Pumpkin Carving

After school scavenger hunts

produced this.

They were pretty pleased with themselves.

Big 10

10 years ago we tied the knot.

And 10 years will teach you a lot, like . . .

Apparently salsa is its own food group (at the bottom of the food pyramid),

Pillows do NOT belong on the floor,

Cornbread with tuna gravy is not a delicacy, and

A piano really can fall out of a truck if not tied down securely.

And Aric has learned to address me as "Sally" rather than "Dude", and to think twice before saying things like,

"I think you should give birth without an epidural EVERY time!"

Not only has it been educational, but pretty adventurous too. We've lived in 5 states, survived two deployments, and had three kids. Maybe things will calm down for the next ten . . . but probably not.

First Fall Cook Out

" mmm, mmm, mmm!"

The Washington Trip

Olivia and her wild hair (new headband compliments of Aunt Brina)
Lots of girl cousins, lots of "gumping" time

Some coloring

The table no baby can resist

Thanks for having us Mom and Dad.

Birthday Boy

Birthday Highlights

Quick trip to Wilmington

Family pictures - memorable, but not exactly fun (Megan is still 2)

Watching the BYU game - memorable and fun

Cherry chocolate cake with improvised candle. No pink cupcakes. Yum.

A day at the beach

and just in the nick of time.

The deployment that wouldn't end...

just did!

In just the first day, Megan is already learning new vocabulary. "Dad, What's 'dude'?"

And Olivia decided to pop her first tooth in honor of the big day!

Welcome Home Aric!

Success

Addie was still smiling when I picked her up, and she informed me that "School is more funner than watching a movie"
Do they teach grammar in Kindergarten?

It's Official!

Addie's a Kindergartner!

And Megan cried, "I want my Addie" all the way home.

Walking (sometimes)

Can you believe it?

Olivia is 1!

And it couldn't have happened to a sweeter baby.

She was more than ready to dig into the birthday cupcakes,

and she held still long enough for Addie to open her presents.

She was even happy to try out her new swing in the rain.

Happy birthday Olivia!

Tempting

Olivia got a new carseat.
Addie and Megan got a box.

I'm looking for packing tape.

Happy 4th!

Our holiday began with an "air conditioned parade" (my favorite kind).


Then we moved on to Cupcakes



and hot dogs!

Addie was feeling brave at the petting zoo . . .

but Megan and Olivia were not impressed.

seen one animal, you've seen them all.

The $4, 30 second pony ride (yet another act of bravery on Addie's part)

and Fireworks!

Happy 4th to all!

Happy Birthday to Addie!

Hooray, She's 5! And she's pretty happy about it too.

Since Addie proclaimed, "Mom, I am having a great birthday" about 10 times today, I think it's safe to say it was a fun one.

Megan, however, has had better days. It's rough being number 2.

Lip gloss lover

In case you wondered what an entire tube of lip gloss would do to your hair, now you know. It gives it that nice, greasy look we've been going for, and, we found out tonight, doesn't come out with the first washing! But it kept her quiet in church for a good 5 minutes, so it was probably worth it.

Home Sweet Home

After a long flight, it's good to be home.

Mega kudos to:

Grandma Peterson who stayed incredibly cheerful and patient during the journey (even while sandwiched between Addie and Megan on the first flight), and stayed for a whole week to help us get settled. THANK YOU!

Megan and Olivia for traveling while sick

The red headed lady sitting in front of us whose seat was kicked for about three hours

Addie, who gets first prize for "best behaved"

The Southwest flight attendants who did not kick us off the plane

And, of course, many many thanks to Mom and Dad for letting us invade the place for 6 months. We were having so much fun we just didn't want to leave.