insisted on having his picture taken too.

And the rest of these are just for fun...

I think Sam is the tallest 10 year old I've ever met. He's taller than I am:(

FALL FUN

The last week has provided multiple opportunities for the kids to go out and play in the leaves. It is supposed to snow today so I suppose the fun is over. Sad for Hillary, as she begs to play in the leaves every day.

Hillary burying her cousin Marion.

Hillary, Connor and his friend Sam.
Hillary and Sam

Connor, Sam and Hillary

Sam and Hillary

Hillary

And my personal favorite, Hillary.

The playground at the zoo

Hogle zoo has a great playground where you can pretend to be different animals. Hillary and Connor loved it and Bre did it under duress. But none-the-less it made for great pictures.

Connor hatching from egg A
Hillary standing on top of Connorturtle.

Connor and Hillary in Egg B.

Hillaryturtle

Connorspider

Breanna hatching from egg B. ( there were many more less flattering shots of her getting in and out which I will save for blackmail purposes)

Connorprarie dog

Hillaryprarie dog and Patprarie dog

Hillary in a log

Breannaprarie dog